Laurel was born in a log cabin in McCurtin, Oklahoma, January 1, 1932 to Loye and Olga Brown. When Laurel was a preschooler his family moved to Corvallis, Oregon. He graduated from Corvallis High School in June of 1950, and enrolled in pre-dentistry at Oregon State University. Always a good student, Laurel was accepted as a freshman dental student after completing three years of pre-dentistry.
While attending the University of Oregon Dental School, Laurel kept his eye on a beautiful blonde cheerleader back in Corvallis. He and Deanne were married August 28, 1955. Dr. Paul Klein was treating Deanne's malocclusion during 1956 and 1957 and this prompted Laurel to become interested in Orthodontics, and he followed in Paul's footsteps back to Northwestern for graduate studies. In July 1961 Laurel visited me at Paul's suggestion, and we spent a lunch hour together. At that time we determined that we shared enough ideas and attitudes that it would be a pleasure to practice together. I was several months behind in starting cases and when Laurel returned in January of 1962, I had a whole bunch of records for him to take. He said, “Since, you are being so nice about this, what do you expect in return?” I said, “These patients have been referred to me by dentists that I respect very much. Just do the best possible work that you can for each patient that you treat. Would you like to shake on that?” We shook hands, and we did do the best that we could for every patient. The handshake agreement lasted until I retired, 29 1/2 years later. Larry Kerr came in with us two years later under the same handshake agreement. However, following an automobile accident, Larry had to retire after spending 25 years with us.
Laurel was a great hunter, outstanding fisherman, and was very adept on water skis. He was comfortable at anything having to do with outdoor sports. His trophy room was filled with over 100 different animal species gathered from around the world. His most outstanding trophy accomplishment was a Grand Slam on North American Sheep. If my memory is right, Laurel's Slam was called 30 something, meaning that only 30 hunters had accomplished this ahead of him–a very difficult thing to do. I believe that his love for hunting came from his heritage. He had both Cherokee and Choctaw blood flowing through his veins.
His name and his degrees say it all when attesting to his scholastic ability: Laurel Edward Brown, BS, DMD, MS, FICD, FACD. Laurel was Board Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics in 1972. He limited his practice to orthodontics from January 1962 until his retirement in January 1995. During that period of time he taught in the orthodontic graduate program for 13 years at OHSU, and was active in an orthodontic study club.
He was a member of the Multnomah County Dental Society, Oregon Dental Association, American Dental Association, Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists, American Association of Orthodontists, Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists, OHSU Dental School Alumni Association, The International College of Dentists, and The American College of Dentists.
Laurel held many minor committee assignments. However, the important offices that he held were President of Multnomah County Dental Society, Chairman of the Orthodontic Specialty Exam Committee under the direct supervision of the State Board of Dental Examiners, Deputy Regent for the International College of Dentists of Oregon-seven years, Vice Regent Northwest Section of the International College of Dentists, National Director to The Edward H. Angle Society from the Northwest, President of the Northwest Component of The Edward H. Angle Society and, finally, National President of The Edward H. Angle Society.
Laurel left us with great memories, love and respect. His big beautiful Harley took his life as he traversed a slick cattle crossing in eastern Oregon. He was riding with his son, Terry, and moments before the accident had said to Terry “I sure like my Harley.”
Laurel and Terry were both excellent riders with many years of riding experience. Life's flight was called in, however, and Laurel passed into Gods hands before they reached the hospital in Bend, Oregon.
Left behind is his family; his still beautiful Deanne, four sons, Terry, Jeff, Gregg and Mike, an orthodontist, who took over Laurel's practice several years ago. Laurel has three living brothers, Dee, Merle, and Donnie, and a sister, Phyllis, a retired internist. There are three daughters in law, five granddaughters, one grandson, and another grandson on the way. He will be missed.