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Kane public defender's office loses dedicated, kind mentor

Even while enduring chemotherapy himself, Kane County Assistant Public Defender Greg Brown took time to console a colleague who had lost a friend to cancer.

Brown, who died at 47 from a rare bile duct cancer early Sunday morning, always took time to help others, served as a mentor for fellow attorneys during his 22 years at the Kane County public defender's office, and was respected by defense attorneys and prosecutors.

"His knowledge of the law was unmatched. His dedication to his clients was unmatched," Public Defender Kelli Childress said. "No matter how bad he felt, when he came to work he always had a smile. The much bigger loss is to us is his friendship. He made us all better at what we do and just being good people."

Childress said Brown learned of his cancer diagnosis about nine months ago, took a medical leave of absence but returned to work over the summer. She said Brown had a vast amount of experience working traffic cases all the way to capital murder cases for the public defender's office.

His most recent assignment was serving as chief of the Multiple Defendants Division, but over the summer devoted time to reviewing post-conviction cases because it offered more flexibility and gave him a chance to work at a desk, which was less strenuous than the courtroom, Childress said.

Assistant Public Defender Kim Bilbrey said Brown had a great sense of humor and consoled her on the loss of her friend from cancer this year while Brown was going to through chemotherapy.

Additionally, Brown always took time to provide legal guidance.

"His advice has not failed me or my clients yet," she said. "He never let anyone see him sweat. He had a very good rapport with people around the office but he also seemed to be highly regarded by his adversaries as well. When he'd argue in court, everyone listened."

The Kane County state's attorney's office said it was saddened by Brown's death and offered condolences.

"He was kind, a terrific lawyer, and an all-around good guy. It was an honor to work with Greg and a pleasure to know him," the office said in a statement. "We will miss him greatly in the courtroom, but we will carry with us many wonderful memories of Greg as a friend."

Brown is survived by his wife, Donna Moulton, and two daughters. Funeral arrangements are pending.

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