Obituary of Donald Ray Brown

Donald Ray Brown, 90, passed away peacefully in his home in Chico, California surrounded by his family on Friday February 23, 2024. Born January 6, 1934 in Red Bluff, California, Don moved to Chico in 1938 where he resided the remainder of his exceptional life. After attending Chico High School, Don began his career at Butte Creek Rock. In the 1960s, he became a general engineering contractor specializing in paving and excavating. Later in life, Don began developing commercial properties in the Chico area, with a particular focus on mini storages. In addition to an incomparable work ethic, Don possessed a deep appreciation of nature as exemplified by his lifelong love of fishing, hunting, and painting. Above all, Don’s proudest accomplishment was his family. Surviving members include children Terri Turner, Donald “Skip” Brown, Jr., Nicole Peterson, Marlo Manzanares, and Christopher Brown, stepchildren Jill McMahon, Tammie Cook, and Sherry Bechard, 19 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Many of the family’s favorite memories of Don occurred at his beautiful second home on the Sacramento River. At the River House, he loved taking his family out on the boat, sharing fishing tips, showing off his latest painting in his art studio, harvesting fruit from his trees and tomatoes and peppers from his garden, and grilling hotcakes for everyone on the opening day of salmon season. Don’s generosity was demonstrated through many annual traditions, which ranged from gifting hams each Christmas to bringing his children on trips to keno tournaments at the Peppermill in Reno. A lover of music, Don was an amazing dancer, sang, and played the piano, banjo, and spoons. Other fond memories with Don include gathering around the television to watch football or fights, as well as listening to his many deer hunting and fishing stories. His countless family, friends, and colleagues will miss him immensely. Don will be laid to rest at Glen Oaks Memorial Park in Durham, California next to his beloved late wife, Dorothy “Dottie” Brown. A short service will be held at 10am on Saturday, March 16 at Brusie Funeral Home located at 626 Broadway St in Chico, followed by a celebration of life at 12pm at the Chico Masonic Family Center located at 1110 W East Ave. Both events are open to the public. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Parkinson’s Foundation or the Hospice Foundation of America as a tribute to the memory of Don.