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George Brown Obituary
A celebration of life will take place in La Quinta in the near future and this summer in Anchorage.
Rick was born May 16, 1944, in McAllen, Texas, to Ferrol Jerienne Brown and George Louis Brown. He spent his early childhood in Pacific Beach, Calif., after which his family moved to Shreveport, La. George graduated from Byrd High School in 1962 and Louisiana State University in 1968 with a double major in government and history.
Rick started his career with the U.S. Customs Service as a port investigator in 1968. Later that year, he enlisted in the Army and served as a counterintelligence special agent in the military intelligence branch until 1971. Rick then returned to U.S. Customs as a special agent, ending his career there as an assistant regional director with the Patrol Division in New Orleans in 1983. Rick moved to Anchorage in 1983 and worked for BP Exploration as a security manager, having responsibilities for Anchorage and North Slope operations before taking early retirement in 1999 and moving to La Quinta.
Rick is survived by his wife, Sydney; daughters, Cindy Hayner of Anchorage and Karen Hotz of Bossier City, La.; stepsons, Kevin Geller of Imperial, Calif., and Bryan Geller of Fairbanks; grandchildren, Billy and Kaitlyn Hotz of Bossier City, and Kacey, Korey and Kardina Hayner of Anchorage; sister, Sandra Sullivan of Arlington, Texas; uncle, Jerry Brown of Kerrville, Texas; aunt, Billy Brown of El Dorado, Ark.; and many other family members and caring friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in Rick's memory to the UCLA Neuro-Oncology Program, 710 Westwood Plaza, Suite #1230, Los Angeles, CA 90095; or to the donor's favorite charity.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Brown
Jerry Bond
January 23, 2009
Dear Sydney...
Thank you for getting me in contact with Ricky before his death. We had not seen or heard from each other since 1962. When I spoke with him his voice sounded so strong so it came as a bit of surprise that he passed away so quickly after that.
I know that Richard Tidovsky was also so glad that they were able to talk one last time.
Ricky and I worked at the Big Chain grocery all through high school. I think that Richard did as well but he may have worked at a different store. Memory fails me on that but all of the guys that worked there were good friends for a long time.
You don't know of this but Ricky (he's still Ricky to me) and I started a club when we were in junior high called the Rattlers. It was called the Rattlers because Ricky had a jacket with a rattle snake embroidered on it. It was our only club jacket so we had to take turns wearing it. I only got a couple of wearings I think.
Ricky was a great friend for a long time. I regret that we lost touch with each other after high school but that happened a lot. We all scattered to the wind.
I hope that you are able to get to Shreveport in the spring or summer. Let us know....Rattlers Forever...
Art Clark
January 22, 2009
Dear Sydney,
I just heard about Rick. I am so sorry. He was a great guy. Take care and God Bless.
Lynn Witte (Catchpole)
January 14, 2009
Dear Sydney, Cindy, and Karen
I am sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Brown. He was always very kind to me and I have very fond memories of him from Huffman Circle.
Charlene Hudson
January 9, 2009
Sydney-
As I read through the many comments being left by co-workers, friends, and family in remembrance of your beloved Ricky, it really reinforces what a wonderful person he was, how much he was loved and how much he will be missed. I am privileged to have been able to call him my friend. I will always cherish the special times I shared with you and Rick, but especially my last visit to California this past November. Though Rick was beginning to fail, he remained upbeat and positive as we shared memories and stories together. I will remember too, with his typical sense of humor, how he didn’t hesitate to tell me that the “real “reason I was there was to make him those long awaited for cinnamon rolls, which of course I did – just for him!! I don’t think I will ever be able to make them again without thinking of Rick and smiling. Sydney, I can honestly say I have never seen any two people more in love than you and Rick. It’s the kind of love that everyone only hopes to experience someday. He loved you with all of his heart Sydney and I know that you loved him just as much and will continue to do so. As they have been throughout these past three long years, my prayers and thoughts continue to be with you. May God embrace you and give you comfort and strength during this difficult time. Take care my friend and I will talk with you soon.
Love, Charlene
Jack & Susan Quillen
January 9, 2009
We were truly sorry to hear of Rick's passing. We both remember him as a friend, a work colleague at Sohio/BP and as an occasional golfing buddy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Jack and Susan
Carolyn Rowe
January 9, 2009
My Sweet Friend, Sydney,
I am so saddened by the loss of your wonderful Ricky.
