Roderick W. Brown

Roderick W. Brown, age 91, of Novi, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026. He was born on March 8, 1935, in Ashland, WI the son of William & Margaret Brown. Affectionately known as Rod to family and friends, he was raised in Bessemer, MI and graduated from Bessemer High School with the Class of 1953. He went on to attend Arizona State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing and advertising in 1958. While at ASU, he was a member of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, where he began a lifelong commitment to giving back to his community.

Rod began his sales career in the newspaper industry at the Mesa Daily Tribune in 1958. After relocating from Arizona to Michigan, he worked for the Clinton County News, the Livingston County Press, and later the Ingham Newspaper Company. In 1989, he transitioned into sales positions across several industries before finding his niche in the floral and garden department at Meijer in Northville in 1998. He retired in 2016 after many years of hard work.

Rod was deeply committed to serving his community and giving back to others. He was the Charter President of the Exchange Club of Howell and later served an additional term as President. He was also a past member of the Private Industry Council of Livingston County. In addition, Rod was an active member of the local Jaycees, where he held various offices and was honored as Outstanding Board Member by the St. Johns Jaycees.

If Rod was not at work or serving his community, he was with his family. He devoted every spare moment to his children and grandchildren, always meeting them where they were in life and offering his steady love and support. No matter the circumstance, Rod was there for his family.

His family affectionately nicknamed him “Lightning Rod” because you never quite knew when he was going to strike with one of his lively remarks. His spirited, no-filter personality made him especially entertaining at sporting events. Rod was a devoted sports fan, with special enthusiasm for the Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Red Wings, and Detroit Tigers.

Rod’s devotion to his family was unparalleled. He embraced the interests of those he loved and gladly spent his free time supporting them, whether attending sporting events, theater productions, or simply listening to what was happening in their lives. He treasured one-on-one time with his children, often driving long distances for hockey practice, baseball practice, or whatever activity was important to them at the time.

Rod was opinionated, loving, generous, and unwaveringly supportive. He would give the shirt off his back to help anyone in need. His lively personality, generous spirit, and steadfast support will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him.

Rod is survived by his children, Michael (Judy) Brown, Richard (Marilyn) Brown, David (Jean) Brown, and Kathleen Beltinck; his grandchildren, Lyndsey (Scott) Olson, William (Whitney) Brown, Emma (Trent) McConnell, Lauren (Sage) Patchett, Nolan Brown, Nicholas (Caitlin) Brown, Jason Beltinck, Rachel (James) Lastic, Erin Brown, Sarah Brown, and Kevin Brown; and his great grandson Henry Olson. He was preceded in death by his father William Brown, his stepmother Katherine Brown, and his sisters Mavourneen Brown and Delores Saxon.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Croix Hospice, 17177 North Laurel Park Drive, Suite 410, Livonia, Michigan 48152.