Below are some excerpts from the many, many tributes we received for Alton C. Brown
From his cousin Renee Williams-Brown
People have their definition of who a good man is, but on reflecting on the life of my cousin and our relationship, I am reminded of the views of Plato which indicate that the good man pursues virtue and knowledge. In the “Allegory of the cave”, Plato indicates that the good man is not the man who finds light in the cave but is the man who finds the light and shares that light with others. My cousin found the light and having found that light, ensured that it was shared with those around him. I am a product of that light!
From an early age he seemed to have seen something in me, and that is the thing about good men, they see the light in others and nurture that light. When he migrated to New York, he was that cousin who ensured that I knew what New York looked like from afar. It was with joy and delight that I went to the post office to collect my four page letters, letters that helped me to understand that there was a world bigger than Red Hills, a world bigger than Jamaica, which had a space for me.
Dr. Karren Dunkley
Alton understood the value of time in a way few do. He didn’’t just spend time—he shared it, investing his energy and heart into every interaction. Alton had an extraordinary gift for making everyone feel truly special, whether through a meaningful conversation, a helping hand, or simply his steady presence. His tremendous heart and unwavering generosity were the source of this magic.
Yet time, the thief, took Alton from us far too soon. The suddenness of his passing reminds us how fleeting life is. Even as we grieve, we must also celebrate the remarkable gift he gave us—his time. Alton taught us that life isn’’t measured by the years we live but by the love, kindness, and care we show to others. He was a living example of what it means to live fully, love deeply, and serve selflessly.
Union of Jamaican Alumnae Associations (UJAA)
…For many of us, this was an absolutely shocking, and unexpected announcement. Alton touched many of us in so many ways and his quiet, yet powerful demeanor was a testament to his Fortis upbringing and the spirit of his beloved Kingston College (KC). On behalf of the UJAA Board of Directors, and our UJAA family, I want to express condolences to his family, including his KCOBA family.
He may no longer be with us, but his touch will always be remembered by every person who had the pleasure of sharing time and interacting with him.
St Hugh’’s Alumnae NY
The people who met and knew Alton Brown were blessed to have come in contact with such a shining light and an inspiration to others.
Over the years, we always admired Alton’’s outgoing personality with eagerness to assist others. He worked tirelessly, to support the St Hugh’’s NY Chapter in our establishment and growth. Alton will always be remembered for his culinary skills and his love to feed others.
A particular characteristic of Alton that needs to be mentioned is his “Servant Heart”. He lived with a servant heart in many aspects of his life and particularly his passion for food. A servant heart involves a genuine desire to help others, often putting their well-being and this pleasure above your own. Every act of Alton’’s food service was with the heart of a servant, wanting to please others. He was humble, empathetic, and modeled servant hood.
St. George’’s College Old Boys
On behalf of the St. George's College Old Boys Association of the North East, I would like to express our most sincere condolences to his daughter Sydney, his immediate family, and the Kingston College family.
Alton may have been called "Mice," but the truth is that he was a man among men. He will be a hard act to follow. Once again, we extend our most sincere condolences.
Warren Grant, President STGCOBANE