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Larry Brown Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Larry Brown
Bill Kanasky
September 20, 2020
I am embarrassed to say that I just found this. I am deeply saddened by Coach Brown's passing as he had a great impact on my life while i attended LMHS. He was very tough on me...which is exactly what I needed. Sandy was always very good to me as well. Larry was an amazing person and I learned a lot from him.
Eduardo Rivera
March 17, 2005
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Brown's family and his countless friends. I am only now hearing the news of his passing, and it pains me to know that this world is without him.
I had the pleasure of attending Mr. Brown's AP Physics course at Lake Howell High School during the 94-95 school year. That year, and my time in his classroom - before, during, and after class - would turn out to be the most critical year of my maturation into a thinking, feeling human being.
By 1994, I had become so disillusioned with high school that I wanted nothing more than to leave for college and never look back. Mr. Brown knew the feelings I was experiencing and provided a stable, sincere sounding board for me to express myself, all the while providing guidance to my conflicted self.
Throughout the year, I grew to respect him more than any teacher I had ever had, and this respect ultimately lead me to choose him as my Silver Scholar sponsor at years' end.
Mr. Brown got me to think and feel about myself without boundaries, teaching me not only the mechanics of the physical world around us, but also the mechanics of the human spirit. Thank you for everything Mr. Brown. You made all the difference.
Rest in Peace,
Jackie Walker(McCormick)
February 21, 2005
I am so saddened to hear of the loss of, "the man, the myth, the legend". As I have read these entries, I see those words are so true to life. Just the other day I was sitting with a LMHS alumni pal and we were going through the yearbook. I came accross Larry's photo and wondered where the greatest teacher I ever had was. I tried to call LMHS to find out, but didn't get to talk to anyone. Later that day, my friend called me and said she had asked another friend about him and was given the devastating news. I was sick to hear that such a beautiful human being was no longer with us. I wish I had known as I would have gone to his service at LMHS. What a teacher, what a man!!!!! He actually made physics fun. After my physics final I couldn't wait to find out my score. I came to see Coach Brown the day after school ended. He handed me my final, which I quickly scanned for the grade. 100 % I looked up at him and said, " Damn, your a good teacher," at which he replied,"No, damn your a good student." That has to be the most satisfying moment of my life. He had such an impact on me and every other student that he ever taught. I've always said that a good teacher is someone who entertains while they teach. Downtown Larry Brown was the KING!!!!!
We took the party with us!
December 18, 2004
Yesterday
December 18, 2004
Mrs. Larry Dale Brown
December 18, 2004
Ah, Mr. Brown--you had me at Hello! That smile, those laughing eyes--I lived every day for your smile, right up through the last day. I fell in love with you on our first date. I was hooked even more the evening you picked up a comb and brush and helped my daughter get her hair "just right" for her Senior Prom.
Mr. Man, your students were right when they refer to you as "Larry Brown--the Man, the Myth, the Legend!" You brought new meaning to the term "Renaissance Man." Physics teacher extraordinaire, football and weightlifting coach, golfer, author, neighbor, mentor, friend, father, and husband--no matter what you did, you always gave it 150%. Sometimes your overwhelming sense of responsibility, honor, and fair play worked against you, but you never wavered in your beliefs. You were always a team player.
LD, you fought the good fight, fair and square. You made sure that we were taken care of since you won't be here to do it yourself. Never did a day go by in more than the 18 years we were married that you didn't thank me for every meal I cooked, (even the burnt offerings!) You told me at least a half-dozen times each day that you loved me, even when it was extremely difficult for you to speak.
Larry Dale, you are, and always will be my hero, and I will love you forever.
