ForeverMissed
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This memorial was created in memory of our long time dear friend Lynn Brown, who left us suddenly at 12:20 am on January 2, 2014.  We welcome you to join the family in a celebration of Lynn's life to be held on Saturday January 18th at ARF in Walnut Creek, 4-6pm.  A true celebration with fond memories, stories and loving messages about how this tall strong redwood left an impression on our lives throughout his 64 years.  We invite you to share your favorite photos on this site.

Ernest Lynn Brown, better known as Lynn, was born in Utah, March 15, 1949. Survived by his wife of over 44 years, Joyce Hodge Brown, daughters Rochelle Brown Robertson (Nick Robertson), and Jennifer Lynn Brown Peabody (Edwin Peabody III), and 2 loving apples of his eyes grandchildren Emily and Jillian Freeman, along with 9 grandpets (6 dogs 3 cats, 8  all from ARF), brother Paul Brown from Parker, Colorado, and sister Laura Berreth from Cooperopolis, along with several nieces and nephew. He worked for Safeway Stores, Inc for 30 years in Salt Lake City and the Private Label Brands Divisions, and then as a food broker with his own business.  He was an avid sailor/racer and downhill skier, black diamonds all the way was his motto! He enjoyed many outdoor activities with family and friends including camping, beach outings, tropical vacations, backpacking as well as casino nights in the resorts and at home on the dining room table with his best friend and loving companion Joyce. For many decades he had a passion for photography, including his own darkroom prior to the digital age. Finding beauty in everything through the lens was a gifted talent of Lynn’s. There will be a Celebration of Lynn’s Life on January 18, 2014 at Tony LaRussa's Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF). 2890 Mitchell Dr. Walnut Creek, CA from 4pm-6pm. The family prefers no mourning attire - they intend this to be a beached-theme celebration representing some of Lynn's most favorite places and things to do. Feel free to bring a favorite photo of Lynn for the family's memory board.

Donations are preferred and may be made to Tony LaRussa's ARF in Honor of Lynn Brown, and can be sent to the address listed or online https://secure3.convio.net/arf/site/Donation2;jsessionid=83442949C7A99D8E09D044EF17B74FE4.app367b?df_id=1840&1840.donation=form1 

 (Obituary Lynn Brown)

March 15
March 15
Here’s to YOUUUU Lynn on what would have been your 75th birthday.  Miss your laughter and conversations.  Hugs to you in heaven.
January 2, 2023
January 2, 2023
Dad, its hard to believe you have not been with us for 9 years, and yet at times only feels like minutes. Your presence is with me every day, at times it’s laughter at a memory, a song on the radio, and at times tears because of a stupid commercial or scene with a father and daughter on the screen, but mostly it’s knowing how proud you are/would be of Rochelle, Emily, Jill, and I. I am overseeing the clinic and foster department at ARF, and recently hit my 19 year mark.

You would LOVE our new girl, Layla. I can’t believe we have a golden retriever and I have known her since she was 8 weeks old! We saved her and her litter , literally, 7 little sick lives saved from severe dehydration. She was pretty ill when she arrived to ARF. Then thrived after our care and foster care. A couple months after adoption, she broke her left rear leg when running into a step! She is all better now and thriving!

I miss you. In case you didn’t hear that, I miss you!

Dad, you helped me get to where I am today, your love and guidance has helped me achieve goal and some dreams. Thank you for continuing to be there for me. I love you.


January 2, 2023
January 2, 2023
Already 9 years around the sun, though it still seems like just yesterday when we would hear your laughter and chatting it up in the kitchen while making the bloody mary's. We continue to toast your memory and invite your spirit to ski with us on the steep corduroy runs each year. Will see you on the other side someday - until then, cheers to you Mr. Brown - continue to rest in peace.    Jeff & Dory
January 2, 2023
January 2, 2023
Big Brother Lynn - Janet and I sure do miss you! Your wit and wisdom as a big brother shaped me when it was needed. We have a grandson now and we are over the moon with him. I'm sure you would love him as much as we do. Thank you for a life well lived and all the positive things you've done in so many lives. Miss you bro - Black Diamonds forever!
March 15, 2020
March 15, 2020
Happy Birthday Mr. Brown. Here's to you!
March 15, 2020
March 15, 2020
Happy birthday, Dad!

