It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Stephen Dennis Albert Brown on 29th June 2024 aged 81 years. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

Born in Epping Hospital, Stephen spent his entire life in Upshire, first living in Long Street with his parents and sister, Gillian, until 1972 before moving to Crown Hill. Stephen met his wife, Sandra, commuting to London where he struck up a conversation on the train, which led to a very happy marriage. Sadly, Sandra and Gillian passed away in 1997 and 1998 respectively and both have memorials at St Thomas', Upshire. Stephen had four daughters; Helen, Katherine, Louise and Zoe, and seven grandchildren; Beau, George, Ruben, Ruby, Cassidy, Sailor and Luella, all of whom he loved dearly. Stephen had very close relationships with his nieces and nephew, Andrea, Claire and Matthew and their families. 

Stephen was a carpenter by trade before becoming a shopfitter/draftsman working for A Edmonds & Co in Leyton. During his career he worked on some significant projects, including a refurbishment of the Royal Festival Hall and cabinetry of the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London. Upon retirement from Edmonds, Stephen continued to work at Matthews Plants in Roydon Hamlet and became a purveyor of eggs and honey which he collected on a weekly basis from an auction in Mildenhall, Suffolk. Stephen run the plant stall along with the eggs and honey at many local events and fetes. Stephen loved nature and at various times had a small holding of animals, including goats, ducks, chickens, rabbits, quails and bees. 

Stephen was a well known, liked, and respected member of the Upshire Village community. He held a number of important roles including Scout Leader, Church Warden at St Thomas', Co-Chair of the Governors of Upshire Primary School, Church Committee, and Village Hall Committee where he was responsible for a number of improvements made. He also played cricket for St Thomas’ for a number of years and when the club disbanded he help set up the Upshire Millennium Trust, where community events were held. 

A wonderful life, well lived. May you rest in peace. 

If you wish to make a charitable donation in Stephen's memory, please make this to St Clare Hospice using the donate button below, or by donating to St Thomas' Church on the day of the funeral through the collection box or via the following link or bank transfer: 

St Thomas' Church Give a Little

or Bank transfer to the church’s bank account:

Bank Account details: 
St Thomas Church Upshire Parochial Church Council, 
Sort code 404520 
Account number 00724505 
Reference S Brown 

 

Please join us to celebrate Stephen's life at St Thomas' Church Upshire, Friday 19th July at 12:00 noon followed by refreshments at Upshire Village Hall, opposite the church.
Dress code: None, Stephen wanted everyone to be comfortable. Wear colour, patterns or black (whatever is comfortable for you).