GILMANTON - Howard I. Brown Jr., better known as "Junior," lost his long battle with cancer and passed away Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, at home.

Born Oct. 22, 1959, in Concord, he was the son of the late Howard I. Brown, and he was raised in Boscawen. He later settled with his loving wife, Trish, and his daughter, Nicole, in Gilmanton.

Howard was an avid No. 2 Rusty Wallace fan and NASCAR fan. He enjoyed building and racing his own stock car at Star and Lee Speedway, Canaan, Hudson and Rumney, where he took the championship. He ran the wrecker with Dave Greenwood with Shorty's Towing at Canaan Raceway. He raced at Bryar Motorsports Park, now New Hampshire Motor Speedway. He also enjoyed baseball.

As a member and road agent with Shell Camp Association, Howard was highly respected and well loved by all who knew him. He unselfishly gave his time and assistance to his family, friends and community; always extending a helping hand.

The world was a much better place with him in it.

He was predeceased by his sister, Tamara Brown.

He leaves his loving wife, Trish, and their daughter, Nicole Brown; his mother, Nancy Campbell and her husband, George; three other daughters, Harmony Hathcock of Virginia, Tonya Brown of Concord and Stacie Brown of Tilton; one son, Howard I. Brown III of Boscawen; two sisters, Terry Davanelos of Greece and Cheryl Thibeault of Boscawen; his very special cousin, Tracey Rhude of Alexandria; his dear friend, Rebecca Pineau; grandchildren, Madison, Caiden, Shyanne, Michael, Dillon and Kaliegh; and many cousins, aunts, uncles and nieces.

Calling hours will be held Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. in the Bennett Funeral Home, 3 Church St., chapel (the brick building).

A celebration of his life will be held at 3 p.m.

A gathering at his home in Gilmanton will follow for all those who wish to attend.

Interment will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Howard I. Brown Jr. Medical Fund, TD Bank North, Attn: Loudon Office, P.O. Box 477, Concord 03302.

Bennett Funeral Home of Concord is in charge of arrangements.