David Alan Brown, a.k.a. “Mr. Brown”
A long time resident of Qualicum Beach, died on Friday May 3rd, 2013 at the age of 64. He passed away peacefully in his sleep, the result of heart failure, while residing in Swanzey, New Hampshire.
David was born the son of Olga (Semack) and James D. Brown in Bethesda, Maryland on June 30, 1948. He attended public schools in Washington DC, and Rockville, Maryland graduating from Richard Montgomery High School class of 1966. David attended post secondary education at the University of Victoria in 1988 with a Bachelors Degree in Education, later receiving his Masters Degree in Education.
David was a veteran of the Vietnam War era. He served as a member of the U.S. Air Force from May 1, 1969 until January 12, 1973. He was a long range detection radar operator and served a year in Thule, Greenland. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant.
He was a well traveled man, and called many places home. In the late 1970’s and early 1980’s he lived in Hollywood and worked as an equipment and stage manager for many notable popular soul and rock musicians including Rita Coolridge whom he went on tour with to several countries. It was in Hollywood that David met and married, Kathleen Hall. They eventually relocated to Victoria, British Columbia, where they had their daughter, Chelsea Angelena Brown, and pursued their education degrees. David became a teacher of English, History, and Band at Oceanside Middle School in the Qualicum Beach school district. It was here he became, “Mr. Brown.” He was a passionate and talented teacher, and formed many meaningful connections with his students as he inspired them along their pathways through education. He had a unique way of bringing out the best in his students, even those others found to be especially challenging.
He retired in 2011 and moved to Swanzey, New Hampshire to care for his elderly father. In his last year, David volunteered at the Castle Center retirement community in Keene where he played his guitar and sang, which regularly had members of the audience up and dancing to the tunes of years gone by.
David was a kind and loving man. He had a huge heart and was an amazing father to Chelsea. He had many skills and interests, but music was his primary passion. He was an accomplished musician, songwriter, and poet. His music was a gift, which he shared with many people, and his memory will certainly live on through his songs.
Mr. Brown is survived by his daughter, Chelsea Angelena Brown of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; Kathleen Hall, of Qualicum Beach, his former wife and life-long friend; his father, James D. Brown of Swanzey, brothers John M. Brown and his wife Rebecca of Swanzey, James D. Brown and his wife Kristen of Little River, CA. Thomas D. Brown and his wife Patti Madigan of Comptche, CA., and Paul A. Brown and his wife Toni of Olney, MD. In addition he leaves nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends all over North America. David is pre deceased by his mother Olga Brown who passed on November 25, 1997.
A celebration of David’s life will be held at the Arrowsmith Hall on the Coombs fairground, Saturday, June 8, at 2 PM; anyone who would like to share in this celebration is welcome to attend.