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Nathan Brown Obituary
Jun 27, 1953 - Feb 12, 2017
Nathan Alan Brown, age 63, passed away peacefully under the light of the snow moon, his wife by his side, on February 12, 2017 in Palo Alto, California following a courageous nineteen month battle with brain cancer.Nathan was born on June 27, 1953 in Palo Alto, California to the late Wayne R. Brown, and Bibbits (Strong) Brown. He grew up in Atherton with his older sister and two younger brothers and graduated from Ravenswood High School in 1972. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Electro-Acoustics in 1991, followed by an MBA (Marketing & Finance) in 1994, both from San Jose State University.
While traveling in Paris in 1983, Nathan got lost and asked the only person standing on the train station platform for directions. After she journeyed with him on two other subway lines to help him find his location, Nathan asked this Parisian angel if she would be his tour guide the following day. Nathan arrived for their date carrying a single red rose and the course of their lives changed forever. Nathan married Nelly Ferrari on March 30, 1985 in Atherton, Ca. They welcomed their daughter Pauline in 1988 and enjoyed almost 32 years of marriage together, with France remaining one of Nathan's frequent and favorite travel destinations.
During the 1990s, Nathan worked as a real estate developer and Vice President for the home building company of Brown & Kauffmann, Inc. For the past fourteen years, he was Director of Marketing for The Ryness Company of Danville.
Nathan loved the outdoors. Skiing, biking, hiking, sailing, and water sports brought him tremendous joy. He savored summer days at Echo Lake, playing guitar, conversing with family and friends, having long french lunches, and sharing American musical classics with his daughter.
Nathan's need to look at a map no matter where he was, his propensity to thoroughly research anything he intended to buy, and the fact that the only time you'd hear him swear was when he was using his computer, are unique and endearing qualities that will forever bring a smile to the face of his family and friends.
Nathan is survived by his wife Nelly, daughter Pauline, mother Bibbits Brown, sister Melinda Norcott (Bob), and brother Gordon (Michele), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He is preceded in death by his father Wayne and his brother Terry.
The family is especially grateful to friends for their acts of kindness and support.
A celebration of Nathan's life will be held Sunday March 5th from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m at Seaport Conference Center, 459 Seaport Ct in Redwood City.
Passionate. Happy. Patient. Humble. Curious. Loving. These words describe Nathan's character and how he lived life. As Nathan's best friend, Gary so accurately conveys, "After Nathan's cancer was detected, he just picked himself up and kept moving forward. He spent each day living as he always had - with optimism, with love for life, with no self pity. Nathan has taught us all to live fully in the present."
You remain forever in our hearts, Nate.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nathan Brown
Bénédicte
February 12, 2025
Qu'il est bon de se remémorer nos souvenirs, de se rappeler la personne si aimante et généreuse que tu étais Nathan. Nous n'oublions pas ...Bénédicte
Benedicte
February 12, 2024
Le temps n´efface rien, tu restes toujours aussi présent dans nos pensées et nos souvenirs Nathan. Affectueusement,
Benedicte
Benedicte
February 12, 2023
En ce triste anniversaire de ton départ, tu restes toujours dans nos mémoires. Notre oncle tant aimé.
Bénédicte
Mary Fuentes
April 18, 2017
I knew Nate in the early 70's
He was a handsome funloving man
So sorry to hear of his passing
Bénédicte
March 5, 2017
Avec toute l'émotion que cela suscite, Nathan nous remémore tous les moments et les instants partagés.
Nathan restera dans notre cur, avec tout ce que l'on retiendra de lui..., sa simplicité, sa vraie gentillesse, son sourire, son affection et l'intérêt qu'il portait à tous.
Nous garderons sa joie de vivre et son plaisir sincère à le partager avec les autres.
Niece of Nelly & Nathan
Deborah Costa-Glerum
March 4, 2017
Saying Nate's name always brings a smile to my face.
I have such fond memories... distant but ever present in my mind.
Back in the day....
Our fun houseboat trips to Shasta & Don Pedro, watching you parachuting thru the canyons on water skis, tethered to a ski rope, behind a boat. Your zest for life was infectious.
Seeing the passion in your eyes when you spoke of Eric Clapton being the greatest guitar player ever and listening to you play.
Always volunteering to be my dance partner, before you met Nellie, when I could not get my husband to dance.
I will always hold these fond memories in my heart...
RIP dear, gentle, kind Nate
Fun days boating & skiing. Nate, Deb & John Glerum, Vicki Hoagland Price
Deborah Costa-Glerum
March 4, 2017
Nate catching air
Deborah Costa-Glerum
March 4, 2017
Dennis Rodeen
March 3, 2017
I will fondly remember Nate as a kind, gentle soul that was always please to see you and offer a friendly smile and a positive thought. He was a good guy.
Byron Page
February 25, 2017
Farewell old friend,
I have so many fond memories of you and your wonderful family. You taught me how to sail and water ski on Echo Lake. Painting the Moose and Pickering cabins. Building a dock,outhouse together etc. Climbing Pyramid Peak with Don and the many hikes throughout the Desolation Wilderness. My first property was a condo we bought together on Squaw Peak Rd and your teaching me to how snow ski. I remember renting a house in San Francisco in the 70's together from June Gould Costa for $125 a month. The time we played 45 holes of golf in 1 day. Our trips together to Mexico, Chicago etc. You were the best man at my wedding.
