RAY BROWN

Ray Brown's versatility as an athlete and commitment to his North Branch community made him an obvious choice for induction in 2000. He helped lead the Flint Flying Eagles to the Michigan Wheelchair Basketball State Championship, and finished second in the 1998 Gus Macker All-World Tour wheelchair basketball tournament in Flint. Brown claimed top honors in the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America Division II Bowling Tournament in May 2000 and has earned Bowler of the Year honors. An avid fisherman, Brown's prowess at horseshoes, softball, distance runner and trainer (1984 to 1994) also has been recognized. An active member of the Lions Club, he was named Lion of the Year in 1995, 1997 and 1999, and he received the prestigious Edgar A. Guest Award for community service from the North Branch Masonic Lodge 312. Brown co-founded the H.I. Ways Summer Day Trips program for children with hearing impairments, and also received Lapeer County's "Good Guy Award" for his civic involvement, including fingerprinting neighborhood children for safety, directing Punt, Pass & Kick, and a variety of other recreational programs.