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Dean Brown Obituary
Sept.10,1962-Sept. 28,2012
Resident of Santa Cruz
Dean passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack. He will be greatly missed.
Dean was born in Camden, New Jersey and came to Santa Cruz when he was 10. He graduated from Soquel High School in 1981, where he excelled on the swim team.
Dean and wife Kerry met on a blind date and were married in 1987. They have a lovely daughter, Laura. Laura and her Dad had a very special relationship. Every year, Laura and Dean went to Yosemite together, just the two of them.
Dean just celebrated his 50th birthday. His family feels blessed that friends and family were able to celebrate with him.
Dean worked at Arctic Glacier for 33 years. He was distribution manager and a great boss.
In addition to his wife and daughter, Dean is survived by his mother and father in-law, Jim and Deanna Musler, who said it was an honor to have him as a member of the family; sister-in-law Darlene Gardner; father, Walter Brown; sister, Audrey; brother, Eric; and nephew, Ryan.
Dean was a kindhearted man, who loved his family and had a special place in his heart for animals. He was a man of great strength, tremendous loyalty and blessed with common sense. Always easy to talk to, ready to help anybody at a moment's notice, he was optimistic and always looked on the bright side. Dean and his family decided to donate his organs so his death may give life to others.
A Memorial Mass for Dean will be held on Thursday, Oct. 4 beginning at 11 am at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Capitola.
Donations may be made in Dean's name to Castle Air Museum in Atwater, Ca.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dean Brown
Bonnie
September 26, 2025
Mr. Dean Brown will always be remembered for his ultimate act of goodness- ORGAN DONATION. This donation "saves lives!" We honor you Dean today and always.
Bonnie
September 26, 2024
Dean Brown was a great man!
He gave the "greatest gift possible " to those in need.
Dean was a ORGAN DONOR!
His love for his fellow man will always be remembered!
Dean´s family and friends should be so proud of him!
B
September 26, 2022
Mr. Dean Brown was an outstanding man. He had all the qualities we look up to in an individual.
He was respected and loved by everyone. He gave freely of himself to enrich the lives of those around him.
He deeply loved his family. They meant the everything to him!
Words fail to express gratitude for his gift of organ donation . Today, more than ever many souls are on endless waiting lists for an organ donation. Mr. Brown has given the greatest gift of all.
God Bless
Alicia Nulph
September 29, 2013
Kerry, It's been so many years.. Maybe 18 since we last saw each other. I just found out about Dean's passing. I'm sorry for your loss. I remember you both fondly when Ron R. & I got married and had our daughter Ashley. The both of you were so happy for us. I recall Dean saying to you, "We need to have one of these" For some crazy reason God takes the BEST from us. He might be gone but never forgotten. Take care.
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Shannon Gelbart
January 31, 2013
Kerry & Laura -I am so sorry for your loss. Laura you don't know me but I was friends with your parents a long time ago and was around when you were born. Your dad was such a great friend and we all went through alot. My 21st b-day, the first Iraq war ( I remember sitting on your parents bed with your mom watching it on tv), anniversaries, birthdays. He will be missed.
Cher, Katy, Maggie & Luke Vessey
November 22, 2012
Dear Kerry and Laura, we didn't know. Our hearts are breaking for you. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers now, through the coming holidays and always. We are so sorry for the loss, your loss, of such a wonderful person.
~ Cher, Katy, Maggie and Luke Vessey
Dr. Popilsky and staff
October 23, 2012
We at the office of Dr. Popilsky are very sorry to hear of Dean's passing. His pleasant demeanor and good humor made his visits quite enjoyable for all of us. We hope his family and friends find comfort in happy memories.
Vernon Bohr Jr
October 13, 2012
Laura and Carrie...Just found out about Dean's passing, today. Condolences...He was the best. I, along with many others, will sorely miss him.
Angela Landry
October 4, 2012
Kerry & Laura,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
You are in my thoughts and prayers
Angela Landry
October 4, 2012
Dear Kerry and Laura,
With heartfelt sympathy, we are so deeply sorry for your loss. And so deeply privileged to have known Dean. Should you need shoulders to lean upon, please know we are here for you. And we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
From our hearts to yours,
Steven and Janean
Brynn Richey
October 3, 2012
Dear Kerry & Laura, Im so deeply sorry! This brings tears too my eyes! Sending you prayers! If you ever need someone to talk to, Im here!
Brynn Richey
October 3, 2012
Dear Kerry & Laura, Im so deeply sorry! This brings tears too my eyes! Sending you prayers! If you ever need someone to talk to, Im here!
polly sporl
October 3, 2012
I was so shocked to hear of Dean's passing!I too worked with Dean for over 25 years and he was the greatest guy ever!!!He was always soo pleasant and you could hear the smile in his voice every time I had to call him with some problem , broken ice machine, no room for the ice delivery etc. Please know that all of you are in my prayers, hoping you find peace and hoping you feel all the Love that is around you now. God Bless
Bruce Wisecarver
October 3, 2012
Your friendly smile and warm heart will live on forever. God Bless you Dean, and God Bless your family. Until we meet again, old friend.
October 3, 2012
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Julia Dingler
October 3, 2012
Dear Kerry:
My most heartfelt symphaties to you and Laura and your entire family. Stay strong in The Lord for in Him there is your strength
RIP Dean...I will treasure this moment always!
Allen & Terryl Ferdinand
October 3, 2012
Our hearts go out to you in this hardest of times. Dean was a very special human being. He will be missed!!! Please know that we are always here for you. May you find comfort soon!