And I am happy that you and Rick loved each other JOYFULLY and COMPLETELY! You didn't wait for someday...you were busy making memories, having fun, and enjoying life and each other to the fullest from the very beginning. Many people never taste of that special love that comes when two people love each other so unconditionally.
Rick was so sweet and kind, and I can still see his smile as he greeted me that special way of making me feel welcome. He always made me feel that he liked sharing a little bit of "his" Sydney with me!
May God give you comfort as you have faith that Rick is now in His care.
Much Love,
Carolyn
Cindy, Kacey, Korey & Kardia Hayner
January 9, 2009
We want to thank everyone for their kind words and memories of my dad (Grandpa Rick). It is comforting to read the specific things that he touched each one of your lives with. I also know each of you touched my dad's life just as much.
May God give us the strength and peace, as we remember and cherish the good memories Grandpa Rick left with us.
Thank you all for being part of his life.
Tom & Gloria Blackwell
January 9, 2009
Sydney,
I was saddened and shocked to learn of Rick's passing. I always thought of the two of you as the perfect couple. I remember how happy you were when you left for retirement in California. I'm honored to have worked with both of you at the Anchoage BP HQ office. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Sydney.
Tom
Alyce Hanley
January 8, 2009
I was saddened when I read of Rick's death. My sympathy and prayers are with you.
I remember Rick as one of our special friends and part of the old gang here in Anchorage. I have many fun memories of all our friendships then. Alyce Hanley
Douglas Green
January 7, 2009
Sydney,
At the beginning of my life, Rick was the one who gave me my first real job. He always smiled every time I saw him and gave me words of encouragement.
We always thought of him and you as a part of our family. Even though we were miles apart, we kept you both in our thoughts and hearts.
Rick will be missed and loved.
Our deepest love and condolences,
Douglas, Tara, Rachel and Mary Green
Robbyn & Cheyenne Walker
January 7, 2009
It is my understanding that my brother-in-law, Rick, left his mark upon medical history. He fought a valiant fight against a formidable opponent, far longer than anyone in his category. When his courageous fight ended on December 30, at the age of 64, it was by TKO – because Rick never gave up. He defied the odds and went toe-to-toe against adversity on a daily basis. Rick was downed by an unavoidable uppercut that took his worldly being from us, but could not touch his spirit, his strength, nor his human resolve. It is a combination of these traits that will now blanket us all in warmth when our days grow cold, missing him. They will now blanket us in light, when we feel lost to the darkness of not being able to see him anymore. It is my belief that Rick will always be here. That strong of energy does not evaporate that easily. People that know me, as Rick did, know that I pretty much cut to the chase about life. This being said, I honestly believe Rick is the strongest and certainly the bravest man I have ever known in my life. Anyone given his circumstance, that could hold the weight of the world on his shoulders, and still put my sister, his wife, first and foremost in his life, could never be described as anything less than a champion. Syd – I will always embrace how Rick loved and strengthened you – there was nothing that you would not, nor could not, do for him – and he has left you with that love and strength to carry on. We love you, Syd, and we will love Rick forever.
Pam & Dave Catchpole
January 7, 2009
Dear Sydney, Cindy, and Karen, we were sorry to hear of Rick's passing. We well remember him as a work colleague at Sohio/BP and as a neighbor in Huffman Circle. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Pam & Dave
Buck Adams
January 7, 2009
Dearest Sydney and family,
As you well know I am usually not a loss for words, but I find myself struggling at this moment to express how much Joey and I love you and love Rick.
Rick was my dearest friend and as close to a brother as I will ever have. It was one of the greatest privileges of my life to perform your wedding ceremony. Joey and I shall always treasure all the wonderful times we had together.
During the most personally and professionally challenging year of my life, there was Rick picking up the phone and calling me with his ever familiar "Hey boy, how you doing". I am, and will always be in awe of his courage and compassion to reach out to a friend in the midst of fighting his own monumental battle, which dwarfed mine by comparison, just to see how I was doing and to let me know he loved me. Sydney, then you would jump on the phone and be right there with words of love and encouragement too. You are both true profiles in courage and compassion.
When we last saw each other in December, Rick grasped my hand with his right hand in a vice-like grip, looked me square in the eye and told me not to worry about him and to just be sure to take care of myself. Once again, putting the well-being of another ahead of his own.
We will be there next week to celebrate Rick's life with you.
With all our love,
Buck and Joey
Peggy Wiedle
January 7, 2009
I was so sorry to read about Rick this morning! He was a great person to work with and a true professional. My sincerest condolences to his family!
