Chester “Chet” James Brown, passed away at his home in Cosmopolis on Nov. 8, 2024 at the age of 81.

He was born on Oct. 15, 1943 in Seattle to parents John Brown and Ethel May (Courville) Brown. He was a proud member of the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe who was raised in Toppenish and also lived on the Muckleshoot Reservation in Auburn before moving to the Grays Harbor area in 1962.

On Sept. 14, 1965, Chet married his beloved wife of 59 years, Shirley Traversie. He worked for the Gray’s Harbor County Public Services Department with the Utility II County Road Crew for over 29 years before retiring in October of 2013. He also logged for many years in Alaska and Grays Harbor County. Chet was an avid outdoorsman and especially loved hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley (Traversie) Brown; son, Clifford Brown of Auburn; daughter, Christy Zelepuza (soon to be Drake) of Aberdeen; and his two grandchildren, Justin Zelepuza and Gabriel Zelepuza, both of Aberdeen.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John Brown and Ethel (Courville) Keeline; and daughter, Cindy Brown.

He had countless family and friends that he loved dearly. He was a great provider for his family and will be dearly missed.

A viewing will be held at Harrison Family Mortuary on Thursday, Nov. 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A graveside burial service will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Forest Hill Cemetery in Cosmopolis.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harrison Family Mortuary.