Benjamin Lee Brownell

Benjamin Lee Brownell was born on January 12, 1950 in Troy, New York and passed peacefully at a local assisted living memory care facility on September 7, 2025 with family in attendance.

Ben was the son of Caryl Olin Brownell and Martha (Wood) Brownell.  He lived on a dairy farm in upstate New York until 1960 when the family moved to the Phoenix, Arizona area.  He graduated from Agua Fria Union High School, Avondale, Arizona in 1968 and continued his education at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona where he graduated in 1972.  Ben then taught at Avondale Junior High School before moving to Boise in the early 80's.  In Boise, Ben worked in a variety of occupations with serving as a brewmaster at Harrison (now Highlands) Hollow being his favorite.

Ben loved his family very much and we loved him.  We were fortunate to have shared many special occasions with him.  He had many friends and with Ben, "once a friend - always a friend" describes the close relationships we had.  He had a special place in his heart for the dogs that were his companions along the way.  Ben, we will all miss you!

The family is especially grateful for the compassionate care he received at the Overland Court Assisted Living and Memory Care facility and from the Keystone Hospice team.  Their support through a difficult time is much appreciated.

Ben is survived by his brother Dave Brownell (Brenda), his niece Hollie Ciplinski (Carl) and his niece Katie Brownell (Geoff), two great nieces, Ania and Claire Ciplinski and a great nephew, Ryan Ciplinski, all of Boise.

A Celebration of Ben's life will be held on Thursday, October 9 at 6pm at Bowman Funeral Chapel.