Delbert V. Brown

Delbert V. Brown passed away peacefully at his home in Goleta surrounded by family on December 26th. Del was born January 17, 1920 in Portland, Oregon and moved with his family to Springfield where he met his future wife, Marie. During WWII, he was drafted into the Army Air Force and he and Marie were married on April 11th, 1942 in Los Angeles before he shipped off to India.
In 1958, Del, Marie and their five children moved to Santa Barbara. He opened The 88 Cent Store in Ventura and expanded to three additional locations in Santa Barbara, Oxnard, and Camarillo while Marie taught school in Santa Barbara and Goleta elementary schools.
Del and Marie followed all of the sports activities of their children at Bishop High School where Del was president of the Dad’s Club. Del enjoyed a rewarding and enjoyable career in real estate with Sunset Company Realtors where he was a million dollar salesman for many years before retiring in 1982.
Del and Marie joined the Santa Barbara Golf Club and Hits and Misses and spent many enjoyable years playing golf and traveling throughout the world. In 1996, Del moved into the Encina Royale community in Goleta, where he served as a member of the board and enjoyed his many friends and golfing partners. He owned a Clenet automobile and enjoyed participating in car shows and helping organize reunions of Clenet enthusiasts.
Del was especially proud of his family. He was a happy and gregarious man who lived life to the fullest and accumulated many treasured memories and friends.
Del’s wife, Marie, passed away in 2001. He is survived by his sister, Wilma Mitchell of Eugene, Oregon, daughters, Pat Carman (Ken) of Salem, Oregon, Barbara Hankins (Mike) of Shaver Lake, CA, Joy Gilles (Tim) of Santa Barbara, Jan Brown-Fornero (David) of Ojai, son, Roger Brown (Erika) of W. Lebanon, NH, nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and his companion, Teaser the cat, who could often be found following him around the golf course.
Del’s family wishes to thank his wonderful Hospice caregivers and doctors. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care of Santa Barbara (222 E. Canon Perdido St, S.B. 93101).
Del will be interred with his wife at Calvary Cemetery during a private service. A memorial gathering will take place at the Encina Royale clubhouse, 250 Moreton Bay Lane on Sunday, January 27th at 2 pm.