Douglas Raymond Brownell

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SARANAC LAKE - Douglas Raymond Brownell, 56, of 488 Lake Flower Ave., died unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, July 1, 2008.

Born in Buffalo on June 12, 1952, he was the son of Raymond "Doc" Brownell and Edith Brownell Williams. He married Eileen Vlacancich Brownell on July 17, 1976 at St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Church in Dix Hills.

Douglas graduated from Bethlehem High School and completed his education at the University at Albany in 1975. He was an entrepreneur and family business owner for 30 years, including Brownell Insurance Agency of Delmar and Gauthier's Saranac Lake Motor Inn.

Doug was a dedicated town leader and served as president of the Town of Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce for two terms. He was also a key player in the coordination of the first canine police unit in the Town of Bethlehem. Above all, Doug was an avid skier, paddler, runner and lover of nature and the Adirondacks. He was a regular competitor in the Round the Mountain and 90-Miler canoe races.

He is survived by Eileen Brownell of Stuyvesant; two beloved sons: Douglas Raymond Brownell Jr. of Albany and Daniel Patrick Brownell of Saranac Lake; his mother, Edith Brownell Williams of Albany; two sisters: Janet Brownell of Albany and Joan Duso of Saranac Lake. He was predeceased by his father, Raymond "Doc" Brownell. He will be remembered by numerous relatives and friends.

Calling hours will be held at Applebee's on Kenwood Avenue in Delmar from 3 to 6 p.m. on Monday, July 7 with a service to follow from 6 to 7 p.m.

Those willing to honor and remember Douglas Raymond Brownell may make memorial contributions to Whiteface Mountain Adaptive Ski Program, Whiteface Ski Center, Wilmington, NY 12997.