Forrest Brown Obituary

Dr. Forrest Dean Brown, DDS passed from complications with Lewy body dementia, surrounded by his family, on February 12, 2026.

Dean is remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, and mentor to those in both his personal and professional orbit. A man of humor, intellect, business acumen, and quick wit, he lived fully and deliberately. An avid hunter and angler in the spirit of his relative Zane Grey, he was equally at home in the wilderness or at the head of a lively dinner table. He was a gifted chef, generous host, author, storyteller, and master conversationalist.

Dean and Sandy were married for 62 years, wed in Kansas by Dean's grandmother Rose before moving to Durango in 1969, where Dean established his dental practice and together, they raised their family. Their son, Travis Dean Brown, embraced his father's love of the outdoors, pursuing his own passions in ski and bike racing. Dean retired early from dentistry and often would appreciate all that he enjoyed in his retirement, including watching Travis compete in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Dean proudly served in the United States Navy before building a distinguished career in dentistry. He served as President of the Colorado Dental Association, Rotary President and was an original founding board member of the Durango Hundred Club, supporting and fundraising for first responders in La Plata County. He was also a generous supporter of Durango Trails, even recruiting his daughter-in-law to lead the organization-ensuring that his only grandchild and the love of his life, Zara Rose Brown, would be close to her grandparents. In anticipation of her birth, he built the Zara Rose Garden, a living testament to his devotion.

Dean loved Electra Lake and found great peace, solace, and some of his happiest moments on its waters and along its shores. The family is grateful for two special caregivers, Barbie McCoy and Alisa Arbuckle Sweetwood who ensured he regularly visited his cherished place at the lake.

Stories from those who shared time with Dean will be told for generations. From his first book, I'd Make a Hell of a Wife, to hunting and fishing adventures, to taking scout troops out to learn the art of angling, he left behind both laughter and legacy. He later partnered with his granddaughter to start a fly-fishing venture, ZR Flies-proving that passion, like good stories, is best when shared.

Dean is survived by his wife Sandy; son Travis (loving daughter in law, Mary), granddaughter Zara Rose, plus, friends, cousins and family members.

He will be remembered as generous and magnanimous, who loved deeply and gave freely. His memory is indelible, and his legacy will live on wherever wild waters run and family stories are told.

A celebration of Dean's life will be held at the Summit Church in Durango on March 7, at 10 am.

In lieu of flowers please make donations in Dean's name to The Hundred Club of Durango (https://durango100club.com/ ) or the Summit Church (https://www.summitdurango.org/).