Harry “Shorty" Laurence Brown was born to Harry and Katie Brown on October 11, 1949, in Fallon, Nevada after a wild ride to the hospital from their LeBeau Creek Ranch. He was the firstborn of seven children to come and was nicknamed Shorty.
He graduated from Gabbs High School in 1967, served for seven years in the Air National Guard, and devoted his life to ranching. He loved playing basketball in high school and the town's men’s league. The dude could dribble! He played basketball well into his 50s before he finally benched himself.
Shorty never married, his true love was the ranch and everything that went with it. Chasing women was fun, but time-consuming he would say.
To capture all that he was as a person is almost impossible. He was a top-notch buckaroo, an accomplished mechanic, a great cattleman, and could "MacGyver" almost anything he needed fixed fast. He spent his days working on the ranch riding his motorcycle (his road horse), chasing cows, irrigating, fixing fences, and hauling salt to the mountains. You name it, he did it. He'd impress the best with his riding skills, even at 73 years old. He had his fair share of wrecks, but it only slowed him down a little and then he was back in the saddle again. Donald, his youngest brother, riding buddy, and ranch partner, witnessed many mishaps, but together they always got the job done.
Short was a "seal the deal with a handshake" type of guy who always kept his word. He didn't make enemies, just lots of long-lasting friends. He would help anyone in need, had such a kind and caring heart, and a great sense of humor with a quick wit that kept those around him on their toes. (Much to his delight, of course.) If you knew Shorty, you knew the meaning of "solid". He was a friend to the end. For the last several years he has helped take care of his mother, Katie, on the ranch. He spent most of his life dedicated to working the ranch to help keep it going.
Shorty passed away on March 7, 2023, after an unfortunate encounter with a mama cow. He said, "She freight-trained me." He passed that evening at Banner Hospital in Fallon, Nevada. We know he's still up there chasing "cow clouds" riding his motorcycle with wings. Cowboy on brother, we'll miss you every day. We love you.
He is survived by his mom Kathryn Brown of Austin, Nevada; brothers Charles "Slick" of Eastgate, Nevada; Donald (Charity) of Gabbs, Nevada; sisters Connie Barrenchea of Elko, Nevada; Linda (Dave) Robertson of Elko, Nevada; Edie (Marvin) Casey of Denio, Nevada; Jennifer (Cliff) Killins of Winnemucca, Nevada; cousin Shamo Brown; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his father, Harry Brown.
A celebration of life will be held on the family ranch at a later date.
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