With deep love and profound sadness, we celebrate the life of Michael (Mike) William Brawn, who passed away on September 25, 2025, at the age of 54 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born in Camden, Maine, Mike grew up surrounded by the charm of coastal New England—a place that instilled in him a lifelong love for the outdoors. Whether hiking mountain trails, skiing fresh powder, or biking under open skies, Mike found joy and renewal in nature. Just as often, he could be found curled up with a good book, always eager to lose himself in a new story.
A graduate of Camden-Rockport High School, Mike began his studies in English at the University of Southern Maine before pursuing his true calling in nursing at Northeastern University in Boston, MA. That decision launched a career defined by compassion, skill, and dedication. He made a lasting impact in the operating rooms of Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts and Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville, Florida, specializing in cardiovascular surgery. Ever the learner, Mike achieved his certification as a Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA) shortly before his illness—a testament to his relentless drive to grow, serve, and care for others.
In 2007, Mike met the love of his life, Lesley, when they were neighbors and friends in Boston. Their friendship blossomed into love, and in 2011 they married, beginning a life of laughter, adventure, and unwavering partnership. Together they built a beautiful family, raising Chloe and Chase, the lights of his life. Mike was a devoted husband and father—gentle, steady, and endlessly supportive.
Mike’s love for sports, especially football, was a central part of his life. His ultimate joy came from coaching Chase’s flag football teams, where he cheered on every play with pride and encouragement, and from sharing time with Chloe at her fencing lessons, supporting her dedication and celebrating her achievements. These moments, full of laughter and love, brought him his greatest happiness.
Mike lived with a spirit of adventure and curiosity, embracing travel, exploring new places, and creating memories that will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. He was admired for his strength, humor, kindness, and ability to make those around him feel seen and valued.
Mike is survived by his wife Lesley, their children Chloe and Chase, his brother Charles “Chuck” Brawn and is wife Hilary Manning, nieces Emelia and Josephine, and nephew Nicholas. He is predeceased by his parents, (William) Preston Brawn and Linda Curtis.
Though his earthly journey was cut short, Mike’s legacy shines brightly in the love he gave, the lives he touched, and the courage with which he lived. His family and friends will carry forward his memory with gratitude for the gift of his life.
A memorial service celebrating Mike’s life will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis in the Field Episcopal Church in Ponte Vedra, Florida. All who knew and loved him are welcome to gather and honor the extraordinary man he was.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the clergy discretionary fund at St. Francis in-the-Field specifically earmarked for the Brawn Family’s ongoing needs. All checks can be mailed to St. Francis In-The-Field Episcopal Church, 895 Palm Valley Road, Ponte Vedra, FL 32081. Please kindly place “The Brawn Family” in the check’s memo section. Gifts may also be made online at https://onrealm.org/StFrancisintheField/-/form/give/now. Simply choose the “discretionary fund” and under the memo field select “Brawn Family.”
