David William Brown

David William Brown was born on April 14, 1964, to Ronald Harold Brown and Janet Sylvia (Read) Brown in Centralia, Washington. He died suddenly from natural causes on Aug. 4, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Dave is survived by his mother; his wife, Mareen Bartlett; his children, William Jenkins Brown, Devon Read Brown, and Lily Madison Brown; and his siblings, Alisa and Ron Peterson, Tim and Anna Brown, and Julie and Randy Kaut. Dave was adored by his entire family, including his many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and by the entire Bartlett-Blair-Lambert clan.

He developed his love of camping and vacationing early on in his childhood, spending many summers at Spirit Lake, traveling through California, and visiting relatives in Montana. He was a quiet child, and legend has it that he did not talk until he was 3 years old, when he began suddenly speaking in full sentences. A favorite family story involves the day that a young Dave got stuck rear-end first in a bucket—no one is quite sure how that happened or how he got out. Another favorite story involves his Shetland pony, Rusty, and his 4-H performance at the fair— when Rusty decided to bolt and not compete, hilarity ensued. The Brown backyard was like a sporting arena, with a tennis court, swimming pool, and trails in the woods—a kid haven.

Dave was a Lewis County kid, always and in all ways. He attended public school at Fords Prairie and Oakview Elementary Schools, Centralia Junior High, and graduated from Centralia High School in 1982. He was a three-sport athlete, playing tennis for four years, basketball for four years, and football his senior year. Dave was a proud member of the 1980- 81 state championship basketball team coached by his father. He attended Centralia Community College and played basketball for the Blazers for two seasons. Dave then transferred to the University of Washington and began one of the most memorable adventures of his life—as a manager for the men’s Husky basketball team. The next three years cemented a lifelong love in Dave for both basketball and the Huskies. Even 40 years later, he often regaled listeners with stories about early morning laundry duties and watching the UW rowing team practice while he waited for the uniforms to finish in the dryers, traveling with the team, and pointing out the names of both coaches and players while attending games at Alaska Airlines Arena.

After graduating from the UW Foster School of Business in 1987 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration, Dave struggled with his career choices—business or education? He finally chose a legal path on the advice of his parents, who urged him to use his talents to the best of his ability for himself and the good of his community. He graduated from the University of Oregon School of Law with a Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1990 and the University of San Diego with a Master of Laws in taxation in 1991. The big city was not for Dave, and he returned home to practice with the firm of Enbody and Dugaw for the first half of his career, and then with Mareen and brother-in-law Don Blair for the second half. Dave was an excellent attorney—not a yeller or a fist-pounder, but a calm and persuasive advocate who got his point across to a judge or jury based upon his thoughtful and reasonable arguments. His clients at times were frustrated with the stark and realistic point of view he presented when evaluating their cases; he was not a sugar-coater. He strove to establish good relationships with everyone in the courthouse and was well respected by judges, prosecutors, and court staff. It is to be noted that Dave took great pride in being a snappy dresser while in court, always in full suit and tie with his signature suspenders, and definitely the best shoes in Lewis County.

Dave and Mareen met in the summer of 1994 at the Lewis County Courthouse when she was working for the Attorney General’s Office as an intern and he was a defense attorney. After that fateful summer ended and she left for her final year of school, Dave made several unsuccessful trips to her law library in Tacoma to attempt a “coincidental” meeting. Soon after Mareen returned to work at the AGO, they switched from

being adversaries to being friends, beloveds, and each other’s “one and only person.” She fell in love with his blue eyes, sweet nature, and quick wit, and he fell in love with every part of her. Their wedding took place at the Capitol Garden in Olympia on Aug. 14, 1999, on a beautiful sunny day, after a torrential rain he night before. After reciting their vows, Judge David Draper turned and said, “Mareen, you may now kiss your husband,” to Dave’s surprise and the delight of the guests. The day continued with a magnificent

reception afterwards at his parents’ home attended by many family and friends. Moving forward, they were best friends and partners in life and love. They spent their honeymoon hiking and camping in the Pacific Northwest and then traveled to the East Coast for a driving tour through Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. Dave and Mareen celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary last summer in Quebec City, spending 10 days exploring every inch of (and restaurant within) the walled city. He supported Mareen in her friendships, independence, business, and in taking risks that always turned out to be the best decision for their family.

Dave was a dedicated father, striving to make every basketball game, soccer match, cross-country meet, music recital, and many other school events to support his children. He was very proud of them, and some of their best memories include time spent with him one-on-one, just talking about their day or trying to solve a problem. Dave loved making holidays and vacations a special time for his immediate and extended families, from meal planning months in advance to cooking food for an army. One of his favorite trips was the annual Brown family trip to Kalaloch and camping on the bluff above the ocean. He loved all things Disney, even more than his kids did, and was the primary force behind at least 10 trips to Anaheim to visit the most magical place on Earth.

Dave was a kind, honest, and compassionate person, with a huge heart. He was generous in every sense of the word. Dave gave his time, energy, and financial assistance to anyone or any group who asked for or needed it. He never expected any thanks and always appreciated a positive outcome from a private donation. Dave was a quiet man but was always available for a good listen and some common-sense advice. He had a great sense of humor, enjoyed a good joke, and made everyone laugh even at the darkest or most unexpected times.

He was an animal lover, and dogs and cats were a constant presence throughout his life. They were drawn to him and knew that he was a safe and gentle person who would always spoil them and give treats and tummy rubs.

Dave was an exceptional chef and cook, and was a “foodie” before the term was coined. He would whip up multiple course meals with seemingly no effort at all and always cleaned up afterwards. Dave loved cookbooks with photos so he could envision his next culinary creation, and purchased a new one on every trip or vacation. Sitting next to David at a dinner party meant sitting next to the most soft-spoken and hilarious comedian. He would lean over, murmur something, and the person next to him would burst out laughing. It is well known his favorite was barbecue, and he was a master on the grill. His research and practice paid off, and in 2006 he won first place in the Cascade Country Cook-Off for “Best Chicken in Lewis County,” and promptly retired from the circuit at the top of his game. Dave’s barbecue chicken was legendary.

Dave’s recent trips to Kansas City with his crew of fellow basketball enthusiasts were a highlight of his year. The times he had with both his dad and brother Tim were invaluable, and the stories that trickled back will make us laugh for years—and the photos will serve as evidence.

Dave treasured his time as an assistant coach for the women’s CC basketball team for 12 years and was a lifelong advocate for youth sports in Centralia. He supported funding for K-12 sports, spoke openly of his advocacy for school bonds and levies, and was dedicated to the success of private fundraising and donations for the Centralia School District through Dollars for Scholars and CAAFF. He was absolutely dedicated to making this community a better place to live.

Dave was an organ donor. Without any doubt, one of his final wishes would be for everyone who is able to follow by his example.

A celebration of life and service for David will be held Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, beginning at 11 a.m., continuing until 2 p.m., at the Gibson House in downtown Centralia, located at 221 North Tower Ave. Please feel free to wear attire that would have made him smile, in a good way.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in David’s memory to CHS Dollars for Scholars, CAAFF, or Lewis County Young Life.