Dr. David Fleming Brown

Doctor David Fleming Brown, 57, of Tellico Plains TN, formerly of Galena, IL, died peacefully on Sunday morning, July 27th. He is survived by his wife, Alisa Cahill, and his two children, Hazel and Riley Brown.

David was born on November 17th, 1967 in Chicago, IL, the son of William Fleming Brown and Caroline Beach Brown, and was raised with the help of his grandparents, Franklin and Kathleen “Billie” Brown.

He graduated from Galena High School in 1985, and after securing a scholarship attended the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, where he graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. David then went on to pursue a PhD, also from the University of Illinois. He graduated with his Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering in 1996 while working at Argonne National Laboratory, a company he would stay with throughout his 31-year career.

Dr. Brown was a highly specialized scientist, and led research projects throughout the United States and abroad to analyze how various toxic particulates moved under a wide range of conditions. He spent his career building and updating complex computer models that demonstrate how chemical and biological agents move in subway and urban environments. The outcomes of his research continue to inform emergency response plans for chemical spills and other accidents, and are still in use providing guidance for national security.

In 1996, David married his long-time girlfriend Elizabeth Douglas and had two kids; Hazel in 1999 and Riley in 2001. The family moved to Madison in 2001, and David began establishing himself and his kids in the neighborhood of Shorewood Hills. David and Elizabeth divorced amicably in 2008, and soon after David met his life partner and wife, Alisa Cahill.

He had countless hobbies and was passionate about studying the weather, astronomy, photography, cooking, and history. He would often bring his kids out into thunderstorms in search of a perfect photo, or to farmers markets and protests for political causes he believed in. Highly intelligent and endlessly curious, David always had a scientific explanation for any phenomenon, and was an inspirational teacher in all subjects.

While in Madison, David made a name for himself in the local Old Time music scene. A deeply skilled guitar and mandolin player, David’s home was always filled with music. He was known for hosting lively parties on various holidays, inviting the whole neighborhood for good food, music, and company. His musical reach extended beyond Wisconsin; his ties to Galena kept him returning, and he played music throughout Jo Daviess County.

David briefly moved to Massbach, IL in 2019, before he and Alisa settled on retiring in the beautiful foothills of the Cherokee National Forest. In 2021, the couple relocated to a historic 100-year-old farm, where they worked to repair and improve the farm while enjoying the incredible biodiversity of Appalachia. Committed to land stewardship, David and Alisa shared a vision of ecological restoration, and the family intends to continue his legacy by pursuing the establishment of a conservation easement in his honor.

David will be remembered for his incredible charisma, brilliance, and humor. He was always bringing people together, and throughout his life built a beautiful network of relationships and found family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

David is preceded in death by his parents, W. Fleming and Caroline Brown. In addition to his wife and children, David is survived by a family of friends across the country. In place of a memorial service, a celebration of his life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in David’s honor may be made to the Jo Daviess County Conservation Foundation at  jdcf.org. Myers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.