Patrick Octavius Brown

“Uncle Pat”

Patrick Octavius Brown, lovingly known as “Uncle Pat,” was born on October 7, 1943, and passed away on May 31, 2026, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 82.

Pat was born in La Grande, Oregon, to Lester and Octavia Brown. Named after his mother, Octavia, he was affectionately known as “Mom’s Favorite.” He was the fourth of seven children, with older sisters Colleen and Claudia, older brother Michael, and younger sisters Ragna, Candice, and Marlys, affectionately referred to as “the three little girls.”

Family was at the center of Pat’s life. He deeply loved and admired his parents, often saying that Mom and Dad were the best. Lester and Octavia raised seven children in a small house in Camptonville, California, a tiny town with only one store. Pat fondly remembered that despite modest circumstances, there was always a wonderful meal on the table and plenty of love in the home. He often said Camptonville was the perfect place to grow up.

At age 14, Pat lost sight in one eye after being accidentally shot during a BB gun fight. Looking back, he would joke that none of them considered the possibility of losing an eye. Despite this challenge, he never let it slow him down. At age 21, he was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War era and was stationed in Germany. Determined to adapt, he learned to shoot left-handed and was decorated with medals for “sharp shooting” and “missiles”, in the US Army this indicates a soldier is officially qualified in marksmanship and specializes in the operation, maintenance, or systems of rockets and missiles.

Pat had a lifelong love of the outdoors. As a boy, he enjoyed hunting birds and squirrels with his siblings and friends. Later in life, his appreciation for wildlife grew, and he could often be found feeding wild animals around his property. He even kept a pet skunk.

In the 1970s, Pat purchased five acres on Tyler Foote Road in Nevada County, where he built the red cedar home that would remain his cherished residence for the rest of his life. He worked in local sawmills and alongside his father at the family sawmill on Marysville Road. A true craftsman, Pat could build, repair, or figure out almost anything. His practical skills, intelligence, and resourcefulness were admired by everyone who knew him.

Pat also enjoyed spending Sundays exploring the mountains with family in his Jeep, creating memories that would last a lifetime. Known for his sharp wit, quick humor, and intelligence, he brought laughter and wisdom wherever he went.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Octavia Brown; his sisters, Colleen Clark, Claudia Harris, and Candice Regnier.

He is survived by his daughter, Calista Brown of Oregon; granddaughters Rushal, Nakita, and Alissa; great-grandson Hunter; and great-granddaughter Ivy, all of Oregon. He is also survived by his brother, Michael Brown (Nancy) of Cedar Ridge; sisters Ragna Reed (Rob) of Oregon and Marlys Bigley (Tom) of Penn Valley; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

A graveside memorial service will be held on August 8, 2026, at 12:00 noon in Camptonville, California 95922. Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather for lunch at the Bigley Ranch, 15263 Celestial Valley Road, North San Juan, California 95960.

Pat’s legacy lives on through the family he loved, the home he built, the lessons he shared, and the countless memories he created with those fortunate enough to know him.