Jack Brown, DDS, a 1954 alum of the UNMC College of Dentistry, was posthumously inducted into the San Luis Valley Health Medical Wall of Fame in Alamosa, Colorado on May 19, 2023. San Luis Valley Health is a regional health provider serving the San Luis Valley, Colorado and beyond.
His family accepted the award on his behalf, including his granddaughter, Shelby Fisher, DDS, a 2023 graduate of the UNMC College of Dentistry.
“My grandfather was not just a successful dentist – he left a profound legacy and inspired his patients, colleagues and family, including myself,” Dr. Fisher said.
Dr. Brown was born in 1924 in the small town of Stratton, Nebraska. After receiving his DDS from UNMC in 1954, Dr. Brown and his wife, Phyllis, a dental hygienist, moved to Monte Vista, Colorado and opened a dental office at 136 Adams Street. For thirty years, Dr. and Mrs. Brown practiced dentistry side-by-side.
Dr. Brown’s family and patients have many stories detailing how he made in a difference in the lives of generations of Monte Vista residents.
Dr. Fisher said her grandfather was a remarkable individual who dedicated his life to serving others.
“He was equal parts dentist, entertainer, friend and confidante. He found great joy in caring for his patients and his community. His selflessness knew no bounds. He was everyone’s friend and would even sing to his patients,” she said.
Dr. Brown’s granddaughter, Lindsey McCullough Paulson, MD, said, “Trick-or-treaters could count on a toothbrush if they visited my grandparents’ house.”
Dr. and Mrs. Brown were active members of the Colorado Dental Association and enjoyed traveling to dental meetings, often on their BMW motorcycle. Together they raised four children: Sherry, Shirley, John and Kim, OD. They retired in the mid-1980’s.
Dr. Brown fondly remembered his time at UNMC and often told his family stories about his classmates and favorite teachers.
He passed away on November 2, 2022 at the age of 98, after calling the San Luis Valley home for nearly seventy years.
“My grandparents passed their love for caregiving on to our family. We strive to continue their legacy of compassion, excellence and gratitude in our communities,” Dr. Fisher said.
I enjoyed reading about your loved one Jack Brown. You see, my father was in Jack’s 1954 class at the UNL Dental College, as it was known back then. Their school was in the old Andrews hall on the main campus. I bet they were friends. I know that dad spoke fondly of his classmates from dental school. My father was probably the oldest in his class, being older than some of the professors. He passed in 2010. I also graduated and received my DDS in Lincoln in 1981. These were amazing people. God Bless, Dave Dachs DDS
Jack and Phyllis Brown treated me very well back in the mid fifties. Some of that work is still in place! I remember their family fondly. Probably their influence led me into dentistry. They were good people.