30 years ago – July 20, 1990
The Social Register:
Died: John Francis William “Jack” Brown died Sunday, July 15th, at St. Anthony’s Hospital after an extended illness. Born May 6, 1923, in Paisley, Scotland, he was the son of William and Isabella (Baxter) Brown. The family moved to Detroit while he was a young boy. Though he was an American citizen, Brown was proud of his Scottish heritage, and still spoke with a wee bit of a brogue. He served with the Merchant Marines during World War II, and was a sergeant in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, when he worked as a mechanic in Japan. He also served in Vietnam in a civilian capacity. Brown moved to Central City from Detroit in 1965. He had become familiar with Central City, which he often described as “the neatest little town in the whole world,” while stationed at Lowry AFB. After tending bar at a number of local taverns, he finally settled in at the Gold Coin Saloon. For 26 years, he tended bar at the Coin, where his “service without a smile” became a tradition, and where “little tiny umbrellas” were banned from drinks. Brown made friends with visitors from all over the world, some of whom sent him exotic libations from their homelands. Locals and visitors alike—some famous, others perhaps infamous—enjoyed Brown’s hospitality and would stop in for a drink and a chat. At the end of each workday, Brown could be found holding court at the big round table at the back of the Coin. How he managed to surround himself with a bevy of beauties was the source of much consternation for local men of an amorous bend. Finally, Brown would retire to his apartment above the Coin, where he lived with his feline companion Boy, so named for certain distinctive masculine characteristics. Jack Brown, the complete bartender, had compiled a veritable reference library behind the bar at the Gold Coin. Tucked away in cubbyholes and drawers were a wide variety of materials intended to provide the final word on issues in dispute. Once, he even pulled out a copy of the U.S. Constitution in order to settle a heated debate. He had amassed an interesting collection of mementos from friends, his most prized being a composite cover of People magazine featuring Brown with newswoman Connie Chung, her arm draped over his shoulder. He was a member of the Central City Elks Lodge, No. 557, and Cody Thomas Post 166 of the American Legion. Brown is survived by a daughter, Peggy Brown of Detroit, and a sister, Margaret Stocker of Orton Villa, MI. He was preceded in death by a son. Following cremation, part of the ashes will be placed in the family plot in Michigan, and part will remain in Central City. Arrangements are being handled by Vince and Terri Hennigan at Tomford Mortuary in Idaho Springs. There will be a wake tonight at the Gold Coin at 5:30 pm.
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