Duane Carlisle Brown

Duane Carlisle Brown passed away peacefully at home in Paso Robles, CA on February 16, 2025, at the age of 90. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Duane lived a life marked by curiosity, compassion, strength, and deep love for his family.

A kind, gentle, hardworking, and spiritual man, Duane was a beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. To his family, he was “Papa”—a steady, generous, loving presence who inspired with quiet wisdom and a thoughtful heart.

Duane’s adventurous spirit led him into a career as a commercial abalone and urchin diver, diving along the California Coastline, a path that reflected both his courage and love for discovery. That same career led him to open the Cayucos Fish Market and for a short time, he owned Happy Jacks Café in Morro Bay. He had a never-ending fascination with real estate and loved to follow the stock market. Ever curious, Duane was a lifelong learner. He was always reading, exploring new ideas, and eager to understand the world more deeply.

His legacy lives on in the generations he helped shape, the stories he shared, and the love he gave so freely. His presence will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Duane was proceeded in death by his beloved wife Nancy, his parents, and five siblings. He is survived by his three children and their spouses; Laurie Massey (Tommy), Chris Brown (Laurie) and Robin Brown (Karen), in addition to eleven grandchildren, twenty-seven great-grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life with family and friends is being planned for the summer of 2025.