A couple weeks ago you were in my dream for a quick visit. You wanted to make some guacamole, I handed you the avocados. That was it, but I sure did love the brief encounter.

I love and miss you so much.
January 4, 2020
January 4, 2020
Big Bro - We sure do miss you but you'd be so proud of the "legacy" you've left behind. Joyce and the girls are doing so well. We had a great visit with all for Joyce's Birthday (surprise) and your girls can keep a secret ! Spent a week with Joyce in Kauai - saw the beach where some of your ashes were scattered - so many special memories ! I watched your tribute between Christmas and New Years - I was inspired and encouraged - you still lift my spirits and inspire me to live my life to the fullest ! Black Diamonds all the way Bro ! You are forever in my heart Ernie ! Missing you but holding fast to the memories.
March 15, 2018
March 15, 2018
Happy Birthday my friend, we do miss you!
January 2, 2016
January 2, 2016
I can't believ it has been 2 years since you were taken from us. This holiday season was a bit less hard than last year. You are here with us always. Remembering the last Thanksgiving & Christmas we had together will be cherrished always. The laughs we all had will echo in my heart always. Love you, Dad.
January 2, 2015
January 2, 2015
Still hard to believe Lynn is gone. It seems like only yesterday he and Joyce were sitting on on our patio one warm summer evening discussing the world around us. He was taken way way too early, but forever remembered. Our thoughts are with you girls today and always. Lots of good memories to bless us all.
January 2, 2015
January 2, 2015
I hope you are at peace. You would be so very proud of your family. They have all been so strong. Your positive outlook on life definitely reached them all. You are missed and thought of with many wonderful feelings and beautiful long lasting memories. Continue to watch over them with your love, kindness and blessings <3
January 24, 2014
January 24, 2014
I only worked with Lynn for a year, but he was one of the most patient, kindest managers I have ever encountered. I so appreciated his frank communication, always tempered with humor. You will be missed Lynn! Sending much love to the family.
January 18, 2014
January 18, 2014
Joyce, Rochelle, and Jennifer (Dory, Jeff and all you close friends): I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs & prayers to all of you. I’ve know Lynn and Joyce over 20 years now and have many fond memories of our time together. I enjoyed skiing with you at Mammoth, Whistler, Park City, and Jackson Hole. Loved playing the “99” card game on many of those Ski trip nights. From Pinecrest, to Tahoe, Lazer Tag, retirement parties, weddings and birthday parties you were always just a blast to hang out with! Miss you.
January 18, 2014
January 18, 2014
Rochelle,

Sending my love, hugs and prayers to you and your family.

