BROWER—George Franklin Brower passed away on January 13, 2021.

Local businessman and luminary to many, George passed away on January 13, 2021 of complications due to a stroke. He was 88.

He was born to Hershal Franklin and Irene Brewer on Sept. 22, 1932, in Turner, Ore. The first of three sons, brothers David and Irie (Harold) followed in 1942 and 1944. His family moved often for work around Oregon and Northern California in George’s formative years, finally settling in Modesto, Calif. His father opened a diner called “The Big Orange” where George and his brothers helped work it.

George graduated high school in 1950 and attended community college where he earned a degree in mathematics. He joined the Naval Reserve soon after and served a tour in Japan as the Korean War was ending.

Upon returning to civilian life, he marred Carol and four children followed; Tom, Kathy, Ron and youngest Gary, who preceded George in death. 

George went to work for Aerojet of California in the late 1950s and became involved in the atomic age space race, making contributions in propulsion technology. His parents’ health began to deteriorate in the mid ‘60s and George filled in for his father at the business when “Frank” suffered a stroke. After Frank returned, George stayed on, assisting his father at his coin shop in Stockton, Calif. His mother passed away in 1967 and George began to run the shop until Frank’s death in 1976.

Over time, George’s brother David traveled the Oregon Coast and bought a property on Mercer Lake. Soon after, George purchased a property in Greentrees in Florence, Ore. George’s marriage dissolved and he and David moved to Florence in 1980. In 1983, they opened Brower’s Stamp and Coin at the corner of Highway 101 and Rhododendron Drive, where they operated a thriving business that many locals and visitors found memorable and welcoming.

David passed away in March 2010 and, a short time later, Harold moved from Yreka, Calif., to Florence to fill David’s spot at George’s side in the business.
A lifelong Christian, George was a member of Gideon’s International, an organization that distributes Bibles throughout the world. He always had a stack of free pocket-size bibles available at the counter.

George will be remembered by those who knew him best for his amiable outlook and readiness to tell a “Sea Story” as he called them. Often patrons leaving would linger in the doorway listening to George say from behind the counter “Oh by the way, I just have one more quick one for you.” So many now wish they could hear just one more.

He was an original who will be missed by so many near and far. 

Recently, George, David and Harold were laid to rest with their parents in the family plot in Modesto, California keeping with their wishes.