‘Alex’ Brown

Former Illinois Valley resident Alexander “Alex” Pike Strider Brown, 34, died Thursday, June 19, 2008, in Eugene due to cardiac arrest.

Alex was born in Chico, Calif. on June 1, 1974. He grew up in Cave Junction, where he graduated from Illinois Valley High School after spending his junior year in Japan as a Rotary International exchange student. 

Alex Brown

He was active at IVHS in wrestling, soccer, drama and Academic Masters.  He moved to Eugene in 1992 to attend the University of Oregon, where he met his wife, Sachiko Itoh. They were married at the home of his parents in Cave Junction.

After he graduated in 1997 with a bachelor of science degree in physics and in Japanese, Alex & Sachiko moved to Seattle for work opportunities. They returned to Eugene three years later where Alex worked as a software engineer. 

Most recently, he was director of software development at ILOG Supply Chain Applications in Eugene. He continued to do programming for enjoyment.

Nothing was more important to Alex than his family and friends. He planned and participated in many activities for his sons, nieces, nephews and friends. He had many hobbies including creating music with his guitars and singing to others. He also enjoyed soccer, home projects, fishing, skiing, rafting, science, cooking, and hosting parties.

He was always ready to enliven any gathering with his genuine interest in others, his charm and wit.

Alex is survived by his wife, Sachiko Itoh; and two sons, Kai Brown and Shota Brown, all of Eugene; his father and mother, Wesley “Wes” and Nancy Brown, of Cave Junction; two brothers, Christopher Brown, of Forest Grove, and Geoffrey Brown, of Eugene; a sister, Ryan Brown, of Westfir; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held Wednesday, June 25 at Milton Park in Eugene. A reception followed. Viewing was conducted at Musgrove Family Mortuary in Eugene. In lieu of flowers, an Alex Brown Memorial Fund has been established at Oregon Community Credit Union for the benefit of his children.