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
~ Mary Elizabeth Frye
January 17, 2014
January 17, 2014
I am truly blessed and enriched for having known Lynn while he shared his life with all of us. He was a gentle man that we all looked up to and I know he will not be forgotten. Great memories of cooking, costuming, camping, and concocting drinks will stay with me forever. Fly with the angels my friend. Love you......Sylvia
January 16, 2014
January 16, 2014
Joyce I want you to know I am thinking of you and your beautiful family. Whenever I think of Kauai or Maui I always think of you and Lynn and all those wonderful trips and adventures you both went on. So sorry for your loss-Heather
January 16, 2014
January 16, 2014
Joyce, I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great man, who always took the time to say "hello". I am not one for words, but I wanted to let you know that he made an impact on some many peoples lives and he will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to you and your family.
January 13, 2014
January 13, 2014
For Joyce, Rochelle, and Jen - We share your loss but know Lynn wants us to all be strong and lead great lives and make him proud in the choices we make - I know all of you are strong and we will carry on !
We love you - Paul & Janet
January 13, 2014
January 13, 2014
Big Bro - Say It ain't so. Seems so unreal to have you gone. Thanks for being the best brother a guy could ask for. So many great memories of skiing and sailing. Thank you for your inspirational eye for great photography but even more thank you for your wisdom and encouragement. Black Diamonds all the way bro. Love you - The "little brother
January 12, 2014
January 12, 2014
Dear Joyce & family,
Lynn was always smiling! He found happiness everywhere and shared the light of joy with everyone who was fortunate to be in his presence.
We will miss him.
Pam & Chuck
January 10, 2014
January 10, 2014
Just want to express my sympathy to you Jen and, of course, your Mom and family. There are no words that can make it be any easier for you all - my heart goes out to you. And I must say, the memoriam on line is absolutely lovely. Your Dad would be very happy to know all that has been written about him. He was quite a guy!! Love, Sheilah
January 10, 2014
January 10, 2014
I find myself standing on this lonely seashore, where I watched your ship sail away from me, and then spread her beautiful white sails to the morning breeze. Your ship became a speck of white cloud, just where the sea and sky come down to mingle with one another, and then you were gone. My heart knows my dearest friend, there were many others that were watching your ship coming towards them, and have wrapped you in their loving arms of peace.

Be well my forever friend.
January 10, 2014
January 10, 2014
We were so sorry to hear of Lynn's passing. It seems way too soon. I guess it is not for us to question God' plan, but that is difficult under such circumstances. We have many fun memories of Lynn and want the family to know we will keep them in our prayers. Brian and Vickie Luiz
January 9, 2014
January 9, 2014
What can I say...so sorry to lose you old neighbor...always kind, always first to offer help...you will be sorely missed, but our hearts will remain full with your essence, your memories...rest in peace until we all meet again in the place where the are no tears, Riccarda Mescola and family
January 9, 2014
January 9, 2014
The saying goes...the candle that burns the brightest...dies the soonest. Lynn was one of the most handsome, nicest, fun-loving....all the traits that have been mentioned are so true! He not only loved his family deeply....but life in general! I'll miss seeing he & Joyce together at concerts. I hope & pray rhat all the wonderful, loving, funny memories we have of Lynn will fill the hole in our hearts.
January 9, 2014
January 9, 2014
It has now been a week and I am still reeling from the news of Lynn's death. Even though we weren't close, I have always considered him a friend because of my bond with Joyce and the girls. He was always so sweet to me when we met, usually shopping at the grocery store! When I was still working @ Safeway, I always knew when he came through my line that I didn't need to bag the groceries. Lynn had his system and always bagged everything himself!

I know how much I will miss him, so I can imagine how much those who loved him the most will miss him. He was a good man who loved his family and close friends with his whole heart.

Rest in Peace, Lynn, knowing that your girls have lots of support here on earth!
January 8, 2014
January 8, 2014
High integrity, consistent, fun loving, easy going; these are a few of the positive qualities that Lynn possessed. I will miss his ready smile that was frequently displayed during the years we worked at Safeway and at times I have seen him since retirement. He left the party too early.
January 7, 2014
January 7, 2014
I certainly was a lucky man to have worked with Lynn at Safeway for nearly 10 years. He was truly a gentleman and always took the time to help me in any way he could. Although he had a lot of pressure on the job I never saw him "lose" it with anyone.  I loved his sense of humor and his never ending smile.
January 7, 2014
January 7, 2014
From Webster's, the definition of Lynn: a rare combination of intelligence, kindness, acuity, understanding, straight-talking, science, and comedic delivery that comes together in a handsome, redwood-like frame. Lynn, we love you and will miss you. Happy-healthy...happy-healthy...gone, but never forgotten.
January 6, 2014
January 6, 2014
Lynn's passing is a reminder of how precious our lives are. Will always remember Lynn's smile and friendly mannerism in our discussions at Safeway - a true gentleman. I also enjoyed our conversations regarding sailing, along with his skillful sailing trips. He taught me what " wing on wing" meant in sailing - may the wind continue to fill his sails. We pray for peace and comfort for Joyce and family.
January 6, 2014
January 6, 2014
Our circle of friends has been broken once again as we say goodbye to Lynn, although he will remain forever in our hearts. Lynn always stood out above the crowd, being tall and strong like a "Redwood" tree, as he was also known. When I met Lynn I thought of him as a gentle giant, so kind, friendly, optimistic, gentle, yet full of life and love! Through the years we had so much fun at Pinecrest, Shinnyboo, Tahoe, Pool Parties, New Year's Eve, Wine Tasting, Holiday Parties, and especially when Joyce & Lynn, along with their daughters hosted with their excellent culinary talents! There are so many wonderful memories that we will hold dear, along with the gift of friendship with this truly remarkable man!


