Victor Eugene Brown

Victor Eugene Brown Victor Brown, longtime Lakewood resident, died July 30, 2011. He was born in Mount Vernon, Washington, September 24, 1923, the son of Victor and Hattie Brown. He graduated from Mount Vernon High School where he served as student body president and lettered in football, basketball, and baseball, an early indication of a life-long love of sports. Vic joined the U.S. Coast Guard in January 1942, shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He was stationed first in Pearl Harbor and later served aboard the USS Arthur Middleton where he participated in landing Marine troops at fronts in the Pacific. After recovering from illness in San Diego, he was stationed in Seattle. Vic and Margaret Catherine Mattes were married on Victory in Europe (V.E.) Day, May 8, 1945. After discharge from the military in the fall of 1945, Vic enrolled at the University of Washington under the G.I. Bill. He completed a bachelor's degree and the requirements for a teaching certificate in four years. A. G. Hudtloff, superintendent of the Clover Park Schools, hired Vic and four other G.I. Bill graduates of the University of Washington to teach at Clover Park Junior/Senior High School. Vic taught physical education and served as attendance counselor and guidance counselor during his thirty-year career at Clover Park. He coached varsity, junior varsity, and junior high football; varsity and junior varsity baseball; and sophomore basketball. Retirement years brought volunteering for Hospice, lots of tennis, and travel, including yearly trips to Arizona for Seattle Mariners spring training. There was also time to visit with five wonderful grandchildren. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Margaret Brown; children, Sandra Tucker, Nancy Brown, Charles Bates, and Margaret Ann Gleason; grandchildren, Michael Tucker, David Tucker, Matthew Bates, Sara Bates, and Patrick Gleason; and spouses of children, Harvey Tucker, Diane Cassidy, and Frank Gleason. A memorial event will be held at the Mountain View Celebration of Life Center, 4100 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood WA, on Monday, August 8, with ceremonies beginning at 4:30 p.m. Donations may be made in Vic's name to the Clover Park Foundation, 7307 82nd St Ct SW, Lakewood WA, 98498.