Richard Michel Brown 1956-2023

 

Richard Michel “Dickie” Brown passed away in July 2023 at his home in San Diego, California.  

 

A native of Ohio, Rich’s family moved to Shaker Heights in suburban Cleveland as Dickie began to show exceptional talent as a competitive swimmer.  By the time he reached high school, he was known as one of the fastest swimmers in the region, breaking records in a number of disciplines, including butterfly, individual medley and freestyle, and ranked in the top five swimmers in the state of Ohio at the state championships.  He leadership qualities and inspiring personality were also widely recognized, and he was awarded the inaugural David Berger award his senior year, named for the Israeli athlete and Shaker Heights High graduate who was killed at the 1972 Munich Olympic games.

 

He was awarded an athletic scholarship at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where he studied business.

 

He later moved to San Diego, California where he worked as a professional electrician, and continued to enjoy an active, athletic lifestyle.  He was a dedicated and supportive member of the Scripps Ranch Old Pros, a civic service group organizing sports and charitable activities to support scholarships and fund-raising for youth and high school athletic programs in the area, and he loved following the progress (or lack thereof) of the Cleveland Browns as a member of the local Cleveland fan club. 

 

Most of all, he appreciated making people laugh and laughing with them.  He will be remembered by his many friends around the country for his fun-loving personality, his insightful sense of humor, impressive skills at the barbeque, and general bonhomie.

 

He is survived by his mother, Mary Lou, sister Mary Beth, former wife Lori, daughter Amy and granddaughter Elowen, all of California.

 

Private service will be held with Family.