Pat Jackson
October 3, 2012
Dean was a special person and will be miss reatly
Amy Jansen
October 3, 2012
Kerry, I am so sorry to hear about this. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Laura.
October 3, 2012
Dear Family,
As Darlene's friend, I've only spent 1 night at dinner with Dean & family, but it was so clear to me how much he was like a son & loved by all. I could sense immediately his love, compassion, patience, humor, wisdom, helpfulness & special bond with Laura. Darlene has always said he was like a brother...an integral part of their family...such a loss....I'm soooo sorry. Kerry, Laura, Darlene & family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol Weycker, Fremont
Santos Ramirez
October 3, 2012
Your will always live in our hearts and Prayers our condolences from Ramirez Familiy.
Kristy Bowman-Douglas
October 3, 2012
I have great memories of being with you all. I am so sorry for the loss of such a great guy. Wish we could be with you right now.
Pilar Owen
October 3, 2012
I'm so very sorry for your loss , my prayers are with you.Pilar Owen
Linda Pearson
October 3, 2012
Kerry and Laura, my heart goes out to you. Though I didn't know Dean well, I do know that he was a wonderful husband, father, and such a kind-hearted man. I am so very sorry for your loss. You are both in my thoughts.
Linda
Carlos Barajas
October 3, 2012
Dear Dean's family accept our condolences from the Barajas family.
Laura Brown
October 2, 2012
I literally had the best Father a daughter could ever have and I always hoped he'd be around me for as long as he could. I never imagined life without him and now that its been that way since Friday life will definately be harder and I wish the circumstances were different. we were always so close and he wasnt only my dad he was my best friend.He was loved by so many and i know he'll always be looking down from heaven. love you daddy <3 r.i.p
laurie Jeffs
October 2, 2012
I'm very sorry to hear of your loss you and laura are in our thoughts and prayers
Sean Smith
October 2, 2012
Dean you will be forever in our thoughts and prayers. It was an honor to have met someone as genuine as Dean was. He was always there to brighten your day. Why does GOD always take the ones who mean the most to us? I will always miss you Dean. My condolences go out to your wife and daughter. R.I.P Dean Brown
Sean Smith
A Friend
October 2, 2012
I am so very sorry for your loss. I did not know your loved one - DEAN BROWN. I just happened to find this guest book. How very blessed all of you were to have had such a wonderful man in your lives. He must have been the best of the best! He was a truly exemplary man full of goodness.
edwina escalante
October 2, 2012
dean was my ice guy he brought my store ice in the most desperate times cuz he is sooo nice!!!! i loved his gentle personality i missed him when he went to management now i will really miss him.i always ask how he is and to say HELLO from me. i will always think of how NICE he was to me.
October 2, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
October 2, 2012
One of my most loyal freinds and fellow iceman for 30+ years. I will miss Dean, he stood tall, warm hand shake looked you in the eye when he talked to you. It was an honor. I know your family is very proud.
Guy Juarez
Allen Ferdinand
October 2, 2012
So sad to hear this. Dean, Kerry, and Laura are the best people. Long time friends of the kind that you just pick up where you left off.
Arlan Lilleoien
October 2, 2012
I remember doing some work for Dean, he always had a smile and something good to say. He was a great person to work with. He will be missed. My heartfelt condolences go to his family.
Kelli Owen
October 2, 2012
Wow, not sure what happened but Dean was a good friend of my brother and lived with us for a few years at mom's place on the beach. He was like another big brother to me. My prayers go out to his family. ~Kelli
October 2, 2012
So Sad
Dean you were one of my great friends from the Glory days , I am so sorry for all of you're family and this has hit me really hard.
Be blessed my Old Friend and so long and enjoy the journey.
Joe Martinez.
Ana Schaffer
October 2, 2012
Clyde and I are so very saddened by this news. We were great friends of Dean's We haven't spent much time together in the last several years, but will always treasure all the nights hanging out at their house, playing games and just being silly. Dean was a good friend and will be missed. Our prayers are with you, Kerry and Laura.
All our love,
Clyde Schaffer and family
Kevin Owen
October 2, 2012
This is a shock, wow,we have been friends since 12, he has always been the strongest and most level headed of the gang. Very very sad.
Barbara Alexander-Peterson
October 2, 2012
I am so very sorry for the loss of Dean. My condolences to your family.
Michael Humphries
October 2, 2012
I had the privilege to know and work with Dean for over 30 years. He was one of the most genuine and kind man I have ever known. Loyal and dedicated, he always made the extra effort to take care of everyones needs. In these days of constant change he was solid and dependable, it is still hard to believe he won't be on the dock next time I'm in Capitola. He was a great Iceman and friend.
October 2, 2012
Dean were the kind, polite, and big heart person to me, even I only knew him for a short period of time. He always brought a smiley and a happy face whenever he came to visit us. I will miss him, especially his warm smiling face and he will always be in my thoughts.Rest in peace.
Jennay Kang
October 1, 2012
Deano, 23years, we worked together. You were the one I turned to. You were the one I trusted to get the job done. You were my friend. You were part of my family. You were my right hand. I will miss you, but you will always be in my heart and my thoughts. Rest in peace.
John Meschi
Lindsay Brown
October 1, 2012
I have lived across the street for many years and every morning when I walk my Granddaughter to school, Dean always said good morning and wished me a good day.Sometimes I would see him outside with the dog and I could tell he is a kind and loving person. We are so sorry for your loss.He will be missed.
Sherrie and Brian McMahon
October 1, 2012
This is such a surprise and a shock that I almost can't believe it happened. I'm so sorry that you are dealing with this loss. I can't imagine what you are going through at this exhausting, difficult time. We love you and are praying for you.
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