Albert Wilbur Brow

Albert Brow

Sigurd, Utah

Albert "Al" Wilbur Brow, 93, passed away February 26, 2018 in Sigurd. He was born June 16, 1924, in Kingsley, Michigan, to Napoleon "Paul" and Mamie Defrance Brow, descendants of Acadians and Quebecois.　Al was the second child of four (one brother, two sisters).

Al was raised on a farm in Lake Leelanau, Michigan during the Great Depression and he grew up strong, working on his father’s farm and grandfather’s cherry orchards. He graduated from Kingsley High School in 1942.

Al volunteered for the Army but after basic training　— he determined the infantry was not for him and applied to flight school to become a pilot. After being accepted, Al was sent to Syracuse University for six months of accelerated mathematics and physics training. From there, he went to flight school and B-24 bomber training.

Al was an Air Force pilot for 30 years. He served during World War II, the Korean War, the Cold war and in Viet Nam. Al was an intrepid pilot and qualified to fly at least 28 different planes during his career. The main aircraft that he flew were the B-24, C-47, B-25, B-47, C-141 and the AC-119 gunship. Al was widely recognized for his excellence as a pilot. Many who flew with him described him as one of the best natural pilots they ever knew. Some said that his abilities played a large role in their survival and they preferred to fly with no one else. He always did his best, accomplished his missions, made sure his plane and crew returned safely, and was decorated for it. He was the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, along with other commendations.

Al Brow met Norma Colby in Boise, Idaho on VJ Day, August 14, 1945 and they were married on January 5, 1946. The two were together for over 65 years. It was obvious they were still very much in love by the way he would light up whenever Norma was near him. Though they were stationed at many Air Force bases during his career, whenever possible Al, Norma and the children would always travel to Utah for their annual deer hunts or summer fun and fishing vacations.　Upon retirement from the Air Force in 1973, Al and Norma moved into her childhood home in Vermillion to remodel and make it the comfortable, inviting place it is today.

Al and Norma loved traveling, spending many years vacationing in their trailer. They traveled from Utah to British Columbia to Maine to Florida and back to Utah. They also spent many winters in Mexico, Arizona and Nevada. Both enjoyed traveling abroad and the US, spending time in Asia, Europe, the Pacific and the Caribbean.

Even during his career, family was the center of Al’s life. He always had special smiles for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Al Brow loved us all unconditionally and he will be dearly missed.

Al is survived by his children: Carole Brow, Clements, CA; Bill Brow "Albert W. Jr.", Cebu, Philippines; Liz Brow (Elizabeth) Knight, Orem; and Jim Brow (James) Moab; his brother Paul Brow, Huntley, IL; sister Estella Struble, Traverse City, Ml. Al is also survived by his grandchildren: Jamie Brow, Jody Brow Rowser, Christian Knight, Andrew Knight and Alessandra Brow; and great-grandchildren: Taylor, Emily, Ethan, Rebekah, Mary and Andrew Rowser; and Talon Knight.

Preceding him in death was his wife Norma Colby Brow; grandchildren: Jessica Brow, Jeffrey Knight.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, March 12, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in the St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 810 North Highway 118. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 11 at 7:00 p.m. in the Magleby Mortuary Chapel. Burial will be with military honors by the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard in the Vermillion Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com

In honor of his life, in lieu of flowers, please donate to Catholic Community Services of Utah 745 E 300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84102 (801) 977-9119

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