Stephen Stanwood Brown

Stephen Stanwood Brown passed away at home on September 3, 2022 of complications from vascular parkinsonism. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by his family, who told him how much they loved him and how proud they were of his long and very difficult fight against the disease that took him from us. Steve loved his family, he loved his friends, and he loved Kansas City, the place he called home for his entire life. Steve was born on March 14th, 1946, the only child of Stanwood Frank Brown and Alice Page Brown. He grew up on Cherry Street in the Brookside neighborhood and, though an only child, was never at a loss for company, growing up surrounded by aunts, uncles, and cousins, who would regularly gather at Rimrock Farm for family events and celebrations. Steve attended Troost Grade School and graduated from Southwest High School in 1964 as a national merit finalist. Steve went to college at the University of Missouri at Columbia and earned his B.S. in Business Administration. It was at Mizzou where he met his wife of fifty-three years, Carolyn Wolfe Brown. After graduation, Steve returned to Kansas City to attend law school at UMKC, earning his degree in 1971. Shortly after receiving his J.D., Steve joined the law firm Niewald, Risjord, & Waldeck. Though the firm’s name underwent a few changes over the years, Steve remained at the firm for his entire career and, as a senior partner, helped build it into what it is today: Brown & Ruprecht. An accomplished trial lawyer, Steve dedicated his career to the defense of health care professionals. He thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of being an attorney, from trying cases in court, to working on presentations and professional publications, to encouraging and mentoring early-to-mid-career attorneys and paralegals. In 1981, Steve was a recipient of the Lon O. Hocker Memorial Trail Lawyers Award, which is given annually to outstanding trial lawyers in the state of Missouri under the age of 40. Winners of the Hocker award are recognized for their professionalism, high ethical conduct, strength, courtesy, confidence, and respect, qualities that Steve exemplified throughout his professional and personal life. Steve was known for his estimable kindness and signature wit. When he wasn’t spending time with his family, he could be found on the tennis courts with his friends on most Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons. Steve and Carolyn also looked forward to their summer vacations on Martha’s Vineyard, a place that gave him, his friends, and his family much happiness, especially his four grandchildren, who never tired of spending time on the beach with their Pop-Pop. Steve was a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church, The Plaza Breakfast Club, The Nelson Atkins Society of Fellows, The Carriage Club, and many legal organizations. He was also a diehard fan of the KC Royals, Mizzou and, most of all, the KC Chiefs. He will be remembered as a loving husband, a wonderful father, a close friend, and an esteemed member of the Kansas City legal community. He was predeceased in death by his parents, and many close aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, his son, Matthew Brown (Brooke Moore), his daughter, Rachel Rocamora (Dave), his four grandchildren, Madeleine Rocamora, Connor Brown, Miles Rocamora, Colwyn Brown, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Harold and Susan Wolfe, and cousins Susan Levin and Michael Ohler. There will be a private interment at St. John’s United Methodist Church followed by a celebration of life at the Carriage Club on October 7th at 5:00p.m.. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. John’s United Methodist Church, 6900 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO, 64113.

Stephen Stanwood Brown

March 14, 1946 - September 3, 2022