Bud Brown

Lynnville Holden Brown, Jr., affectionately known as ‘Bud,’ passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by family on May 21, 2025. He was 90 years old. Born in Twin Falls, Idaho, Bud lived a life filled with adventure, service, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.

The son of Lynnville Holden Brown, Sr. and Theotosca Mildred Williamson, Bud spent his early years farming, sheep herding, and exploring the Idaho countryside. He often recalled the farming adventures, riding the family horse to school, teasing his brothers, and fishing in the creeks near home. His brothers—H. Scott, Phillip Cather, and David J.—shared in these formative and often mischievous experiences that built bonds lasting a lifetime.

Bud proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, stationed in the Marshall Islands and later at the Physical Sciences Laboratory in New Mexico. His time in the service deepened his lifelong curiosity for science and history, particularly the archaeology and people of the American Southwest—a passion he pursued with quiet intensity and respect.

On July 2, 1955, Bud married Ellen Lorraine Lenon, and together they built a warm and joyful home for their three children—Cynthia Rae (Petrini), Terrie Lynn (Fancher, Ward), and Steven Scott. Bud was a deeply loving father whose greatest joy came from sharing life’s adventures with his family. He introduced his children to the beauty of the outdoors, creating cherished memories skiing snowy slopes in winter, boating on sun-drenched summer days, and enjoying friendly rounds of golf. Bud’s boundless energy, playful spirit, and unwavering devotion made every moment together special, leaving a legacy of love that his children will carry with them always.

Bud’s passion for the ski industry was sparked as a teenager when he learned to ski in Sun Valley, Idaho. That early experience led to a lifelong career in mountain recreation. He went on to manage Cloudcroft Ski Area in New Mexico, Sunrise Park Resort in Arizona, and the iconic Wolf Creek Ski Area in Colorado. He also served as mountain manager at Ski Sierra Blanca in New Mexico. In each role, Bud combined hard work and enthusiasm to help shape memorable experiences for countless families on the slopes.

Later, his adventurous spirit took him abroad, where he spent three years living and working in Saudi Arabia, embracing new challenges and broadening his horizons.

On October 27, 1984, Bud married Sandra Lee Gano Eberhart, gaining a new family and opening his heart to four more sons—Steven A., Michael P., Scott W., and Jeffrey A.—whom he welcomed as his own. Together, he and Sandy created a warm and joyful home in California and later in Oregon, filled with laughter, travel, golf, a sprawling garden, and a strong sense of purposeful Christian living.

Bud will be remembered for his quiet strength, his quick wit, and curious mind, especially in the things he loved to explore and learn about. He had a knack for fixing almost anything, loved sharing stories, and found joy in simple pleasures—a neatly plowed farm field, a well-cast fishing line, a crisp mountain morning, a book on ancient cultures, or a classic Western novel.

Bud’s life was greatly enriched by his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even one great-great-grandson. Family, including cousins and other dear loved ones, was the foundation of Bud’s life, He cherished every moment he spent with them.

A private family celebration of life will be held at the Filer Cemetery on May 30, 2025 at 2:00pm.