Henry Randall Brown

Henry Randall Brown was born September 12, 1925, son of the late Sewall Wesley Brown and Abbie Mae Norwood Brown, and passed away Sunday, November 17, 2013.

Born in the town of Mount Desert, ME, he grew up in Hulls Cove, where he attended The Church of Our Father. He graduated from Bar Harbor High School. At 18 he joined the Army and served in the Army Corp of Engineers in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

Upon his return he entered Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in Boston. There he became known as "Hank". Soon he met Martha Johnson. They were married in June 1950. He graduated from MCP in May 1951.

Hank served as staff pharmacist and manager of several pharmacies before purchasing Bruce Pharmacy in Groton. The family moved to Groton in 1964. He opened Shirley Apothecary in Shirley in 1972. Later, in 1981, he bought Brown's Drug Store in Ayer. He was among the first pharmacy owners in the area to institute patient profiles, improving the health and welfare of his patients. He was also the first pharmacist in the area to use computers in a retail setting.

Hank joined the Groton-Pepperell Rotary Club in 1965. He served on many committees, frequently as chairman. He served as President, 1976-1977, and District Governor, 1982-1983. He also started three more Clubs. He was a "Lifetime member".

Hank was Director of Pharmacy at Nashoba Community Hospital from 1968 to 1972. Before leaving as director, he introduced the first Decentralized Unit Dose System in the country, saving the hospital significant costs. He continued as a Consultant Pharmacist for Nashoba Community Hospital and the West Groton Nursing Home until 1991.

In August 1991, Hank suffered a ruptured aortic aneurism. After a miraculous, survival and quick recovery, Hank and his family and friends praised God. He continued helping his daughter operate The Lord's Drug Store, as the Ayer pharmacy was renamed in honor of God's grace and love.

Hank enjoyed gardening, reading, golf and walking. He loved family gatherings and cooking the biggest turkey he could find. He continued to serve the community on boards and committees for 40 years. In 1977 he started the Groton Business and Professional Association, and he became the moving force that helped establish Grotonfest.

Hank leaves his wife of 63 years, Martha; daughter Martha Jane Brown Siddiqui and husband, Saeed, also of Groton; son, Henry Randall Brown, Jr. and wife, Betty of Lowell. He also leaves six grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. He is loved and missed by all.