David John Brown

David John Brown, age 84, was born in Detroit, Michigan to John West and Jessie (MacDonald) Brown on October 9, 1941, and passed away in Brighton, Michigan on February 21, 2026. Dave will be remembered with deep respect as a dedicated and loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Dave graduated from Detroit Coolidge High School in 1959 and later earned his business degree from Lawrence Technological University in 1989.

Dave began his career at Mobile Oil in sales and later worked at Detroit Diesel (GM) in sales and accounting. When the company was bought by Penske, he continued his work there until retiring in 1996 to spend more time with his children and grandchildren.

On April 24, 1965, Dave married Virginia Diane Hendricks, and together they shared 60 wonderful years of marriage. While raising their 2 children, Mark and Paul, the family enjoyed taking cross country trips, camping, spending weekends at soccer tournaments and visiting friends and family.

In 2020, when Diane was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Dave became her devoted caregiver, and through that experience he saw firsthand how the disease affects not only the person diagnosed, but also the people who love them. While Dave did not pass away from Alzheimer’s, supporting those affected was very close to his heart.

Dave is survived by his loving wife, Diane; brother, Richard Brown; his sons, Mark Brown (Wife, Cheryl) and Paul Brown (partner, Michele Williams); and his grandchildren, Jordan Brown, Megan Brown, Grace Brown, and Daxton Brown.

Those who knew Dave will remember him as someone who was always ready to lend a helping hand, usually with a cup of coffee in the other. He made a lasting impact on his community, and he could often be found ushering at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, creating sets for the Hartland Senior Center’s upcoming performances, or fixing something in his neighborhood. He cared deeply for his family and regularly attended his grandchildren’s sporting events and performances.

Dave enjoyed working on cars, woodworking, sailing, road rallies, and spending time with his grandchildren. His interests reflected his steady, capable nature and his love of being with the people who mattered most.

Dave’s family will celebrate his life on Friday, April 17, 2026 at 1pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 200 W. St. Paul St., Brighton, MI 48116.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association in Dave’s memory: https://events.alz.org/fundraisers/markbrown/in-loving-memory-of-david-brown-5450

Please feel encouraged to share memories condolences and photos with the family through this online guest book.