February 7, 2011
I am saddened to report the passing of Dan Brown, yesterday, of pneumonia. He is survived by son Nick and daughters Amanda and Meghan.
Dan was a personal friend of mine, since the 7th grade. We were classmates in junior high and high school, part of a smaller group of couples that got together for dinner on prom nite.
As kids, we shared a love of baseball. Later in life, it was fastpitch that led to our paths crossing again. The game remained a passion of Dan’s throughout his life. Dan was a member of the old Signal Hill Roughnecks team in the 80’s and he and I were both involved with the Bullet fastpitch team organized by Mike Ryan during the 1990’s. Dan was a popular member of the squad, amazing everyone by overcoming a number of heart problems along the way, and always quick to share a joke, quip or laugh.
In recent years, after he hung up his cleats and glove, he became an umpire, including working with younger umpires for the ASA.
Dan took pride in his work as an umpire, applying the same dedication he did as a player and coach in the game. His Facebook moniker? “BeachUmp”. He was a product of Long Beach, and loyal to the local game, as well as other activities in town, including the local minor league baseball team, the LB Armada. His constant smile and distinctive laugh was a fixture among his friends, whose affection for him is clear in the postings at his Facebook page since his passing. (Readers are invited to view and post comments about Dan below)
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I miss you, my friend. Our condolences to his family and friends.
Funeral Services:
Friday – February 18, 2011 at 9: 00 am at
All Souls Mortuary
4400 Cherry Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90807.
The telephone number is 562-424-8601.
From the Brown family:
We have scheduled Dad’s service to be on Friday, February 18th at 9:00am. It will take place at All Souls Mortuary with a reception to follow at the Lakewood Country Club immediately following (10am-2pm). In lieu of flowers, should you wish to make a donation in Dad’s name please choose the charity of your choice or the LA Coastline Umpire Association which was near and dear to his heart.
All Souls Mortuary
4400 Cherry Ave
Long Beach, CA 90807
(562) 424-8601Lakewood Country Club
3101 Carson St
Lakewood, CA 90712
(562)421-0550Please feel free to forward this email to other loved ones and friends of Dad. I have so many email address I can’t tell who some are so please bear with me if I skipped some people or emailed you twice. Thank you to everyone for your continual love and support.
Love,
The Brown family
Editor’s note:
A very large turnout for Dan’s service at All Souls Cemetery chapel, and reception that followed. Dan’s son Nick and daughter Meghan spoke at the service. Meghan read a portion of a poem by Grantland Rice that we share with you:
Game Called — what more is there for us to say?
How dull and drab the field looks to the eye
For one who ruled it in a golden day
Has waved his cap to bid us all good-bye.
The Big Guy’s gone — by land or sea or foam
May the Great Umpire call him “safe at home.”
Ken Kiefer says
Well said, Jim. We’re all better people because of Dan’s unconditional friendship, love, affection, and dedication to all he did and all those he helped along the way. Best damn friend a guy could have. I can’t recall a single time I didn’t look forward to seeing his smiling face again, and am so lucky to have had him in my life. We love you Danny, we miss you, and we’ll see you on the other side. Love, Kenny.
Robert Renteria says
I was shocked when I heard the news. I have played with alot of great players and he was one of them. I played with Danny for a couple years and he was my manager for one year. He played the game the way it was suppose to be played and had the repect of his players when he managed. He was a great softball friend.
Meathooks,
Bob Otto says
Dan was one of the nicest human beings I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. Win or lose, Dan always wore that friendly smile. If there truly is a Heaven, Dan’s surely on the ball diamond playing and calling ’em. He will be missed.
Bart Cooper says
I was a friend of Dan’s back in the 80’s We played on Signal Hill together a great guy and always ready to help
you with anything That Signal Hill team was plenty good also. Dan you will be missed.
Bart Cooper
Dion Wise says
Dan was my mentor, my teacher, and a GREAT friend……he will ALWAYS be missed and loved….. Southbay Softball won’t be the same without him.
Jim Sanderson says
I had the pleasure of umpiring some of Dan’s games as he played and managed. I knew that when he would question a play, that I should listen and respond with the same amount of respect that he showed all, players, fans and umpires. I helped bring Dan from the player/manager to the umpiring side. He was very dedicated and moved up rapidly. He made my life better. I fight back the tears of joy of knowing this fine man. Dan thanks for your dedication to a game that we both love.
Jim Sanderson
SoCal ASA East District Umpire-in-Chief
Scott Coleman says
I have played with the Orange Eagles, Signal Hill Oilers, AIA and the Lakewood Jets. I am so saddened by Danny’s passing. I met him 30 years ago when he was coaching T-Ball in Lakewood LL. I happened to be the Pres. at the time. I was so excited with his passion to help and teach the game, I was from Lakewood and Danny from Millikan, and we shared many friends and an undying love for the game. Soon, very soon Danny was playing with us in tournaments, and several city leagues, with Craig Rysavy, Terry Richards, Mike Gremer, Randy Clay,and Cliff Harrison. Our kids’s grew up at the ballfield, and my son’s had such a love for Danny, and all the families we BBQ’d with, maybe that’s why all of our kids to out so well. They saw the love that we all shared and it made an impression on how friends are suppossed to be. Danny was a pillar in in just being Danny. For those that have the pleasure of being his teamate, we all knew he was to slow, bad arm, but could swing the bat and compensate with his intelligence on how the game should be played, and he taught many. and never stopped. I think the Good Lord took Danny at such a prime age is because his heart was so big it couldn’t contain his enthusiasum for life and baseball. My prayers and love go to the family I saw grow and will be there to celebrate his life in joy and laughter not sorrow, because that who Danny Brown would want.
Jim Williams says
I worked alot of games with Dan. A true professional at all times. No matter what level of ball , he gave his best. Rest in Peace my brother.
aloha
Jim Williams