Sandra Sullivan
January 7, 2009
Dear Sydney,
My brother, my rock, my protector, I am going to miss him so much. He has been there for me when I lost my husband Bill, my son William and my mother all in a two year period. He gave me the strength to go on and was always there to encourage me and help me make decisions that I was not sure of what to do. Even thru all he has been going thru these last few years he never let on how bad he felt. He always had such a positive attitude of everything he did and encouraged me to be positive.
Rick and I have always been very close and that made our mother comforted when she was sick and the same for Bill, he knew he had to wait on Rick before he took his last breath until his good friend and brother-in-law got there and he knew then I was in good hands & Rick would take care of me.
I feel so fortunate that I had the best brother in the world and I know he loved me so much and I loved him even more.
I know god will give you and me the strength to go on and we will see each other again. I do believe that with all my heart. Good bye my sweet brother. I love you so much.
Sydney, you know I will be there for you when ever you need me and I will need you too. The one thing I know for sure is how much Rick loved you and I mean really loved you with all his heart. You were his sole mate and I know you will be together again at another time. Love you, Sandra
Buster Bryant
January 7, 2009
As Roger Herrera said, Rick was a great person. He always had a smile and a good word for everyone. I am so sorry for your loss.
Mary Egan
January 6, 2009
DEar Sydney and family, I'm so sorry to learn of Ricks passing. he fought so hard to overcome his cancer. What a wonderful man he was. i know you were with him every step of the way. My sincere condolences and I will keep you all in my prayers. Mary Kay Egan: Desert Trails Hiking Club
Warren Breitfield
January 6, 2009
Sydney-
I am sorry for your loss. Rick was a great man to work for at the BP Headquarters Building. My prayers are with you and the family. May God rest his soul and bless the family.
Rick Fuller
January 6, 2009
Sydney,
I can't tell you how much Rick's passing has had an affect on our family. As you know, Rick and I became co-workers (and best, friends) with the U.S. Customs Service in 1976 in New Orleans, LA. We socialized, played golf together, went to LSU games together, and always stayed in touch for the 32 years we were friends. But, I can tell you that a TRUE FRIEND is one that stands with you during the toughest of times. Mine was in 1982 when I was diagnosed with cancer and had surgery. During my recovery period after surgery, Rick (without anyone asking, including myself) came to my house just about evey day and played chess with me. He cared about my well-being and was there to help me as a friend. That stands tall in my ever-lasting friendship with Rick. I will never forget his kindness during that period, but this classic example of who Rick was, a true friend.
Cindy and Karen,
We am deeply sorrowed about your losing your Dad. Don't know if you remember me and my wife Pam, but we saw you many, many times in Slidell. He was real hero in many respects.
Rick and Pam Fuller
Roger Herrera
January 6, 2009
Rick was a great human being. Always kind, but a true professional. It was an honor to work on the same team with Rick at BP.
Jim Palmer
January 6, 2009
I fondly remember Rick as a colleague at Sohio/BP and as a great golfing buddy. He will be missed. My sincerest condolences to Sydney and his family.
Inge Fullerton
January 5, 2009
Sydney, I read of Rick's passing in the Desert Sun and I am so very sorry for your loss of this wonderful man. He truly was a "one of a kind" gentleman.
A former BP employee
Deborah A. Casiano-Simpson
January 5, 2009
Dearest Brown Family,
As a close and personal friend of Mr. Brown's daughter, Karen, I would just like to express my deepest and warmest condolences to your family. I would also like to extend my unending prayers. Please find comfort in knowing that my thoughts are with you and your family.
Most Sincerely,
Deborah A Casiano-Simpson
Karen Hotz
January 4, 2009
I miss you dad, I wish I could hear your voice just one more time. I love you.
Sydney, I'm so sorry, and if you ever need me, let me know. I love you.
Donna McIntosh
January 4, 2009
My heart is broken just learning of Rick's passing. I didn't know him for very long, and I only knew him when he was ill. I felt very privileged to be able to give Rick massages to help ease his pain. He was always so gracious and thankful for my work. He always tried to make me and others laugh even though he was having a rough day. When I would give him some instructions on stretches and exercises to help him, he would also sound excited to get started. Sydney, you were always the best. You were there for him for his every need, almost to a fault. Now, he is in the best hands possible so that now you, his Earthly angel, can take a break. God bless you and all that loved this very lovable man.
