I was saddened to learn of the passing of Dan P. Brown, PhD, an inventor, Northwestern University professor, entrepreneur and a fascinating Chicago Southlander who spent much of his life championing American inventors.
Dan also happened to give me one of my first big professional breaks through his company, LoggerHead Tools, home of the Bionic Wrench. I was fortunate to know him not simply as someone I worked with, but as a mentor — someone whose creativity, determination and belief in innovation left an impression on me long after our work together.
In 2020, I had the opportunity to interview Dan for Tinley Park Mom. We talked about his own story as well as InstaShield, an innovation spearheaded by his son and another example of the inventive spirit continuing into the next generation of the Brown family.
After Dan passed away in September, I reached out to the Daily Southtown because I believed his was a Southland story worth telling. I was honored when reporter Bob Goldsborough interviewed me about my memories of Dan for the newspaper’s obituary, published by the Chicago Tribune on September 25, 2026.
More than anything, I’m grateful I had the opportunity to know Dan. His life is a reminder of just how much ingenuity can come from our own corner of Chicagoland — and of the people behind those inventions whose influence can extend far beyond the things they create.
Rediscover Dan Brown
Read my 2020 interview with Dan about his life, work and InstaShield.
Read the Daily Southtown/Chicago Tribune obituary remembering Dan and his remarkable career.
In lieu of flowers, the Brown family suggest donations be directed to US Inventor, Inc.—an organization devoted to protecting the rights of American inventors, as he did when he sued and won against Sears for his own inventions. Visit https://usinventor.org/donate-to-usinventor to learn more.
Obituary: https://www.nhscotthanekamp.com/obitua…/Daniel-P-Brown-PhD