William George "Bill" Brown, MD, a dermatologist who served the Glen Burnie community since 1980, died at home on Monday, June 14 of congestive heart failure. The longtime Pasadena resident was 71.

Bill lived with progressive Multiple Sclerosis for over 40 years; however, he faced every day with courage and optimism. His dermatology practice grew as his disease progressed. From 1990 to his retirement in 2014, he met with patients daily from his wheelchair. His personal struggles with the uncertainty and challenges of MS gave him great empathy for his patients' health challenges. Known for his sense of humor, he put people at ease with his warm smile and genuine interest in finding solutions. He especially enjoyed helping teenagers navigate the dermatological perils of adolescence. Seeing their confidence grow, he encouraged and mentored them in many aspects of life.

Bill was born in Washington, DC to Sgt. Thomas F. Brown, Sr and Helen N. Brown.  The family was stationed mainly in the capital area but also lived in Tehran, Iran from 1961-63. After graduating from Crossland High School in 1968, Bill attended Prince George's Community College. While there, his English teacher encouraged him to apply to Duke University. To Bill, this was an unimaginable possibility. However, he applied, received scholarships and graduated from Duke in 1972 (along the way, becoming a devoted Blue Devils basketball fan). He attended the University of Maryland School of Medicine where he met his wife of 47 years, Janet Ferber Brown.  They both graduated in 1976.

Bill was a daredevil. Prior to the restrictions imposed by MS, he relished sailing across the waves on his Hobie16 catamaran and testing the power of his 1963 Austin Healey 3000 on country roads.

A lifelong student, Bill had an insatiable curiosity about the way things work.  His varied interests included carving a Totem pole, playing pinball, rebuilding cars, and beekeeping. Bill was always on the lookout for antiques, especially clocks. Those who entered his home were greeted with strikes and chimes from the many fully restored clocks he kept wound each week. Bill loved nature, the garden, and sitting on his porch watching the sunset over the water.

Bill is survived by his wife; two daughters, Jennifer (Ed) Stefanik and Kimberly (Brian) Nelimark; and five adoring grandchildren, Adelia, Josey and George Stefanik and Benjamin and Jack Nelimark.

He was predeceased by his brother, helicopter pilot CWO Thomas F. Brown Jr., USA, who was killed in the Vietnam War.  His mother died in 2004 and father in 2015.  He is survived by three siblings, Helene (Thomas) Hunter, Kathy Brown, and Steven (Trisha) Brown.

Visitors may call on Monday, June 21, from 4 – 7 pm at Barranco Severna Park Funeral Home & Cremation Care, P.A., 495 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park, MD 21146. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the MAA Brown Scholarship Fund in support of medical students at the University of Maryland.  Mailing address: U of MD Medical Alumni Assoc., 522 W. Lombard St., Baltimore, MD 21201