Irv Brown, Denver sports radio icon whose career spanned 40 years, dies at 83

Feb 3, 2019, 11:45 AM Updated: Feb 11, 2019, 5:24 pm

NOTE: Due to overwhelming support and interest in attending the memorial services for long-time Colorado broadcaster Irv Brown, a public event has been set for noon on Saturday, Feb. 16, at the 1STBANK Center in Broomfield (11450 Broomfield Lane).

The celebration of Brown’s life will include a “game day” like atmosphere, with concessions for sale, and tributes and memories from local sports celebrities, like Brown’s long-time radio partner Joe Williams and former Major Leaguers John Stearns and Jay Howell. Dave Logan will emcee the event, which will also feature video and photo presentations.

Irv Brown, a Denver sports radio legend whose broadcast career spanned more than four decades, died Sunday morning. He was 83.

Brown got his start in broadcasting as a sports reporter for KHOW-AM in 1974 and spent years sitting across the desk from longtime radio partner Joe Williams.

LISTEN: 104.3 The Fan’s Mike Evans remembers Irv Brown

“Irv was a pioneer in the Denver sports radio landscape and, along with his partner Joe Williams, instrumental to the foundation and success The Fan has enjoyed for nearly 25 years,” said Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan in a statement Sunday.

Health issues eventually forced Brown to step away in April 2016.

Born in March 1935, Brown was a graduate of Denver’s North High School and Colorado State College of Education, now the University of Northern Colorado.

LISTEN: Former 104.3 The Fan program director Tim Spence remember Irv Brown

Brown also had a lengthy career not just talking about sports but participating in them. He coached baseball, football, and basketball at Arvada High School. He also coached the baseball team at the University of Colorado and was inducted into the Metro State University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2012 as the first baseball coach in the school’s history.

Aside from coaching, Brown refereed basketball at the highest levels, officiating six Final Fours.

In 1997, Brown was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame.