Robert "Mike" Browning

Robert Michael “Mike” Browning 74, of Seneca Oregon passed away, surrounded by his family at Blue Mountain Hospital on July 31, 2023, after a long illness. He was born in Ontario Oregon on July 8th, 1949, to Dale “Red” Browning and Maxine Wirth.

Mike grew up in Ontario and Ironside and graduated from Burnt River High School in 1967. He then moved to Seneca and worked briefly in the mill and then as a timber faller until retirement. In 1970 he married Diane Johnston and they went on to have two children.

He loved shooting, hunting, and fishing as well as using these skills to mentor his children, grandchildren, and many others. He was particularly proud of his groundwork in developing the Bear Creek Shooting Facility and his involvement in the Black Powder Cartridge Rifle Club, where he participated in many BPCR competitions.

He is survived by his wife Diane, his daughter Julie, his son Brad and daughter-in-law Winnie. Also, his grandchildren; Austin (Jennifer), Bryce (Matt), Brennan, Rylee, and Sage. Lastly, his brothers Pat, and Dan, sister Judi, and numerous nephews and nieces.

He is preceded in death by his father Dale, his mother Maxine Lawrence, stepfather Joe Lawrence and brother Tom.

There will be no services in respect of his wishes. Memorial contributions may be sent to Bear Creek Shooting Facility or the Silvies River Muzzleloaders through Driskill Memorial Chapel, 241 S. Canyon Blvd., John Day, Or 97845.

A tribute from his daughter-in-law Winnie that expresses the hearts of the whole family.

Bulldog, exceptional grandpa, an amazing dad and loving husband, caring father-in-law (blessed to be mine), mentor and hunting guide, gun fanatic, rendezvouser, family loving man, hardworking and timber faller, “BS-er”, fishing guide and a pack mule (on a couple of occasions), big bull killer, pumpkin bread maker, big buck stalker and led ball master, water-fearing, kind-hearted and forever friend (even if you just met him). These are just a few names that come to mind when I think of my father-in-law, Robert Michael Browning. Everyone who knew him has a title for him whatever it may be. The names come from the many memories he shared with so many.

He was a man that never let you leave without saying, “I love you.” I wish I would have said it more.

There’s going to be a hole in our family that can never be mended but we were so blessed to have such a man fill it. Thank you for being the man my children and husband looked up to. I will forever be thankful you were in our lives and I will miss you. Thank you for fighting so hard for the last 5 years, I know it was rough but you made it look easy and you never gave up. You’re the toughest man I know.

I hope you’re in heaven hunting huge bulls with your muzzleloader, sneaking up on big muleys, driving fast cars, racing your 250 Yamaha across the desert and getting a place prepared for all of us when we come home. I know there’s many friends and family members you’re loving on right now. Give them hugs from us. Until we see you again, love you!

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