Gary Russell Brower MD died peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 21, 2017, surrounded by his family and friends who all loved him immeasurably.

Born in Iowa, January 29, 1931, Gary spent his early childhood attending a one room schoolhouse in Messena, Iowa, working on his grandfather’s farm, hunting, shooting and thoroughly enjoying his small-town life even during the height of the Great Depression. He called this time his “Huckleberry Finn” years.

His family moved to Southern California during WWII. After graduation from high school, Gary spent four years in the 20th Army Air Force proudly serving his country in various posts including Okinawa and Texas, where he flew Hurricane Hunters.

He returned to college, graduating with a degree in engineering then working at a firm where he designed conveyor belts, elevators and the first dry cleaning belt. Gary could fix anything – a broken toy, a child’s bike, a broken heart.

Gary always wanted to be a physician. He was accepted and attended Medical School while in his mid-twenties then did his internship and residency in anesthesiology. One of his hardest and longest cases was the first heart transplant performed at LA County Hospital. He loved the practice of medicine and enjoyed his profession for almost forty years. His patients would send him thank you cards and little notes of appreciation. He was highly respected by his fellow physicians.

A crack shot, Gary won the Canadian Open Trap Shooting Title in Alberta, Canada, competed and won at top ranked trap shooting events and demonstrations around the West, including an opening event at the then rural, underdeveloped Coto de Caza. He was invited to join the US Olympic team but declined as he was just beginning his medical practice and raising a young family. He had devoted Trap Shooting following, many of whom travelled far and wide to watch him shoot and to bet on him winning! During one trap shooting event, Gary used a new gun for the first time. He missed the first shot then went on to hit the next 499 shots setting a record at that time.

Gary held a commercial pilot’s license with instrument ratings. When his Cherokee Six plane blew an engine and lost all power while flying over the Gulf of Mexico, he successfully used his skills to crash land the plane in the water. His family, his passengers and Gary all escaped unscathed. The plane sank.

Gary resided in Orange County since 1963 living the last forty years in Villa Park. He was a successful real estate investor, a great world traveler in his retirement, a super photographer who remained involved with the enjoyment of nature, life and love.

Tall, handsome, self-effacing, modest, completely composed, possessing a wicked dry wit, Gary personified the character and traits of that fast-fading “greatest generation” men who remained loyal, faithful and true to their families, friends, churches and always their country. Men respected Gary and the ladies loved him.

Gary was one of the founding members of St. Norbert Catholic Church. During St. Norbert’s early years, he attended mass held in the old Crocker Bank Building. His deep abiding Catholic faith sustained him throughout his life.

Preceded in death by his mother and father, Henry “Buzz” Brower and Helena Brower, his first wife and mother of his children, Dorothy Filippini Brower

He is survived by his cherished and beloved Walda, his loving children, daughter Laurie Rose Brower a former LGPA player, son Martin Joseph Brower, adored sister Sandra (Richard) Goering, wonderful grandchildren, including granddaughter Cristina Brower, grandsons Derek and Alec Brower, accomplished devoted nieces and nephew, including Rhonda (Mark) Haupert and their children Tanner, Kylie and Hallie, niece Kim Priem, nephew John Priem and his children Luke and J.T., Ashley (Marc) Eames Abbott-Cowan and his spoiled dog Sugar.

The entire family wishes to extend their heartfelt “thank you” to Dennis Long M.D., Cynthia Hamilton RN and the health care professionals at St. Joseph Hospice.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Norbert’s Catholic Church 9:30 a.m. on Monday, March 27th, 2017, immediately followed by interment at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Orange with a lunch at the family home after the interment. All are invited to our celebration of Gary’s life.

[Source: Shannon Family Mortuary]