Alva Brown

Mr. Brown passed away peacefully February 10, 2018, in his home, with his family by his side. He was born on August 20, 1932, in Snyder, Nebraska to Alva Ellis and Emma Pauline (Klintworth) Brown. He lived in Nebraska until 1937 when his family moved to Scappoose, Oregon. He graduated from Scappoose High School in 1950. In 1951, he attended Willamette University until he joined the United States Army in 1952, serving in Korea with the 101st Signal Battalion. He was honorably discharged in 1954, earning the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Medal, National Defense Medal and a Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. Alva then returned to Willamette University. He studied Physical Education and Sociology receiving his B.A. Degree in Sociology from Willamette in 1958. While attending the university, Alva married Eleanor M. (White). They had four children together and were married for 28 years. Alva was then married to Bernice(Baurer) (Moll) of Silverton, Oregon from 1985 until his death (33 years). As a young man Alva excelled at sports; playing high school football, baseball, and in State Basketball Championship games. He played college baseball for Willamette University, and the U.S. Army. He tried out for the Salem Senators Minor League team(hoping to be drafted to play for the Major League), however an injury ended his baseb all career, so he began his journey as a teacher and coach. Later as a coach he led Serra Catholic High School to the State Championship for both baseball and football in 1965-66. Additionally, he coached the East-West Shrine Game in 1966. Alva lived in Scappoose, Salem, Gresham, Turner and Sublimity with his last residence being in Lyons, Oregon. He was a teacher of geography, history, and driver’s ed., coached football, basketball and baseball, was an athletic director, vice principal and principal. He taught at MacLaren Boy’s School, Serra Catholic School (Blanchet), Reynolds High School, Cascade Junior High School, Cascade Union High School, Kennedy High School, and retired from Henley H.S. in 1994. He was a member of the American Legion. Alva loved his sports, following the weather forecast,and working on his farm raising cattle and chickens. He was a loving father to his children and grandchildren and their families. He cared passionately for other people too. Until late in life he would recall stories about his students and friends, remembering them all by name. He and Bernice spent many years enjoying their farm and their lives surrounded by their combined families. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Dorothy and Gladys; his daughter, Kimberlee Brown and his step son, Jeff Moll. Alva is survived by his wife Bernice; children, Kevin (Lisa-Anne) Brown, Korrine (Bob) Slyh, Julie (Curtis) Farrell; step-children, Greg Moll, Kevin Moll, Stacey Moll, Cheryl (Jim) Ebner, Jonathan (Stephanie)Moll; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; 12 step-grandchildren; sister, Pauline Ball; and nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. In lieu of fl owers, donations can be made to either Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Foundation or St. Boniface Catholic Church. Services were held at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Sublimity. Arrangements entrusted to Weddle Funeral Service.