Chelsea Henry George Browne
Published June 27, 2006
Chelsea Henry George Browne, 88, died June 27 in Seattle.
He was born March 27, 1918, in GranÂtham, England. After spending his youth in Belfast, Northern IreÂland, he moved to California at the age of 16.
He attended Oregon State College, where he received a degree in forestry and met his wife, Beverly Winston. He spent college summers as a forest lookout in the Cascades of Oregon.
He joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II. As a B-24 bombardier, he flew five missions before being shot down over Austria. He was held in German prison camps for eight months.
Living in Eugene, Ore., he established a career in the lumber business and, along with Beverly, raised four children.
His career led him to Portland and Bainbridge Island, where he lived with his second wife, Deanie.
He retired to San Juan Island, where he started two small businesses. He eventually returned to Bainbridge Island and the Seattle area.
He had a lifelong interest in art and served as president of the University of Oregon Friends of the Museum. He also was a talented artist in his own right.
He enjoyed the outdoors as a hunter, fisherman and boater. He loved his dogs and he loved the birds who visited his home.
He is survived by Beverly Browne of Winston, Ore.; his children, Chelsea J. Browne of Portland, Cheryl Weese of Winston, Ore., David Browne of Bainbridge Island and Eric Browne of Seattle and their families; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
At his request, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to PAWS of Bainbridge Island, P.O. Box 10811, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110.
A memorial message may be written to the family at www.columbiafuneralhome.com.