Darwin 'Bill' Brown, 83

In loving memory of Darwin William “Bill” Brown

November 17, 1943 – June 28, 2026

Bill Brown was a self-made man who created his own path through hard work and endless determination; he left behind a legacy that stretched from the Alaskan oil fields to the waters of Costa Rica.

Bill graduated from Sandpoint High School in 1962. He was a fiercely competitive individual who played football for SHS, and eventually earned a position on the offensive line playing for Pacific University.  The same drive led Bill to join the U.S. Navy and enrolling in NAVCAD flight school after college. 

Bill married Carolyn Culley and together they raised three beautiful children in Sagle: Scott, Mike and Robyn. 

Never one to shy away from a challenge, he packed his bags and headed North to Alaska, with the full support of his wife, Carolyn. Starting with little more than a vision and a relentless work ethic, he earned the seed money to begin building his real estate empire.

Bill and Carolyn built a successful real estate business from the ground up, developing, managing and owning multiple apartment complexes and investment properties in Sandpoint and Bonner County.

Beyond his professional achievements, Bill was a true outdoorsman. He spent his whole life hunting and fishing. For 25 years, he and Carolyn spent autumns pursuing elk across the mountains of Idaho on horseback. He also hunted large game in Alaska, Canada, Argentina and anywhere else he thought he might be able to find game. When it wasn't hunting season, Bill could be found on the ocean in Alaska, Canada and Costa Rica fishing for salmon and tuna with his good friend, Donny. 

Boxing was a passion that Bill shared with local youth, and his sons. He helped coach his son, Mike, to a Golden Glove national championship in 1986.

Bill spent his final 20 years traveling to Costa Rica as often as possible, learning the language, customs and culture of his second home. He spent every chance he had chasing the big tuna and Mahi-mahi on the Pacific. When he wasn't fishing, he spent his time with his many Tico friends who had adopted Bill as one of their own early in his travels. 

Bill is survived by his wife, Carolyn; children, Scott (Gina) Brown, Mike Brown and Robyn Brown-Zeman; grandchildren, Mohsen, Darian, Kaylee, Maverick, and bonus granddaughter Nicole Fitch; great-grandchildren, Izzabella, Ryder, and Cora; siblings, Marilyn (Duane) Ward, Mike Brown, Donna (Bud) Lang and Patty (Ernie) Murphy; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, who will forever remember his strength, wit, and adventurous spirit.

Like Carolyn says, “It’s been a great ride, Pura Vida!” 

Memorial services will be held offshore in Costa Rica.