Nicole Read
November 22, 2004
The most influential instructor I have ever had from elementary through graduate school was “Downtown” Larry Dale Brown. He made those complex adolescent years of high school much easier and affected my life in an academic, athletic, and personal way as a mentor and a friend. In two years in his classes at LHHS we were always welcomed into the classroom with a myriad of Brownisms such as “There’s no high like Lake Howell High,” “Every day’s a holiday,” “I’m in your helmet,” “You’re not punching my ticket on this guilt trip,” “Take a ride on the partial credit train to success,” and many more. He added humor to teaching and gained the respect of his students by first respecting them as evidenced by his Silver Scholar Teacher Awards from numerous students year after year. My sympathies go out to Mrs. Brown and the girls, but even more so to those high school kids out there who will never get to experience one of the greatest spirits the profession of teaching has ever known. Thank you Mr. Brown for raising the bar! - Nikki
Corey Lund
November 16, 2004
Larry Brown was definitely more than a teacher to me and the many others students he taught, he was a friend and a confidante. I had the privilege of being in his class room for 2 years at Lake Mary. He would take time to talk about anything you had on your mind, scholastic or personal. I have never had a teacher who cared so much for his students and to this day, I have never had a teacher that I respected more than Larry Brown. He will be missed.
Nancy Diaz
November 16, 2004
"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat."
-Teddy Roosevelt, 1910
We'll miss you and God Bless!
Ryan Berger
November 16, 2004
Throughout my years of schooling, Larry Brown was the one teacher that looked and spoke to me not as a teacher to a student, but as one person to another. I am profoundly saddened to hear of his passing. I believe that he was the best man and teacher that I had the priveledge of knowing. Thank you, Larry. For you, I hope that there is a heaven.
Richard Nelson
November 16, 2004
Sandy ,we are so sorry for your loss ,we will deeply miss Larry, it was my pleasure to be with him this last year, will miss his big smile when I walked in ,he was a dear friend and Buddy.
Scott Perry
November 16, 2004
Mrs. Brown, this was my dedication to Coach Brown at his big gathering. It contains some of my fondest memories of him. He is missed. Love, Scott Perry
Larry Brown- The Man, The Myth, The Legend
I have known Larry Brown for 12 years. He taught me physics for two years. I kept in contact with him while I was at the University of Florida, then he took me under his wing when I started coaching high school football.
Coach Brown showed me the ropes of high school coaching, not just the X’s and O’s but the things the make a coach great- football humor and one-liners. He made it fun for the kids, and all the coaches. That is not an easy thing to do- make a 0-8 JV football season a fun one. The kids played their hearts out, we coached as well as we could, we were in every game, we just didn’t get the win. You see, usually a team needs some size and some speed to be successful. And as Coached Brown exclaimed “We’re small but were slow”- And after we lost our last game, when we were silently putting the last of the equipment away Coach Brown said “Well Coaches- There’s no High like Lake Howell High- where everyday’s a holiday!”
And that’s how Coach Brown is. He knows how to make the unpleasant things a little easier to take with humor. He made football fun. He even made Physics fun- and I am a history teacher! We’re not supposed to say things like that.
But seriously, Larry Brown is a person who positively impacts the lives of those around him. Just look around, he has affected all of us in some way. He is the reason I got into the field of education in the first place.(Some people might curse him for that!) He truly inspired me. I hope to affect students the same way he affected his. He treats people with respect and kindness, making everyone feel important. He makes school fun, and on the bad days, he makes us feel better. He is the type of teacher I aspire to be.
One of the bad days happened when I played football at UF. Now since Coach Brown is from Washington, I sometimes questioned whether he came to Gainesville to see the Gators play or did he and Mrs. Brown just love the 12 hour tailgate partys! I know we both enjoyed Spurrier quotes like Free Shoes University. After this one game I had made a few tackles, but I missed a Quarterback sack! In front of 85,000 fans plus a national TV audience. I had heard an earful from the coaches and other players. When we met up with the Browns for the post game tailgating, Coach Brown could tell I was upset about it. But in his natural way of making people feel better, he said “Well, I think the refs might have blown it. I’m not convinced his knee wasn’t down- we’ll have to check the film on that one.” And after watching the film I could see it clearly- the quarterback wasn’t even close to being down, but coach Brown sure made me feel better that day.
Besides the knowledge he teaches students, he is always willing to go to great lengths to help others. He freely gives of himself when a student or coworker needs him for projects or advice. He handled all the lighting problems for the Lake Mary choir concerts for years. Considering the quantity of concerts and the level of perfection that’s expected by Mrs. Nilsen- that’s true dedication.
