On April 18, my uncle, Dick Brown, passed away. To say it was a shock would be an understatement.

The shock that I saw from this community was also an understatement. I have been to a lot of funerals and showings in my short 33 years but this was something that I have never witnessed.

From the number of Masons that showed up to the number of police officers from all over the county to come show their support to The Ironton Tribune running a story on him was truly amazing.

It has been a little more than a week and I am sure that I am not the only one that thinks about this man every day.

Not only was he a giant of a man but his heart was giant too. I always looked up to Uncle Dick in his height but looked up to him as a man and what a man is to be. He was a loving father, grandfather, husband, brother, son and my uncle. Here recently I told Uncle Dick how much I loved him and thanks for the things he has done for me. Of course his response was, “I love you Adam.”

So, what I am trying to say is just be a good family and be a good citizen and neighbor. Maybe if you are lucky enough you will get to be honored the way my uncle was.

Thanks to everybody, even though in sadness and grief, that made his funeral an honor to witness, because he truly deserved it. I hope I am able to leave an impression on people the way he did.

Adam Brown

Ironton