Tribute To Donald Levi Brown
December 13, 1916 - April 14, 2009
Donald L. Brown
Don slipped away April 14th at age 92, following a long struggle with Parkinson’s. Born December 13, 1916 to Ida and J.M. Brown, he was raised near Riparia, Washington in the Palouse area on a wheat farm where the work was done by teams of horses, Don and his ten siblings. Understanding the importance of a good education, he finished high school in Montesano and earned a business degree from the U. of Washington. His war years were spent at a Kodiak Island Navy base. With an interest in photography, he later owned and operated Phototronics, a camera repair business, before embarking on a long retirement that included annual fall visits to Honolulu.
Don enjoyed hard work, gardening, canoe trips, telling stories, practical jokes, friends and family. He was active in the Haller Lake Community Club and was passionate about neighborhood issues for over 50 years.
He is survived by Phyllis, his wife of 65 years; older brother Clyde; five children: Jeri Dowidar, Kathy (Steve) Dennis, Patti (Mike) Reid, Brenda (Dean) Brown and Bruce (Carol) Brown; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
The family is grateful for his compassionate caregivers, Linda Schuman, Milika Veetutu and her wonderful team.
Celebration of life will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2009 at 1:00 PM at Evergreen Washelli Chapel, Seattle, WA
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In lieu of flowers, gifts to the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation (www.nwpf.org) are suggested.
Don & Phyllis taken 1988 Phyllis & Don taken 1990 Phyllis & Don taken 1994
DVD Played at service 4/26/2009 with music (Made by Brad & Karen Dennis) Thanks... Slide Show (4.2 meg file download)
Audio Recording of Service 4/26/2009 Recording (51.5 meg mp3)
Either one of the above 2 files can be download to your computer by right clicking on them
Standard Photo Album with assorted pictures Don's Photo Album (adding pictures daily)
Mike’s feelings…
Don and I were more than related through Mike being married to Patti.
We became buddies.
We did a lot of things together and had a mutual respect for each other. Whether working together, Hunting or Camping we had fun with each other. We teased each other and got a long better than most Father/Son in laws could imagine. Of course we had Patti in common to draw us together. I will remember Don, as he was when we were doing things together. (long nights sitting in the Hospital & Nursing Home with him excluded) grin..
He did tell me "I hate you" one long night when I fought him to stay in his hospital bed.
Don was one tough "Old Timer" as I called him many times. He is resting easy now.
We had a lot of fun together and I will miss him.
Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do
not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you wake in the morning hush I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep.
Mary Frye