Victor C. Brown

Vic died as he lived -- as a hero to his family and all who know him.

2nd LT. Vic Brown served in the South Pacific in WWII in the Amphibian Engineers, a unit responsible for beach landings during combat operations. He was wounded in combat in New Guinea, and awarded the Purple Heart. After his honorable discharge, he reunited with his wife, Peggy Burris Brown, and ensured her discharge from the WAVES through the birth of their daughter, Karen Brown.

Vic was born May 25, 1920, in Bakersfield, CA, the first son of NN Brown, MD, and Alice Jane Quinlan Brown. He grew up in Stockdale. Vic was a fearless and adventurous youth, spending his summers with his young brothers mining gold, and, accompanied by his life-long friend, Bill Tracey, roaming the Western Sierras on horseback with only sleeping bags and a fishing pole. Vic attended Pacific Military Academy, Bakersfield College, the University of Oregon, and the University of Southern California.

Vic was an accomplished athlete. He played football for Pacific Military Academy, Bakersfield College, the University of Oregon, and the University of Southern California, and polo at Pacific Military Academy and USC. He was Captain of the Frosh Polo Team at USC. He was the best duck hunter and fly-fisherman there ever was and grew the best tomatoes on the hill.

Vic worked with the Automobile Club of Southern California for 35 years, retiring from his post as Regional Manager in 1980. He was a member of many professional and social organizations. He joined his favorite social organization, the Palos Verdes Breakfast Club in 1952, serving as President and Chair of the Bar Committee.

Vic is survived by his wife of 35 years, Betty; daughter Karen Brown of DeKalb, IL and son Kevin Brown, DC, of Redondo Beach, CA; grandsons Sean Flynn, Washington DC, and Brian Flynn, Taos, NM; Travis Brown and Chris Brown of Redondo Beach, CA; great-grandson Aidan Eric Fiil Flynn, Washington DC; sister Jane Hoffstetter of Boca Raton FL, and brother Pete Brown of Milton Freewater, OR; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services will be held Monday, December 15, 2008, at 12 noon at the Neighborhood Church, 415 Paseo del Mar, Palos Verdes Est. After services, friends and family are invited to gather at the family home for a reception and to remember the good times.