"Master of Cheerful Smiles," "Humorist Laureate" and "Master of Merriment" are but a few of the titles bestowed on self-described funaholic Jeff Brown, our 2013 4^th of July Parade Grand Marshal. 

Anyone who has crossed paths with Jeff, either in person or over the air, has come away with a laugh or a smile and a lilt in the step.  Jeff has been working that magic on us for more than 37 years, ever since he first arrived in Juneau as a medic with the Coast Guard.  In short order, he hooked up with KTOO and launched into his multi-media, multi-talented mission to inform us, inspire us, brighten our rainy days and especially exercise our funny bones.  He is a radio and TV talent, musician, organizer, artist, writer, friend, sage, magician and former gorilla.

Real Alaskan Magazine is one of his more widely-known creative endeavors. If you're looking for a serious look at life in Alaska, you've come to the wrong magazine.  If, on the other hand, you're looking for a goofy look at life in Alaska, you've come to the right place.  Even the advertisers get with the general silliness.  Curiously, you may come away knowing more in-depth about Alaska than you would with more serious works.

While perhaps best known for his work before the public, Jeff is also a strong behind-the-scenes creator, worker, supporter, booster of public radio in Southeast Alaska and of anyone who wants to contribute to community life through radio.  Readers submitted comments to the Juneau Empire on the occasion of Jeff's 2011 Governor's Award for Arts & Humanities, Lifetime Achievement:  "Jeff took me under his wing, as he did so many volunteers, and taught me the ropes"; "...he has been a great role model for me working in public media"; "...grateful to him for shepherding South East Native Radio through 15 years at KTOO"; "Jeff...has always been an advocate for community participation"; "KTOO's glue"; "...always welcoming and always encouraging"; "He's done hundreds of poster designs for musicians and thousands of radio promotions for events."

There is so much to Jeff that can't be told in this limited space.  The man is a humble giant in the community life of Southeast Alaska.  If you see someone walking around in a ridiculous balloon hat, that may be evidence that Jeff Brown is in the vicinity.  Laughing.

We especially thank his wife, Maureen Conerton, children Callie Conerton and Colin Conerton for sharing their husband and dad with us on this occasion of the nation's 237th birthday.

Jeff Brown, our 2013 4th of July Parade Grand Marshal.

 Written by Paul Wescott.

Awarded Juneau's Citizen of the Year 2000 for contributions to the community.

 Chairman of Juneau Gold Rush Committee for 18years.

Member of the Salvation Army Board of Directors and building committee for the new thrift shop.  Continues to carve turkeys on

Thanksgiving for the Salvation Army community dinner.

With help of other parents organized and produced the Senior Graduation Safe Night Party for 12 years.

With the help of others is proud to have successfully restored many mining artifacts on display thru out Juneau.

Participated in the design and building of floats sponsored by Coeur Alaska, Greens Creek and Echo Bay Mines for the 4th of July Parades.

Born in Ruskin, Florida.

Served in the US Army, a tank division stationed in Germany.

Returned to Florida where he was employed as a manager for Winn Dixie.

Came to Alaska in the spring of 1973.  Met his wife Beverly at the Bird Creek Campground in Bird Creek, Alaska.  They were married in December of 1974 and had four children and are now grandparents to six grandchildren living in Juneau.

Was employed by WGM, Inc in 1974, Jerry traveled thru out Alaska and to Brazil and Africa in mineral exploration.

In 1985 came to Juneau to assess the prospect of reopening of the AJ Mine, working on the project until it ended.

His family joined him in Juneau in 1986.  Beverly was employed by the Juneau School District as an ESL teacher until

Opening the AJ Mine/Gatineau Mill Mine Tour in 2000 with Beverly and his family.

Presently employed by Coeur Alaska at the Kensington Mine, and continuing to be involved in community projects.