Garrett Matthew Brown

Garrett Matthew Brown, the strongest, bravest, and most loving boy that any family could ask for, passed away on March 16th after a 4-year battle with osteosarcoma. He was surrounded by his loving family. Garrett was diagnosed at the age of 12 and faced his disease with a quiet courage that far surpassed his age. He never gave up, and even though the fight was not fair, he battled until his very last breath. 

Garrett attended the School of the Incarnation and Archbishop Spalding High School. He was an athlete, and after his disease left him unable to participate in the sports he once loved - lacrosse, swimming, and golf - he found a new passion in sailing. He was happiest on the water, where he never felt limited by his disability. From a young age, Garrett loved all animals, insects, and birds. As a toddler, he spent hours observing bugs in the backyard with a magnifying glass and insisted that his mother help him rescue worms from the sidewalk after every rain storm. As he grew, he developed a special interest in reptiles and, over the years, brought 3 snakes, 2 geckos, and a chameleon into his family. His greatest animal loves of all were his Golden Retrievers, Kiwi and Kevin. They brought him endless hours of joy and snuggles during his darkest days. Garrett also enjoyed spending way too much time playing video games with his friends, long days on the beach, family game nights, and beating his brothers in mini golf. 

Garrett spoke often of his hope to become a doctor and devote his life to ending the suffering of pediatric cancer. There is no doubt he would have accomplished his goals. Garrett was brilliant and loved to learn. He was a constant source of knowledge for his family in any and all subject matters. Garrett was humble and never asked for or wanted any special treatment or attention during his illness. He was a fiercely devoted and protective friend and brother. He was never afraid to speak his mind and approached everything he did with passion. It is that passion, along with his sense of humor and kind heart, that will be missed most of all by those who knew him.

Garrett is survived by his devoted parents, Meghan (Campbell) and Ken Brown, and his best friends and brothers, Drew and Griffin Brown. In addition to his immediate family, Garrett is also survived by his maternal grandparents, Mary and Michael Campbell, and his paternal grandfather, Ken Brown; his aunts and uncles, Maura and Mark Rowand; Michael Campbell; Matthew and Tara Campbell; and Amy and Jason Jubb, along with cousins Mack, Mallie, Miller, Seth, Cassie, and Ryan. He also leaves behind his childhood best friends, who never left his side, Caden Andrus and Matthew Friel, along with many other close friends who made his life great. He is predeceased by his maternal grandmother, Daryl Brown.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at the University of Maryland, where they will be used to provide comfort and support to children battling cancer, a cause Garrett felt passionately about. Checks payable to the UMMS Foundation may be sent to the University of Maryland Medical System Foundation, c/o Pediatric Hem/Onc UM Children’s Hospital, P.O. Box 64573, Baltimore, Maryland 21264.