I will be in Maui for the Celebration of Lynn's life. I wish I could be in two places at once, as my heart and spirit will be with the family and friends of Lynn. I will definitely lift a Mai Tai to Lynn and toast to him--here's to Lynn and a life well lived! You were taken too suddenly and too soon, but you will never be forgotten. May Lynn, Brian, Jack, Keith and those that have gone before us watch over us now...until we meet again!
January 6, 2014
January 6, 2014
No words can discribe how sadden Peter and I are of Lynn's loss. We cherish the many many years of friendship and fond memories. You will be deeply missed. Our hearts reach out to all of the the Brown family.
January 6, 2014
January 6, 2014
It's hard to express my sorrow and lost feeling with the passing of a GREAT friend and business partner. Lynn will truly be missed by all of us who were fortunate to have crossed his path. God bless old friend.
January 5, 2014
January 5, 2014
After suddenly losing my brother this August, I totallllly get the pain of death. It straight up SUCKS. And I know you will be blessed with many gifts during this time and Lynn will be orchestrating many of them. Sending you all love and patience with this process (it's not for the timid). Wrapping you in blessings for healing and getting through each day.
January 5, 2014
January 5, 2014
I'm finding it difficult to express how sad I am of the passing of Lynn. I knew him and Joyce as well as their beautiful girls for over 25 years if not longer. Lynn was a wonderful man, husband and father. He will be greatly missed by so many.
January 5, 2014
January 5, 2014
God bless you, Redwood. You were a wonderful father to my wonderful friend. I love you Jen. Praying every night for peace for your family.
January 5, 2014
January 5, 2014
Joyce, Rochelle and Jennifer, so sad to hear about your tremendous loss. May your warm memories help ease your pain. My deepest condolences, truly. Prayers for you and Lynn's granddaughters.
January 5, 2014
January 5, 2014
Lynn was an exceptionally talented photographer. We still proudly display photographs in our home that he gave to us years ago. I am deeply sorry for your loss. I know that my father greatly admired Lynn and felt it was a privilege to work with him.
January 5, 2014
January 5, 2014
Lynn, You were always a Bright Light! May Your Light continue to shine brightly through All those who knew and Loved you! I feel honored to have known you from skiing in Whistler to River rafting on the American to Laser Tag in Concord to name a few fond memories. As well as helping you and Joyce refinance your home. I send LOVE to You and your family at this most difficult time.
January 5, 2014
January 5, 2014
I will be forever grateful for the many contributions Lynn made while we worked together for many years at Safeway. He was a great guy and a real gentleman. Joyce, I am so sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.
January 5, 2014
January 5, 2014
The loss of a friend is always hard to deal with, but there comes a time in life when one hits at an extreme that's very difficult to bear. This is such a time, and our hearts and sympathy reach out to Joyce and the family. 

"Redwood" was my dear friend for 38 years, and Sandie's for a slightly shorter time. His moniker was aptly applied: tall, strong and with a solid footing on the ground of life. He was our finest example of what a marriage and family should produce, and we loved him very much. 

