Obituaries in Salem, OR | The Statesman Journal (2024)

Our community lost one of its brightest lights and kindest souls when Dr. Bernard D. Brown died May 19, 2024, just shy of his 100th birthday.

Bernard was born in Portland Oregon in 1924 to Rose (Buchwach) and Dr. Harry Brown. He grew up in South Portland, attended public school, and was a long-time member of Shaarie Torah Synagogue.

The Browns moved to Salem in 1938 and Bernard worked in his parents’ jewelry store on Court Street (Stephens Brown) which doubled as Harry's optometry clinic. Bernard went to Leslie Junior High School, where he was student body president, and graduated from Salem High School in 1943 (now North High). He had fond memories as a youth attending the Mickey Mouse Club at the Elsinore Theater and working summers at Breitenbush Hot Springs.

World War II was in full swing during Bernard’s senior year of high school, and he was selected into the Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP) to be trained as an engineering officer. Halfway through training, however, with a dire need for combat troops, the Army closed the program, and 18-year-old Bernard was assigned to an infantry unit bound for Europe.

Bernard fought with the storied 103rd and 45th Infantry divisions, saw action during decisive battles in France, Austria, and Germany, including the Battle of the Bulge, and participated in liberating the Nazi concentration camp at Dachau, a heroic action recognized by the United States Holocaust Memorial. Bernard received a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and the Combat Infantry Badge. Because Bernard spoke German and Yiddish, he was assigned to interrogate German prisoners in France and gathered valuable military intelligence. In 2016, the Republic of France honored Bernard’s contributions by appointing him a “Knight of the Legion of Honor” (Ordre National de la Legion d’Honneur), France’s highest military award.

Soon after shipping out for Europe, Bernard started writing letters to Selma Nepom, a childhood friend from Portland. Over the course of hundreds of letters, Selma and Bernard fell in love and were married on February 9, 1946. The newlyweds soon moved to Salem and both enrolled in Willamette University - only the second married couple to do so. Selma lovingly kept each of the 246 letters Bernard had written, and they are memorialized in the book, Dear Selma: A World War II Love Letter Romance. Their story is shared on CBS This Morning at "A trove of WWII-era letters tells a family's love story.".

Bernard attended Pacific University School of Optometry and opened his Salem optometry practice in 1950, at the family’s original office on Court Street. Bernard proved to be an accomplished doctor and astute businessman, and his practice and reputation flourished. Governors Straub and Atiyah each appointed Bernard to the State Board of Optometric Examiners, where he served as president. In 1963, Bernard and Selma completed the Salem Eye Clinic building on the corner of Owens and Liberty Streets, where Bernard, joined by son Jordan in 1980, practiced until his retirement in 2000, after 50+ years of serving the vision needs of the Salem community.

Bernard and Selma believed in supporting their community and gave back in many ways. They were one of the original founding families of Salem’s Temple Beth Sholom synagogue; were early supporters of the EcoEarth project and Salem’s Riverfront Carousel; started the Bernard and Selma Brown Optometry Scholarship for Veterans at Pacific University; and for decades supported Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, B’nai B’rith Camp, and the Salem YWCA and YMCA, where Bernard was recognized as its longest-continual member (at nearly 70 years).

Bernard was one of the earliest members of Illahe Hills Country Club and was a member of the Salem Elks Lodge and Masonic Lodge from 1947 until his death.

The Browns moved to the Mirabella Retirement Community in Portland in 2016. Bernard began volunteering at the new Ronald McDonald House campus across the street and soon became a beloved fixture at the facility. Bernard recruited other Mirabella residents to volunteer their time, and his legacy continues with each new crop of Mirabella volunteers.

For over 72 years, Selma and Bernard shared an epic love story. They were best friends and partners in everything they did. They particularly enjoyed time at the Oregon Coast, and often with their children or grandchildren, traveled the world to explore the wonders on six continents. Some of the best times were spent at the Brown’s home on Maui, Hawaii, where the family gathered each year to create memories and enjoy time together. Bernard volunteered at the Maui Ocean Center for 17 years and shared his love of the ocean (and his broccoli) with his Ocean Center family.

Bernard’s generosity, compassion, and kindness for others was unequaled. He never judged and always lent a hand to those down on their luck. A devoted husband and father, Bernard gave his family the priceless gifts of time, stability, and boundless love, and instilled in each of them an appreciation for education, respect for others, philanthropy, and a spirit of adventure to explore the world.

Bernard is survived by his children Shelley Brown (Jay Bellin), Jordan Brown (Stacey) and Eden Rose Brown; grandchildren Shayna, Ariana, Janaya, Tyler, and Natalie; and great-grandchildren Unai and Mila.

The family wishes to thank the skilled nursing staff at Mirabella, Bristol Hospice, Rabbi Eli Herb, and beloved caregivers Kim Tunnell, Nina Elliott, and Hannah Barclay for their loving and devoted care.

Donations in Bernard’s memory may be made to Ronald McDonald House (Portland OHSU/Rood Campus), Temple Beth Sholom (Salem), OD Veterans Fund at Pacific University and/or B’nai B'rith Men’s Camp Association (for Youth Camp scholarships).

Bernard’s charm, generosity, and joyful spirit was a gift to all who knew him. He was a truly special man who patiently listened, provided sage advice, and inspired everyone to believe in themselves. He was a bright, positive light in the world, and we take comfort knowing his legacy lives on through the countless lives of those he touched.