Gideon Wells Brown

On Monday, January 30th, Gideon Wells Brown passed away in Halfway, Oregon at the age of 4 in a traffic accident. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2023 in the Pine-Eagle High School gymnasium at 2:00 p.m. An Interment will follow at the Pine Haven Cemetery. Friends are invited to join the family for a reception at the Halfway Lions Hall following the service where food will be provided.

Gideon was born in La Grande, Oregon to Joe and Rachel Brown on February 7, 2018.

Gideon was a boy who was sure of many things and he was not timid in standing up for the facts as he knew them. Adults who found themselves caught up in a dispute of these facts would often find—after a lengthy discussion—that it was to their advantage to give up the point, if not to the logic of his argument, than to the strength of his conviction. Does the letter ‘g’ have a corresponding capital form? Do fish have teeth? Is a newt a salamander? It is now known that the answer to these questions is, “No.”

Surprisingly, when there were chores to perform, Gideon was eager to assist—be it turning the handle on the apple peeler, carrying firewood, vacuuming and mopping or working in the garden. “Grandpa, is this a weed?” He also wanted to help with daily egg gathering, but a disaster with an entire basket full brought an end to this aspiration. His skill at tasks may have been lacking but he did not lack enthusiasm. He told his dad, “If you’re looking for a working boy, just come find me!”

Gideon was bold in mind and body and his siblings were inspired to attempt things they might not have attempted without his example—to climb higher, to run faster, to be silly or to speak up. More than one guest to the family home were witness to Gideon’s bold presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the aid of his EvangeCubes. But, he was not only bold, he was empathetic. In pre-school, he and his younger brother Basch did not usually hang out together, but Gideon always had an ear out for Basch and was quick to come to his assistance.

We are sad that we will not get to witness more of Gideon’s goofy antics, or experience his startling and inexplicable declarations on nature and grammar, or to see him grow up into the generous, honest and loving man he would surely have become.

Gideon is survived by his parents, Joe and Rachel Brown, by his sister, Isabelle and brother, Basch and by his grandparents, Phil and Gail Brown and Bruce and Karen Hearne. He is also survived by his great-grandfather David Durr, great grandmother Elaine Hearne and by many aunts, uncles and cousins.

For those who would like to make a memorial donation in honor of Gideon the family suggests either the Halfway/ Oxbow Ambulance or Eagle Valley Ambulance, through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home, PO Box 543, Halfway, Oregon, 97834. Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com