Gregory David Brown
April 4, 1972 — January 9, 2020
Gregory David Brown, 47, was born on April 4, 1972 in Downey, California to Harold Raymond Brown and Renate Maria Brown as a surprise package, and entered into eternal rest on January 9, 2020 in Santa Fe Springs, California.
While he was born with Down Syndrome, and more critically, with Hirchbrungs disease, he proceeded to add a greater level of love and tolerance to the Santa Fe Springs household.
Greg’s developmental disability created challenges for the family, primarily for parents Harold and Renate. But his loving demeanor, the contagious smiles, and can-do attitude brought out the best in his family, neighbors, acquaintances, and family friends.
He led a full life, whether it be in school, sports, church, family outings, or employment. There was even an instance where he had his own apartment.
Affectionately called a Putzl Frutzl, or Lausbubschon, by our German mom, more commonly he was referred to by as “The Little Guy,” as in, “Guess what the Little Guy did today?”
Greg’s loves in life were music (Elvis, Neil Diamond, and John Denver), eating food (everything, but especially food served at brunches), network TV (any series from the 80’s or 90’s, but especially Good Times and The Incredible Hulk), joining mom on her senior trips, and playing tennis with the brothers.
Greg held a number of jobs over his adult life, culminating in a years-long stint with Naples Restaurant in Downtown Disney. Getting the Brown family comfortable with Greg making a 40 minute bus ride from the Norwalk Transit station to Anaheim and back caused quite a stir, even for the high-functioning adult that he was.
Greg showed the first signs of Alzheimer’s about a year after his mother, slowly losing the ability to walk, and then talk. Gone were the days of playing tennis and writing in his daily journal, or singing Elvis songs with a tennis racquet as a guitar. Cared for first by his brothers, and then a wonderful group of caregivers from Rainbow and Home Instead, Greg had extraordinary care the last two years of his life.
His departure will be deeply felt for those of us fortunate to know him. He was gentle, sweet, kind, loving, and a joy to be around. We are deeply proud to call him our brother.
With hard work and dedication, Greg worked as a maintenance technician in the restaurant industry for over 20 years.
Greg is survived by his loving family: Siblings, Denise Brown of La Habra, Ca., Ray (Kookie) Brown of Downey, Ca., Christopher Brown of Santa Fe Springs, Ca., Nieces, Tricia (Ben) Schwartz of Az., Jamie (Francis) Brown-Rivera of Santa Fe Springs, Ca., Amber Brown of Whittier, Ca., Nephew, Mikey Beresford of Long Beach, Ca., and other family and friends who will miss him dearly.
Condolences may be sent to the family through our website.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to one of the following:
The Alzheimers Association: http://www.alz.org
or
The Arc Los Angeles and Orange Counties: http://www.thearclaoc.org
While he was born with Down Syndrome, and more critically, with Hirchbrungs disease, he proceeded to add a greater level of love and tolerance to the Santa Fe Springs household.
Greg’s developmental disability created challenges for the family, primarily for parents Harold and Renate. But his loving demeanor, the contagious smiles, and can-do attitude brought out the best in his family, neighbors, acquaintances, and family friends.
He led a full life, whether it be in school, sports, church, family outings, or employment. There was even an instance where he had his own apartment.
Affectionately called a Putzl Frutzl, or Lausbubschon, by our German mom, more commonly he was referred to by as “The Little Guy,” as in, “Guess what the Little Guy did today?”
Greg’s loves in life were music (Elvis, Neil Diamond, and John Denver), eating food (everything, but especially food served at brunches), network TV (any series from the 80’s or 90’s, but especially Good Times and The Incredible Hulk), joining mom on her senior trips, and playing tennis with the brothers.
Greg held a number of jobs over his adult life, culminating in a years-long stint with Naples Restaurant in Downtown Disney. Getting the Brown family comfortable with Greg making a 40 minute bus ride from the Norwalk Transit station to Anaheim and back caused quite a stir, even for the high-functioning adult that he was.
Greg showed the first signs of Alzheimer’s about a year after his mother, slowly losing the ability to walk, and then talk. Gone were the days of playing tennis and writing in his daily journal, or singing Elvis songs with a tennis racquet as a guitar. Cared for first by his brothers, and then a wonderful group of caregivers from Rainbow and Home Instead, Greg had extraordinary care the last two years of his life.
His departure will be deeply felt for those of us fortunate to know him. He was gentle, sweet, kind, loving, and a joy to be around. We are deeply proud to call him our brother.
With hard work and dedication, Greg worked as a maintenance technician in the restaurant industry for over 20 years.
Greg is survived by his loving family: Siblings, Denise Brown of La Habra, Ca., Ray (Kookie) Brown of Downey, Ca., Christopher Brown of Santa Fe Springs, Ca., Nieces, Tricia (Ben) Schwartz of Az., Jamie (Francis) Brown-Rivera of Santa Fe Springs, Ca., Amber Brown of Whittier, Ca., Nephew, Mikey Beresford of Long Beach, Ca., and other family and friends who will miss him dearly.
Condolences may be sent to the family through our website.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to one of the following:
The Alzheimers Association: http://www.alz.org
or
The Arc Los Angeles and Orange Counties: http://www.thearclaoc.org
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