Just a slice of all the great memories from a truly loving wonderful man.
In addition....
Listening to Derek and the Dominoes will forever always evoke your memory.
Thank you for sharing time with me. It was an honor to have known you
--Byron Page
February 24, 2017
February 24, 2017
Of all the memories I have in my life, those involving Nate are some of my most cherished and fondest. He has always been like a brother to me and I like to think that relationships like the one we share don't "just happen" everyday....they are built, are nurtured and grow stronger by the minute. I know that Nate will be with me wherever I go, whatever I do....that will never change, and his spirit will never leave me.
Nate, we will miss your warm smile and your perpetual passion for living life to its fullest, and will always carry on in your name with a "POW!!!" for every event.
With love and peace, Cousin Tim, Denise and our entire family.
Ione, CA
Christine Alric
February 22, 2017
Beaucoup de tristesse mais plus encore de merveilleux souvenirs. Nathan, true Renaissance Man.
Les "gourmet dinners" , Les Halloween parties, le Beaujolais Nouveau, Russian River trips, la galette des rois, le bon vieux temps avant les enfants, puis avec...
Pauline, Nelly, et toute la famille Brown, sachez que Matthew, Julie, et la famille Martin vous accompagnent le 5 mars.
Nous vous embrassons.
February 21, 2017
From Tuscaloosa Ave to M-A high school years, skiing, wives and children, we had good times.
Beautiful Nelly and Pauline. Nouveau Beaujolais parties, French-American school.
Nate, your gentle laugh and nature will be remembered and cherished forever.
With all our love, Randy and Kristine Schwabacher
Thierry Pouedras
February 21, 2017
Chères Nelly et Pauline,
Je viens d'apprendre par Manon le décès de Nathan. Je suis terriblement attristé. Je n'avais pas " fréquenté" Nathan récemment mais Manon étant votre voisine sur Oxford ave depuis quelques années me donnait des nouvelles régulièrement.
Toute notre sympathie dans cette terrible épreuve et sincère merci pour les bons moments passés ensemble avec Nathan.
Thierry/ Manon/ Hugo
"Patti"-Patrice Ballew-Zubillaga
February 20, 2017
Nate was always a Kind and Happy Soul. I remember him well, at a time in High School where it was stressful to just be a Teen. He was always quiet, but but sensitive and kind to all.and of course, very easy on the Eyes!! Rest in Peace, the Good Die Young! May your Family find comfort in the foot print Nate left on Life!
Francoise Jegou
February 20, 2017
Nathan,un gentleman comme on ne fait plus, gentil, a l'ecoute et toujours souriant. Tu seras toujours dans mes pensees meme si la vie nous a trouve d'autres chemins. Courage a toi, Nelly et Pauline avec qui j'ai partage pleins de bons moments! Sincerement.
Christine Pelissier
February 19, 2017
Chères Pauline et Nelly,
Nos pensées sont avec vous et votre famille.
Nathan restera dans nos mémoires pour toujours.
Affectueusement et tristement.
Christine et Michel
ELISABETH LEBLOND (ADAMS)
February 19, 2017
Nate,
I will never forget your happiness and your smile. You were always in a good mood and a very loving father and husband. I have fond memories of the many dinners and gatherings in your house and your warm welcome. It is hard to imagine that you left for another planet but your very kind personality will remain and you will not be forgotten. Nelly et Pauline, mes pensées sont avec vous, je vous transmets du courage et de la force et vous embrasse fort.
Evelyne Malfroy-Camine
February 19, 2017
We are so sorry to hear that Nathan passed away. His smile will always stay with us. We met Nelly and Nate in the 80's and Pauline when she was just born.
La joie de Nelly et Nathan étaient contagieuse et je ne peux qu'imaginer la peine que provoque son absence.
Nous pensons très fort à vous.
Evelyne
Bernard Malfroy-Camine
February 19, 2017
Nelly and Pauline, so may wonderful memories with the three of you. Nathan's smile shines. Big hug.
dupressoir cécile
February 19, 2017
We do miss you , uncle, your smile will stay forever in our minds
Bernard Beneito
February 19, 2017
I was teacher at the International School of Peninsula Palo Alto(Garland Campus 1996)
when I met Nathan and Nelly Brown, Pauline their daughter was in my 2nd grade class. I never saw a man so nice,sweet, polite, wonderful, very helpful ,always smiling, a lot of virtues.We drove together from San Francisco to Atlanta, he was so happy to do it.He organized a lot of wonderful parties mostly with French friends and acquaintances...He was francophile. I went one year ago(January 15th-February 15th,2016) to see him and to help ,driving him to clinic and hospital. We were walking together every afternoon,I never thought he could die. I felt him so strong...
Dear Nate, you always will be in my mind, in my soul. I'm feeling so devastated .
ferrari sylvie
February 18, 2017
Nathan,
Tu étais une très belle personne, toujours là pour ta famille et tes amis, et à l'écoute des autres.
Ton départ nous attriste et nous garderons en souvenir de toi les bons moments passés et ton sourire qui illuminait ton visage.
Nathan, tu étais un ange, tu t'es envolé un matin pour habiter les montagnes enneigées et pleines de fleurs. Et dans tes montagnes, il y a la mer, une ile et un bateau.
Tu resteras toujours dans notre cur.
Sylvie, Alan, Steven
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