I forgot the equations for finding the vectors of forces acting on a projectile and all that other Physics stuff. But I remember what you teach all your students and players about the lessons of life: to respect others, to act with kindness and sensitivity, and to use humor to enjoy life.
Lastly, I want to thank Coach Brown for the lifelong gift of a happy marriage. I was married December 29th. When I told the Browns about the engagement, both he and Mrs. Brown congratulated me. Then he took me aside and said “Scott, I suppose this was inevitable--- that eventually you’d get married and settle down.” Then he imparted upon me the three phrases that are vital to a long, happy union. “Use them daily,” he said. “Yes, dear! Sorry, dear! And, It’s all my fault dear!”
Thanks Coach, and as you always say- You’re a gentleman and a scholar.
April 12, 2003 Smith/Tocco Wedding
November 16, 2004
Susanna (Su) Tocco (Smith)
November 16, 2004
It's hard to sum up everything about the gifts that Mr. Brown gave his students, friends and family. It's one of those actions speak louder than words and that's the truth.
Sandy, you are a beautiful, strong person! I'm so glad that the two of you could meet and spend time together, love each other so deeply that the whole world can learn from your love, loyalty, courage and strength. I will always remember the two of you and put lessons you've taught me in to my own marriage.
My blessings to Mr. Brown, you and your family.
Michael Owens
November 15, 2004
Sandy,
In the dictionary next to "indomitable spirit" there must be a picture of Larry. He will always remain my hero.
My thoughts are with you and yours.
Laurie Dickey
November 15, 2004
Sandy---i just heard about this today. I am so so sorry to hear this news. I am thinking about you. Life can be so unfair, and I just don't get it. Laurie
Stephen Heidt
November 15, 2004
There are few people that I have known in my life that truly deserve the introduction, "The Man, The Myth, The Legend", and Mr. Larry Brown is truly one of those individuals.
His sphere of influence transcended the physics classroom, football field, and even the halls of Lake Mary High. I think one of the highest praises that you can give a person is to be able to say that every single person that crossed paths with Larry Brown is better for having made that connection.
His passion for life, his students, his players, and his family is an inspiration to us all and a roadmap for how to live life to its fullest!
Our prayers and thoughts go out to Larry's family in this time of grief, as well as our appreciation for sharing him with us, if even for much too brief a time. The world is clearly much better for having had him in it!
God bless,
Kevin Tyll
November 15, 2004
I am saddened by the news of the loss of such a great person, but I am thrilled to see he has touched so many more lives than mine. I was priviged enough to have him as a teacher for 2 years at Lake Mary LMHS c/o '91. Thank you for being a mentor. I will miss you "Coach".
Matthew Fiedler
November 15, 2004
Larry was my AP Physics teacher in 90'-91' at Lake Mary HS. I remember that some of his JV football players were trying to fight me one night at a football game...I was a nerd in high school, so I guess I was an easy target. I managed to escape the night without any problems thanks to some friends of mine. The next week I saw Larry flipping through his files on his JV players (he had pictures with them as well) and pointed out some of the players and what had happened. Understanding my situaion and being upset that it had happened, he told me not to worry about it anymore...he would take care of it. I was never bothered by them after that. I think he had a way with people and helping them see how to better carry themselves and make good decisions. I imagine that is what made him such a great teacher. He was full of energy and bringing ideas off the paper and showing us how they worked in real life. He cared a great deal for all of his students and I can only imagine the level of dedication and love he had for his family and friends. He is someone that will surely be missed by many, yet their lives were enriched more than they might realize in knowing him. It is hard when you see one of the good guys taken from us at such a young age, but someone once told me when people die young that God must need him more than we do. I am sure Larry will bless more lives than we know now.
Andrew Rothenberg
November 15, 2004
I would like to say that my families thoughts and prayers are with you. You and coach Brown are both terrific people and I'm sure that he is watching over all of us.
GOD BLESS!
