AUBURN — Richard E. Brown Jr. (Downtown Dicky Brown), 66, of Oxford, passed away peacefully Dec. 17 at the Hospice House in Auburn, after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

Born in Arthurdale, W.Va., on July 13, 1944, son of Richard E. Brown and Charlotte Pritchard, he was raised in Portland, graduating from Portland High School in 1962. He was always active in sports, particularly football.

He then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, including active duty in the Vietnam War. He received many honors and was very proud of his service to his country.

He worked as a construction supervisor, carpenter, and cabinet and furniture maker for Arrow Realty, Keeley Construction, Portland Safe and independently. Dick was also a loyal member of the American Legion in Oxford and Gray, the VFW in Auburn and the Fraternal Order of Eagles of New Gloucester. He loved life, music and dancing. He was an exceptional and unique craftsman.

He was predeceased by his father; his stepfather, Donald Pritchard; and a sister, Debbie Poitras.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Huntley-Brown, of Oxford; his mother of Portland; two sons, Steven, of Martinsburg, W.Va. and Christopher, of Winchester, Va.; a daughter, Marceline Olson, of Gorham; two grandsons, Mike and Joe; a granddaughter, Kalista; a great-granddaughter, MacKenzie; four brothers, Robert (Shirley) Brown of Standish, Larry (Joanne) Pritchard of Gorham, James (Doreen) Pritchard of Scarborough and Donald (Cheryl) Pritchard of Windham; a sister, Gloria (Norman) Sylvester of Yarmouth; several nieces and nephews; and many friends. He will be greatly missed by his Cairn terrier and companion, Buffy.