Memorial services for George Banks Brown, 74, of Des Moines, who died of cancer May 26, 2005, following a very brief illness, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 3, 2005 at the First Unitarian Church in Des Moines. Visitation with the family will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, June 2 at the Church.

George was born August 7, 1930 in Detriot, Michigan. After a short teaching career, he became a reporter for the Des Moines bureau of United Press International. In 1969, George became a lobbyist and Political Action Consultant for the Iowa State Education Association. He was part of the team that designed and orchestrated passage of Iowa's collective bargaining legislation. After his retirement in 1991, George enjoyed spending his winters near one of his sons in Beaufort, South Carolina. George was active in state politics, a strong advocate of civic responsibility, and a true friend to his four-footed companions.

George is survived by his wife, Carol; his son, William (Annie), of Beaufort, South Carolina; his daughter, Tanya (William), of Centennial, Colorado; his son, George (Michelle), of Denver, Colorado; and three delightful grandchildren, Kathryn, Michael, and Elan. George was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie and Robert Brown, and his sister, Jessie Brown Christiansen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the George Fisher Scholarship Fund for the children of Des Moines Education Association members or the Animal Rescue League.