Obituary of Michael Chown

Michael ChownA celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m. April 1 at the Eugene Country Club for Michael A. Chown of Eugene, who died March 17 of complications of hemachromatosis. He was 58.He was born Aug. 20, 1952, in Portland to Robert and Helen Anderson Chown. He married Julie Smith on Feb. 12, 1983, in Eugene.He graduated from the University of Oregon. He owned the Willamette Plaza Liquor Store for 30 years and the Jefferson Street Grill for several years, and was an AFLAC agent.Survivors include his wife; two sons, Kyle of Bend and Alex of Eugene; a brother, Tom of Portland; and two sisters, Karen Schwartz of Vancouver, Wash., and Gerry Su of Bellevue, Wash.Arrangements by Musgrove Family Mortuary.Mike passed away on March 17, 2011 at the age of 58 from complications secondary to Hemochromatosis. Mike was born on August 20, 1952 to Bob and Helen Chown in Portland, Oregon. He grew up in Salem, Oregon and graduated from McNary High School in 1970. He attended the University of Oregon, graduating in 1978. Mike was married to the love of his life, Julie Smith on February 12, 1983, in Eugene, OR. He owned the Willamette Plaza Liquor store for over 30 years and was an active member of the Eugene Executive Association during that time. After stepping away from the liquor store he realized a life long dream by opening Jefferson St. Grill. During the last 2 years of his life he worked as an Aflac agent. Mike's three loves were his family, the sport of golf, and the University of Oregon Ducks. He spent countless hours dedicated to the athletic pursuits of his two sons as a coach, team manager and supportive father. He will be remembered by his family and friends for his wonderful smile, as a supportive U of O fan that was always showing his colors, for his extraordinary golf skills that were on display at Eugene CC, and for his love of grilling on the Weber. His family and friends will miss his warmth and the unequivocal attention he gave to us all. Survivors include his wife Julie and two sons; Kyle (wife Angela) of Bend, OR; and Alex of Eugene. Mike is also survived by his brother Tom (wife Bonny) Chown; sister Karen (husband John) Schwartz; and sister Gerry (husband Mike) Su. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, April 1st, 4:00p.m at Eugene Country Club, 255 Country Club Rd. Oregon Duck attire optional.