In Memory & Honor of Josh Brown: Support for His Kids

"...one horizon diminishes, another rises, the ocean remains..."

On Thursday, December 19, 2024, we received the heart-shattering news that our beloved dad and best friend Josh Brown had tragically ended his life. To know JB was to be completely wrapped in adventure and love. He is one in a hundred million. I have never witnessed anyone create a more beautiful art of life from smarts and sensitivity.

A long-time islander, lulled in by the siren, Josh's spirit is tied to the beating heart of Orcas. It's hard to think of anyone with a bigger, more open heart -- it was truly an unmistakable force. Josh showed up for everyone, always.

Bolstered by the support of those around him -- over the last decade namely Hannah -- Josh knew how to make the impossible possible and had fun while at it. In 2017, Mason and I sailed a schooner to Mexico with an autopilot JB crafted from an old electric wheelchair motor. Even at night, when the black sky and sea were one and it felt like we were on a spaceship in the middle of the universe, it was the genius of Josh which held our course. WWJBD?

Now more than ever, I see the purity of heart JB passed on to his kids Aerial, Mason, and Alex and it is a gift to witness. You may know them as the supremely cool guy passing you on the electric trike he built with the solar panel hat, the gentle, brilliant steward with the almond eyes, the angel in the kitchen sending you something on the house just because she cares. Simply put, all three of them, just like their dad, strive to be Good Friends First. They are the first to ask "How can I help?" and quick to follow through. They love this island which is their home. They are really good people. It is by lucky stars I get to call them family.

As we all know, death by suicide is not covered by insurance, and the grief of losing a parent in this way is immensely compounded by the harsh reality of not having financial support in place.

I can tell you firsthand Aerial, Alex and Mason aren't just residents here -- each contribute to making Orcas a better, kinder, and stronger environment for all of us. However, like so many of us, they live paycheck to paycheck, and are now navigating this profound loss with the added weight of unexpected costs and time off from work.

Even more so, in times like these, it can be easy to try on the shoes of our mind's darkest thoughts and convince ourselves they fit. The heart is a tricky place. We're reaching out today because we believe in the power of community, and we know vulnerability isn't a weakness -- it's a pathway to healing. So many people have asked how they can be supportive. We cannot thank you enough. This is a beautiful opportunity to help Josh's children be resourced enough to heal. Hopefully, this is how we help each other break the chains of inherited ancestral pain.

Thank you thank you thank you for witnessing, for compassion, generosity, and support. Let’s show Josh’s family that they don’t have to walk this journey alone.

Please donate, share, and/or join us at one or both of the following events celebrating JB's incredible life:

SATURDAY, MARCH 15 | 2 PM - 6 PM

At the ORCAS ISLAND GRANGE

~Memorial honoring the life of Josh Brown~

JB-themed potluck, open mic, show & tell.

Requesting instruments for sharing music,

items made by or with Josh,

and your best stories, pictures & videos.

MONDAY, MARCH 17 | 3 PM - MOONSET

At DOG PATCH | after St. Paddy’s parade

159 Lamb’s Ear Ln. Eastsound, WA

~One hell of a Celebration of Life~

Irish-themed potluck -- bring your instruments.

More music playing, debauchery, tales, bad massages, tattoos, surprises.

We love you JB. Rest in eternal peace. You are with us always.

-Laura

..."but since it fell into my lot

that I should rise and you should not

I'll gently rise and softly call

good night and joy be to you all..."

-The Parting Glass