Our hearts ache, and we will miss him beyond anything words can express. Rest easy in the arms of God my brother.
January 5, 2014
January 5, 2014
Joyce, we are so sorry for your tremendous loss. I am looking at the picture of Emerald Bay, which I am sure you remember painting. It hangs in the family room and it makes me feel closer to you with many fond memories of Lynn of our kayaking trip. The last time we saw you and Lynn we sat across the table from you at a crab feed. He was such a great man and kind to everyone. We want you to know that you and your family will be forever in our thoughts and prayers.
January 5, 2014
January 5, 2014
Joyce, Rochelle, Jennifer, Emily and Gillian,
My heart is heavy with your tremendous loss; you are iny thoughts constantly during this incredibly difficult time. Hold dear your memories as they will help to sustain you in the coming days. Lynn will shine forever in each of you with his amazing love.
January 5, 2014
January 5, 2014
Totchie, Rochelle, Jen, Emily and Jillian words can not express the sadness in my heart for you all. I truly can't get my brain around this one, but what I do know is that Poppy would have had an optimistic way to find a silver lining even in these days of utter heartbreak. I will be forever grateful to have been a part of his life. The unconditional love for his family is priceless and I hope that with each passing day you 5 beautiful women find peace and comfort in his amazing memory.
I love you all and I will keep you in my thoughts <3
January 4, 2014
January 4, 2014
We were so saddened to hear of Lynn's passing.. I know that Lynn was well loved and respected. He had great character and a big heart. May your heart and soul find peace and comfort. Keeping you all in our prayers.
January 4, 2014
January 4, 2014
Our family loved and will greatly miss Uncle Lynn. So thankful for our family visit this past summer. I will always remember his warm, friendly smiles, and he and Auntie Joyce bustling around the kitchen together preparing delicious food.
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Recent Tributes
March 15
March 15
Here’s to YOUUUU Lynn on what would have been your 75th birthday.  Miss your laughter and conversations.  Hugs to you in heaven.
January 2, 2023
January 2, 2023
Dad, its hard to believe you have not been with us for 9 years, and yet at times only feels like minutes. Your presence is with me every day, at times it’s laughter at a memory, a song on the radio, and at times tears because of a stupid commercial or scene with a father and daughter on the screen, but mostly it’s knowing how proud you are/would be of Rochelle, Emily, Jill, and I. I am overseeing the clinic and foster department at ARF, and recently hit my 19 year mark.

You would LOVE our new girl, Layla. I can’t believe we have a golden retriever and I have known her since she was 8 weeks old! We saved her and her litter , literally, 7 little sick lives saved from severe dehydration. She was pretty ill when she arrived to ARF. Then thrived after our care and foster care. A couple months after adoption, she broke her left rear leg when running into a step! She is all better now and thriving!

I miss you. In case you didn’t hear that, I miss you!

Dad, you helped me get to where I am today, your love and guidance has helped me achieve goal and some dreams. Thank you for continuing to be there for me. I love you.


January 2, 2023
January 2, 2023
Already 9 years around the sun, though it still seems like just yesterday when we would hear your laughter and chatting it up in the kitchen while making the bloody mary's. We continue to toast your memory and invite your spirit to ski with us on the steep corduroy runs each year. Will see you on the other side someday - until then, cheers to you Mr. Brown - continue to rest in peace.    Jeff & Dory
Recent stories

Dory's Celebration of Life Remarks on Jan 18th

January 21, 2014

Sometimes in life you find a special friend, someone who changes your life forever just by being part of it. 

