Machiel Brown

.

LIFE’S JOURNEY

Machiel |’Mike’ Brown

Machiel “Mike” Brown was born April 4, 1950, he was raised by his late foster parents, Square J and Berlie Ola Thornton. Mike, as a foster child, was fortunate to be raised by Mr. & Mrs. Thornton from the age of 5 days old until the age of 23 when he married and established his own home. Mike attended Harrisburg public schools, graduating from John Harris High School in 1968. He attended the Harrisburg Area Community College from 1968 to 1971 and went on to join the United States Army from 1971 until 1972. While in the Army he served as a financial clerk, including a stay in Okinawa, Japan. On June 24, 1971, Mike received a diploma from the United States Army Finance School after successfully completing their course. He then received an early “Honorable” hardship release, returning home to care for his elderly parents.

Mike began his career with the federal government as a financial analyst at New Cumberland Army Depot in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania. In 1977, his branch operation was transferred to Denver, Colorado. Leaving family and friends behind, Mike and his wife, Patty, made the move to Colorado where he worked at the Finance Center at Lowry Air Force Base. He and Patty enjoyed the progressive culture, weather, and their lives in Denver and so they remained and raised their son there. Mike retired from the federal government in 2008.

Mike was an avid father, actively involved and always interested in his son’s activities. He encouraged Marques to pursue excellence in his academic and extracurricular endeavors. Mike was well liked by his former co-workers as well as his friends. In the last few seasons, Mike was a sometimes on and then off again Denver Broncos’ fan. He enjoyed watching the Denver Nuggets and Avalanche, He and Patty enjoyed a happy marriage lasting 51 years.

Machiel (Mike) Brown passed away peacefully on April 22, 2025 at his home in Aurora, Colorado.

Left to grieve him is his devoted wife of over 50 years, Patty Splawn Brown, his son Marques Brown, daughter-in-law Natasha Tolliver Brown, grandchildren Shi’anne Tolliver Matthews, Camille and Hendrix Brown of Las Vegas, Nevada; three sisters-in-law, Audrey Splawn and Cynthia Splawn, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and Charlotte Splawn Glover, Lancaster Pennsylvania; 3 brothers-in-law, Joseph Hartley, Louisiana, Charles Splawn and Samuel Hartley of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. There are also many nieces and nephews