Gerald Dominick
January 4, 2009
Sydney: You most probably do not remember me since our meeting was brief, but very pleasant. It was in Slidell, LA just before Rick and you left Customs and moved to Alaska. Rick had worked for me very briefly as I had just arrived in New Orleans as the Regional SAC. I remember Rick and you presenting a most pleasant meal of smoked brisket. In fact, I still use Rick's recipe for the rub to this day. I last saw Rick at Jim Garrison's funeral and I often wondered how he was doing as I had lost contact with him. I pray that God will provide you with the comfort which you so desperately need at a time like this. Grief takes time to work through, so try to keep a bright outlook and keep those special memories close by. My prayers are with you and your family.
Ossie Montalvo
January 4, 2009
Dear Brown Family:
I had the good fortune of serving with Ricky at the Houston SAC office.
My wife Dulce and I send our deepest condolences and prayers. May he rest in peace.
Ossie Montalvo
Supervisory Special Agent (Ret.)
U.S. Customs Service
Tom & Barbara Tippett
January 3, 2009
Sydney & Family,
Barbara & I were greatly saddened to learn of Ricky's death. He was a valiant man, with an eternally upbeat attitude & the heart of a lion. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him, including his "Coots" golfing buddies. We hope that your fond memories will help ease the pain of his departure to God's care.
Tom & Barbara
Merl/Charles Morman
January 3, 2009
Sydney, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time in your life. We have such fond memories of Rick and you even though sometimes during other sad times. I will never forget the afternoon you and Rick arrived in Arlington just before Bill's passing, the expression on Rick's face and the soon passing of Bill as though he had been waiting for his friend to arrive. As you face sad and lonely days ahead, I know that Rick would want you to smile and remember the love and good times the two of you shared. You will find peace in knowing that you were there until the last to share that love with him.
GREAT TIMES! Rick with buddies Jerry, Joe and Mike in Alaska on a fishing trip.
January 2, 2009
Cindy Hayner
January 2, 2009
My dad was the best dad ever...one who put his kid's needs/wants above his own. I have so many memories of him, but one that sticks out right now, is him saving the best part of his steak...for ME! He was always doing things like that for his kids...and grandkids.
I will always remember his hugs, his encouraging words, and for his protection in my life. His daughters and grandkids will miss him in our daily lives, but will always cherish the memories and keep them close in heart.
Thank you Sydney for everything and being close to his side. No words can describe how much that means to all of us....we love you always.
Sandy Courtney Hayes
January 2, 2009
Dear Sydney and family,
Your love and care of Ricky during your time together and especially these last few years iis a salve to my soul as I grieve over the death of my dear friend, Ricky. Altho I didn't know Ricky after high school, I can tell you he was wonderful as a young man, kind, affectionate, considerate,hard-working(he carried out grocieries at Big Chain), funny,there was just no down side to him. Ricky was very respectful to parents, mine just loved him, and he was very close to his, especially to his mother. I will miss him, I tried to find him for a long time, thank you again, Sydney for your great kindness in allowing me to reconnect with my friend before he died. There are many of us who will always love Ricky, but none more than you.
Bronwyn Pollkehn
January 1, 2009
Dear cousin Sydney,
Words cannot express how the news of Rick's passing has saddened me. I know how very hard it would have been for you to let him go Sydney - your love and devotion was palpable even from this far away. It is soothing to know that Rick is no longer in pain. That he is free now from the past 3 long years of torment that you both so bravely endured. My thoughts and prayers are with you both still. I have sent Rick's obituary up to Bruce, that he might inform Mum. She will be in touch soon. I'm sending my love to bolster your strength-
your cousin,
Stace and Jason Adams
January 1, 2009
Sydney,
We wanted you to know that we are thinking of you. We know you have so many family and friends who are there with you now. We wish we could have been there too. Uncle Rick did so much for me and I will never forget him for his kindness and geneorosity. You both were also so kind when Dad was so sick and you both planned all of the trips he wanted to go on. You and Rick were always thinking of Dad and I know how thrilled he was when he came back from each and every one of those trips. I also remember you both driving to see Dad before he passed away. You both went into his room and spoke with him and and seconds later he passed away. He was waiting for you both before he left us. That is how much he, too loved you both. Uncle Rick will be missed by so many people for so many different reasons but I know mainly for his kindness. We love you Sydney and if there is anything we can do for you please let us know. You are in our prayers daily (as you both have been since Uncle Rick was diagnosed). We all have lost a wonderful man. We love you Sydney,
Jason and Stace Adams
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