Connie Micklo
November 14, 2004
Larry Brown was by far the most influential person I came across in my young life. He was much more than a physics teacher and my Silver Scholars mentor. From the first day when he said, "good morning Miss Mary Sunshine," I knew this was a man who would understand me and would lead me to do things I never though possible. Things he taught me carried me through my undergraduate and now my graduate degree and into life. Words can not express how happy I am to have had the opportunity to know him and I hope as a physical therapist I can have the impact on people with ALS that he had on his students. Everyone who knows him has been touched by an angel. My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends. We'll all miss you greatly.
Miss Mary Sunshine
Lake Howell High, c/o 1997
Chrissy Mitchell
November 13, 2004
Larry Brown was truly the most amazing teacher I've ever had in my life. The lessons he taught were not only about physics but also about life. He cared so much about his students, and was always there to encourage them and direct them on the right path. The life lessons and guidance he provided to me will stay with me always. He was and will always be "the man, the myth, the legend."
Pedro Meza
November 13, 2004
Sixteen years have passed since I last encountered 'Coach' Larry Brown or since I calculated the result of dropping a 100 lb squirrel on a person, made a rubber band car, or tried to calculate how hard I would have to jump inside a falling elevator to avoid injury.
But I still think about all those problems, the physics, and the person who encouraged me and used humor to make learning fun. I never enjoyed another class or teacher as much. I still use his humor in my everyday life such as "His mind is like a steel trap always shut...", "The man the myth the legend"... The other day I even redesigned my design for a rubber band car, (my first one didn't do so well).
In conclusion, I am thankful for Larry Brown, his physics, his humor, his heart, and his presence and influence in my life.
Pedro
Carmine M Bravo
November 12, 2004
Larry was a tremendous influence on my children. For that I say, thank you, and may God greet him with the same love and cordiality that Larry extended to all around him. Carmine Bravo
Alan Migliorato
November 12, 2004
God bless your family. He will be missed here. I always liked and respected Coach Brown. The last time I saw him was at the Flea Market in Sanford. Your family has my prayers and thoughts with you always. - Alan Migliorato.
Chris Bravo
November 12, 2004
Sandy,
The times I spent with you and Larry are some of my fondest memories from high school. I still use some of his phrases like calling my kids "Little Avocadoes" or "F=MA and you can't push a rope unless the diameter is greater than the length."
Larry was such an encouragement and had a way to always emphasize the bright side. I'm a better person for the time I spent with him, and there are more like me than you can imagine.
I believe in heaven we get to see all the lives we've touched and people we've blessed. In Larry's case, he's going to have a lot to see.
You and your family are in my prayers.
Sandra Wilson Watford, Lake Mary class of 1990
November 12, 2004
Larry Brown, "The Man, The Myth, The Legend"...was the best teacher I ever had. He not only made physics FUN, he touched the lives of every student who passed through his classroom. My prayers will be with you, Sandy, and your girls.
Patrick Tighe
November 12, 2004
Mr. Brown, "Downtown" Larry Brown, will always be remembered for the smile on his face, the laugh of his voice, and the loving words he shared daily about his family. A gracious and humble genius, compassionate and inspiring teacher. The lives he touched must be innumerable.
Anush Collins
November 12, 2004
Sandy,
My deepest sympathies for you and your family's loss. You and your husband were two of Lake Mary's best. I know I am a better person to have known him. God bless you both.
Griselle Martinez
November 12, 2004
Dear Sandy,
It was probably 4-5 yrs ago when during a school luncheon I sat across from you and your husband. I remember you getting up from your seat, in order to get Larry a dessert. As you walked towards the table, his eyes followed you and then with teary eyes he said, "I am blessed to have the best wife a man could ever have."
How lucky for both of you to have found each other; not to mention the beautiful memories that will last forever. I am sure that Larry will always be watching over you.
My children (Dutch & Blake) and I will always remember Larry with love.
Griselle,Dutch & Blake
MR. & MRS. PABLO RAMIREZ
November 12, 2004
Larry was God's golden child on earth. Now he is sitting next to God as a golden angel. Larry's memories are of happy times, laughing times, friendship and love. He has left a part of him in everyone.
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