Gary Lawrence Brown, 76

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gary Lawrence Brown, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Gary passed away at the age of 76 on Oct. 3, 2025, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Gary was born Nov. 27, 1948, in Oakland, Calif. His parents, Lloyd and Mary Brown, lovingly raised Gary alongside his brother in the Oakland hills. Gary attended Skyline High School, graduating in 1967. He went on to earn an MBA at Saint Mary’s College of California while serving in the National Guard. In 1976, Gary married his best friend, Margaret Wicks, and together they shared 49 years of loving marriage while raising two children. Gary held leadership roles in upper management at several heavy equipment companies, including Yale Forklift, Sports Racing Fuel, Peterson Heavy Equipment and Toyota Material Handling. In addition to his full-time career, Gary had an entrepreneurial, hardworking spirit and co-owned and operated Omni Alarm. Gary loved tinkering with his hands, enjoyed yard work, building and fixing things, and anything car-related — he was truly a mechanic at heart. 

Gary had a heart of gold. He was the first person to offer help to friends and family in any situation, always eager to drop everything to be of service. Gary was a kind-hearted person who strived to treat people fairly and honestly, always aimed to do the right thing and had a high sense of integrity. He was a true giver of himself. Gary was the very definition of a family man, utterly devoted to his wife, children, and his treasured grandchildren, who were the absolute light of his life. 

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Margaret; his son, Timothy; his daughter, Kathleen; his son-in-law, Christodoulos; his cherished grandchildren, Lukas, Nikolas and Zoe; his brother, Kenneth; and his sister-in-law, Joanne.

Gary’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of his loved ones. A mass will be held at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Coeur d’Alene on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at 10 a.m., followed by a celebration of life brunch at the Browns’ home.

English Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.