The family of Don Brown are mourning the passing of their patriarch, while celebrating a life rich in epic experience, longtime friends, and a million happy family gatherings.

Donald Raeman Brown was born on May 21, 1942, to Gordon and Barbara Brown. He grew up in Shorewood with his two younger brothers Norman and Jim.

After attending the University of Washington, Don joined the West Seattle Herald/Burien Times. Don married Janet Campagna, and welcomed two sons, David Gordon and Michael George. Janet moved to California and Colorado, but eventually returned to the Northwest, embraced by the entire Brown family, until her passing.

In 1971, Don moved to Vashon with his two boys to a farmhouse in Cove. Shortly after, Don met Barbie Brown and her little son, Morgan Sebastian from Ellisport. They were married in Makaha, Oahu, HI. A fourth son joined them, Jordan Raeman.

Always an avid film buff, in 1974 Don purchased the Island Theatre. Don enjoyed supplementing the mainstream movie selections by bringing important foreign and independent films (and the occasional X-rated film, despite controversy). Don supported production of many musical stage acts, including several enactments of The Sandiford Day Parade, featuring local talent, and MC’d by Billy Sandiford, the Parade’s baton-twirling namesake.

Don next embarked on a life as a house builder, starting with the magical 3-story Tudor cottage in Cove where the family lived for 25 years, set back on the land behind the pond. Later, Don built five houses on the Island, designed by his talented architect son, David.

On a vacation to Costa Rica in the early 2000s, Don found his refuge, and spent the next 14 winters in Costa Rica and Panama, returning in April each year for the upcoming parade of birthdays, holidays, picnics, May Poles, baseball games, and BBQs in his lush and beautiful “Pointless Forest.”

Don honored his dear ones who went before him, and who were treasures in his memory: Father Gordon, Mother Barbara, adored brother, James Brown, Janet Brown, Uncle Delmer, Aunt Stella; and dear Auntie Pat.

Don was devoted to his sons, and was treasured as “Bumpa” by his grandchildren, Molly, Zane, Zander, Ely, and Grace, always staying close by phone between visits.

Don leaves behind: Son David Brown {his wife Lisa Mazor} of Santa Barbara, (granddaughter Molly and grandson Zane); son Michael Brown of Vashon, current master of the “Pointless Forest,” {his lady Amber and bonus granddaughter Grace}; son Jordan Brown {his wife Andrea} of Wenatchee, (grandsons Zander Cornelius Brown and Elyas Lillard Brown); stepson Morgan Snyder of Port Townsend; Brother Norman Brown of California and Utah, nephews Jeffrey Brown (grandnephews Jake and Carson), Michael Ames Brown (grand-niece Lily), and niece Nicole Brown (grand-niece Arabella and grand-nephew Ames); children of late brother, James, nephew Aaron Brown, of Vashon (grand nephews Jack and Max); Niece Rose Brown McCormick (mother of grand-nieces Gemma and new baby Lily); nieces Debbie and Jennifer; Barbie Brown (Valentine For Life), and his many friends over the years.

Don’s wide-flung family will gather in May for a final and fond farewell.