AUBURN - Gary Brown, 57, of 12 Frazee St., Auburn, died Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2005, in Auburn Memorial Hospital.

Gary was born in Syracuse, and was the son of Mrs. Hilda Brown of Syracuse and the late Theodore Brown. Gary was a 32-year employee of Crucible Steel Co.

Gary was a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War. He was an avid boating enthusiast and was the commander of the Auburn Chapter of the United States Power Squadron. Mr. Brown had taught throughout central New York as a Coast Guard certified water safety instructor.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Bailey Brown; five sons, Steven and David (Jessica) of North Carolina, Daniel (Crystal) and Brian of Fulton, and Kevin of Florida; two daughters, Hope James of Colorado and Kamie Brown of Fulton; three stepsons, William Alan Strecker (Chris) of Auburn, Michael Strecker (Lonnie) of Michigan and Raymond Orasi (Hope) of Florida; a stepdaughter, L. Amber Amidon of Auburn; as well as 22 grandchildren.

Calling hours will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, at the Cheche Funeral Home, 1778 Clark St., Auburn.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Gary's memory to the American Cancer Society, 7145 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool, NY 13088.