Richard Brown Obituary

Dec. 20, 1938 - Oct. 3, 2010 Santa Paula native Richard "Rich" Brown died at his home in Bend, Ore., on Oct. 3, 2010 surrounded by family. He was 71.

Rich was born in Santa Paula on Dec. 20,1938 to Ken and Helen Brown. He graduated from Santa Paula Union High School in 1957. He played baseball, football and was a member of FFA. While playing baseball in college, Rich was scouted by the St. Louis Cardinals. He coached numerous little league, Babe Ruth and semi-pro baseball teams in California and Bend.

Rich met his wife of 50 years, Joleyne, in 1958. They were married on Sept. 2, 1960 in Santa Paula. They moved to Bend, Ore., in 1972. Rich worked in construction, owned his own garage door business, lived in Alaska from 1981-1986, and eventually retired from Bend Metro Parks & Recreation in 2002.

He was an avid hunter, fisherman, snowmobile racer, bowler, and loved working on the ranch they've owned for 34 years.

Rich is survived by his wife, Joleyne (Childs) Brown of Bend; his three children, Stacy Hauser of Bend, Leslie Nichols of Redmond, Ken Brown of Bend; five grandchildren, Megan, Tyler, Jade, Aiden and Avery; his mother, Helen Lydick of Blue Jay, Calif.; and his sister, Suzi Brown of Blue Jay, Calif.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in his name to Partners in Care of Bend, Ore.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Ventura County Star from Oct. 10 to Oct. 13, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Brown

8 Entries

Bruce Campbell

October 19, 2010

Dear Joleyne and Family: I fondly remember the days when I played PONY League baseball in Santa Paula, and Rich used to not only prepare the field for our games, which entailed dragging the field with that old yellow jeep, chalk the baselines, chalk the batter's boxes, and place the bases accordingly. On top of that, Rich would umpire the games. I distinctly remember a game in which I pitched, and threw a curve ball down and away, clearly, the pitch was outside and Rich called it a strike. After the inning was over, I had this smirk on my face, and the player and opposing coach were highly agitated with the call. Later, when I had asked Rich about the call, he said, with a twinkle in his eye, "the pitch caught the outside corner, just above batter's knees." Ah yes, those were great days in Santa Paula, many fond memories.
I understand the severity of your loss, and I am thankful to God for those fleeting momments in my life.
Warm Regards,
Bruce A. Campbell
San Jose

Scott Rushing

October 16, 2010

Dear Joleyne and Family;
I do not think that we have met but Richard "Dick" Brown was my Little League coach on the "Agri-Serv" team. I am one of many who were saddened to read of his passing. Coach Brown was a major positive influence for numerous young men in SP and his impressive athletic ability will not be forgotten by any of us. My father, Bob Rushing, often mentioned, with fondness, Richard, his friend in Oregon. Please be assured "Coach Brown" is etched in our memories. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Scott Rushing,
Santa Paula

Kathie Allen

October 14, 2010

Dear Joleyne,
How saddened I was to learn of your loss and join other '60 classmates in sending my warm thoughts to you and your family. I will always remember you and Richard as such a beautiful and handsome couple.
Warm regards,
Kathie O'Neil Allen

Linda Lonon Blanton

October 13, 2010

Dear Joleyne,
My sincere condolences to you and your family. So sorry for your loss.
With fond memories,
Linda Lonon Blanton

Jess Gutierrez

October 13, 2010

I’m sad to hear about the passing of Richard. I first met Richard in elementary school when we were both little boys attending McKevett School in Santa Paula. He was such a great football and basketball player; I always admired his athletic abilities. The last time I ran into him was at the Sizzler in Ventura in the 1980’s. We had a great conversation about the old days and our lives, up to that point. He was such a wonderful guy and I will always remember him fondly. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.
Jess Gutierrez

October 11, 2010

Dear Joleyne,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband, Richard. I connected with Lousie Nance at our class reunion last month and she indicated you were having a hard time. I just spoke with my sister Betty and she remembered Richard fondly in her class of '57. God bless you and your family during this difficult time.
Fondly,
Janet Riley Whitlach
Los Gatos, Ca.

October 11, 2010

Dear Joleyne and Family,
May your love and many years of sweet memories help you throught this time of sorrow. May god bless
Claudette Tully "Hillis" Class of '57

October 11, 2010

Dear Joleyne,

Was so sorry to read of Richard's passing. My sincere condolences to you and your family. As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Sincerely,
Anita Garmon Hensley

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