Donald Leroy Brown, Jr.

Donald Leroy Brown, Jr. (age 76) went to be with his Lord on February 19, 2019. 

Born September 28, 1942 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Donald and Genevieve (Louden) Brown, Don Jr. spent his childhood in the Midwest and his teen years in the Seattle area. 

Don spent the majority of his career in the Seattle hospitality industry. He started as a freight elevator operator at the Olympic Hotel, moving up through the Washington Athletic Club and the Washington Plaza Hotel, now the Westin. In 1966, while working as a bellman at the WAC, he met his future bride, Yvonne Diane Murray. They soon married. 

He had the opportunity to meet many interesting people during his career. He met the Dalai Lama, had lunch with the King of Tonga and became friends with Wilt Chamberlain. He was especially proud to meet and provide personal assistance to Jesse Owens.

His passion for service and treating each person as an important guest earned him official recognition: he was awarded the International Award for Bellman of the Year two years in a row. 

Don also served honorably in the United States Air Force.

Above all, Don was a man of faith. He served as a Deacon at Little Stone Church and helped to arrange many charity events in Chelan. He was often seen with his grandson at the local food bank, leading by example. 

Don loved tinkering with engines, feeding the birds and listening to the radio. 

He is survived by his wife, Diane, as well as four children, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will join his beloved daughter Christine in Heaven.

For service information, please contact the family.

Arrangements are assisted by Chapel of the Valley, Wenatchee.