Someone who

makes you laugh until you pee,

frustrates the heck out of you until you scream,

supports all your goals and dreams,

and has carved a space in your heart

                         That’s my special friendship with Lynn

Lynn stood 6’ and 6” --- me, 5’ and no inches.  Although way different in measurement, and not related by blood, we had a relationship that was as close as a brother and sister.  I was in Lynn’s life for 34 years and it all began back in the days when we both worked in the Safeway Brands Divisions.  In the beginning we were involved with the Safeway Employees Association’s events – that’s where we first butted heads because we were both darn good at managing events.  Me thinks that Lynn may have been a tad chauvinist in those old days and I too bossy for sure!  So things got off to a bit of a rocky start.  The tide quickly turned when we got on a ski hill and both of us saw “hey that gal/guy can ski!” --- and through the years we loved skiing together….   I’ve lost track of all the places we skied over the many years, and I will always remember the one I teased Lynn about the most.  You see there were times in our long friendship that I would bust Lynn’s paradigms, and times when he would reel me in with my ideas.  And then there were the times that we would – with all respect – bruise each other’s egos.  Like the ski trip in Beaver Creek, Colorado --- Lynn has always been a very accomplished skier like Stein Erickson, and I was more like Suzie Chapstick.  I challenged Lynn to a Nastar ski race that day and well, left him in smoke out of the gates while the course ended up at the resort’s bar patio where the world could see.  Not to be outdone, on another trip to Aspen, Lynn took me down a fresh powder run where I found myself up to my chest in snow and unable to find my ski --- not a fun day for me, but a heck of a payback by Lynn for sure.  Jeff, Lynn and I had intended to ski until we were the age that a free ticket would be given at Snowmass – Jeff & I will do our best to uphold that goal.

Our lives intertwined like a finely knit scarf….we played co-ed baseball together – Lynn was 1st baseman and I was 3rd base ---, I had a strong arm and could throw, and Lynn had long arms and could stretch 360 degrees to catch my balls.    We even sat as Directors on the SafeAmerica’s Credit Union board for many years – and he remained as a Director with 16 years of volunteer services to the CU – a voice of reason that I’m sure will be missed.    We were partners in crime planning events together like surprising Joyce with a fur coat for her birthday when we were in Aspen.

Jeff and Joyce would tell you that you could always find Lynn and I somewhere off to the side at a gathering eventually doing what we always did together – having deep meaningful discussions where we challenged each other.  I loved that part of our friendship, the intellectual conversations, the spiritual discussions, and of course the discussions that involved us always planning the next thing we were going to do as couples.  When Jeff came into my life, it was Lynn and Joyce I turned to for their opinion if this guy was a thumbs up or thumbs down.  That was 19 years ago and who could have imagined that we would turn into the Fred & Wilma– Barney & Bette like the Flintstones  --- it was a foursome that had a strong bond.  We are all best buds, sisters and brothers and each other’s biggest supporter.   I can’t even count how many vacations we’ve been on together, Halloween parties, New Year’s Eve’s, ab diving, camping, Renaissance Faires there just was always the expectation that we’d be going together.

As I reflect on the 34 years, I recall how it all started with a kiss --- a candy kiss.   You’ll find them on the back table.  At one time during our Safeway days, my cubicle sat on an aisle in front of Lynn’s, Don Jones and Paul Cruze.   Those guys would sometimes get me in trouble because they would stick their heads over my partition and yak with me.  Lynn though would reach his hand over and steal the candy kisses in my open candy bowl and talk about something interesting to the two of us.

I feel blessed to have had Lynn make the imprint he did in my life – and Jeff is equally grateful.  The marriage of Lynn and Joyce’s has always been an example for us to look up to, and Joyce, we thank you for that.

(Lei to Joyce):  Aloha au ia 'oe    my love for you is deep as it was for Lynn my friend

And now, Jeff and I pulled together a collection of many pictures that we hope will reflect the wonderful life and times Lynn gave us during his 64 years.  

Montage Tribute

January 21, 2014

What a guy!

January 16, 2014

This picture makes me think that through all the time I have known the Brown Family, through all the life struggles, triumphs and small things that build upon our lives, I am so blessed and so lucky to have them in my life story.

Look at me, I made it out the other end!

Thank you for blessing me with your encouragement, the wonderful example you set for me to follow and your mentorship.

Sending you love and light, always. Lisa

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