By Jill Armentrout
Saginaw News (Michigan)
Copyright 2007 Saginaw News
All Rights Reserved
Jeffrey N. Lown left Michigan for Phoenix, Ariz., more than a year ago, but he is remembered for his work as a paramedic and firefighter in Saginaw County.
Lown, 36, died April 21 of complications from pneumonia after a short illness, former coworkers said.
He spent five years working with Mobile Medical Response of Saginaw, first as an emergency medical technician and then as a paramedic, said Eric Snidersich, paramedic supervisor for MMR.
“He was great to work with, a great guy,” Snidersich said. “We will all miss him and appreciate his caring and compassion. We have a lot of respect for him here.”
Lown, a Freeland High School graduate, moved with family of five to Arizona after his wife, Heather, found a nursing job near Phoenix, Snidersich said.
Philip Shaver of Freeland, who volunteers as Tittabawassee Township fire chief and works with MMR, said Lown worked two jobs while training to become a paramedic and firefighter, all while raising three children.
“We had heard he was in the hospital and then a couple days later, we heard he died,” Shaver said. “It was a shock.
“He was easy-going, very likable and never had a word about anyone. You couldn’t do much better.”
Lown was working as a paramedic with Southwest Ambulance in Arizona.
He is survived by his wife Heather, children Jeff, 16; Tyler, 14; and Leslie, 6, his parents Norman and Wanda, and sister Cheryl. A memorial service is planned for noon Saturday, June 9, at Freeland Convention Center, 8390 Midland.