Leslie ‘Les’ Brown

He was born Dec. 28, 1942, in Naperville, Ill., son of the late Leslie and Rose (Grimes) Brown.

Les grew up in Naperville, and became deeply involved in the family business as a young man. He spent more than 35 years at the Les Brown Chair Company, where he led operations — designing new chairs, sourcing raw materials, and managing production and deliveries. In the early 1980s, the company moved its primary operations to the Upper Peninsula, where Les and Carolyn raised their family. After retiring from the business in 2000, he devoted himself to his lifelong passion: flying.

He began flying in 1963 and went on to earn numerous pilot certifications and endorsements. During the 1960s, he served in the Air National Guard as a skilled flight navigator. For more than 54 years, he was a beloved and respected flight instructor, teaching hundreds of students across the U.P., Wisconsin, Illinois, and on the island of Culebra, Puerto Rico, where the family kept a home. His patience, encouragement, and steady hand left an enduring mark on generations of pilots.

Les had an extraordinary gift for conversation — he could connect with anyone and made every person feel seen. Generous with his time, he always put others before himself. As a husband, father, and grandfather, he set a powerful example of love, kindness, and integrity. To his neighbors, friends, and students, he was a steady presence, always ready to listen or lend a helping hand.

Les is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carolyn Brown; three sons, Jeff (Shelley) Brown, Steve (Clay Bunyard) Brown, and Jon (Melanie) Brown; and four beloved grandchildren, Gavin, Griffin, Ella, and Brendan Brown. He is also survived by his sister, Phyllis Brown of Norway, as well as many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

A celebration of Les’s life will be held at a later date, with details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the EAA Young Eagles Program in memory of Leslie R. Brown.

Condolences to the family of Les may be expressed online at www.ortmanfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements announced by the Ortman Funeral Home in Norway.