PORTSMOUTH -- Winthrop Marshall "Winnie" Brown, 86, died Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2007, at the Portsmouth Regional Hospital after a period of failing health.

He was born on Feb. 3, 1921, in Hampton Falls. A longtime resident of Hampton, he graduated from Hampton Academy, Class of 1938, and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He continued his service to his country as a reservist in the U.S. Navy Seabees before his discharge in 1970 as a chief petty officer.

A master plumber and electrician, he began his career in the family run business, A. W. Brown & Sons Plumbing and Heating in Hampton. In 1968 he began his own plumbing, heating and property management business called W.M. Brown Co.

He was active in many clubs and organizations including the Hampton and Seabrook American Legion, the St. James Masonic Lodge 102 in Hampton, and the Hampton Falls Grange. He was also a founding member of the Hampton Boat Club.

He was predeceased by his wife, Barbara (Blake) Brown, HA '40, who died in 1978.

He is survived by one daughter, Cynthia Brown of Portland, Maine; two sons, Pete Brown of Nashua and Timothy Brown of Hampton; two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

WE REMEMBER: A very comical man, Winnie was well known for his sense of humor and by always using the phrase "Ahoy there" as his signature greeting. An animal lover and horse owner, he greatly enjoyed driving around the Seacoast area in his Jeep.

SERVICES: Visitation will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday at the Brewitt Funeral Home, 14 Pine St., Exeter. Burial will be held in the Westview Cemetery in Hampton Falls at a later date. For more information, visit www.brewittfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Disabled American Veterans, National Service Office, 275 Chestnut St., Norris Cotton Federal Bldg., Room 319, Manchester, NH 03101.