David Eugene Brown

David Eugene Brown was born on June 25, 1941, to Kenneth Brown and Mary Leavitt, in Los Angeles, California. He was raised in Inglewood, California, where he developed a love of family and service. As an adult, he was quick to offer his services as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was called to the Austrian Mission, where for three years he shared the teachings of Jesus Christ in the local German language. Upon returning home, he attended Occidental College, where he met and married Ilse Kurtovich. After his graduation from Occidental- where he earned a B.A.- and during his graduate education at the University of Southern California, he and Ilse had five children: Doug, Peter (who preceded his father in death), Kristen, Megen, and Cameron. His young fatherhood went along with his earning an M.A. and a Ph.D. in German literature from USC.

David’s love of and knack for education and administration led him from teaching university German classes and high school history and government classes to becoming an assistant principal, a principal, and later, the superintendent of the San Marino, Irvine, and Napa Valley Unified School Districts, one after the other. David served for several years in various leadership roles for ACSA- the Association of California School Administrators- and later as the executive director of ACS WASC, the accrediting commission for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

In his personal life, he loved going to sporting events, and his voice could often be heard over others, encouraging the players as well as the refs. He was an avid golfer and loved spending time golfing with friends, colleagues, and family. He was often a starter at the many track and field meets that he attended, and he also enjoyed spending time at the lake and on his boat, teaching many others how to water ski. He served as the bishop of the Covina 2nd Ward and president of the Napa Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he is known and remembered fondly by the members of the local congregations. He derived great joy from ministering to others, especially those who were sick and elderly.

David was a loving father and husband. He is survived by his wife Ilse, his sisters Karen and Kathy, four of his children and their spouses (Doug and Mindy, Kristen and Clint, Megen and Craig, Cameron and Allison), his seventeen grandchildren (Maggie, Zach, Candace, Rachel, Chase, Brooklyn, Elle, Faye, Thomas, Lizzie, Stephen, Samuel, Andrew, Jacen, Kate, Clark, and Jane), and three great-grandchildren (Cal, Luke, and Robbie).

The viewing will take place on Friday, January 12, 2024 from 12-2pm, followed by the graveside service at Tulocay Cemetery, 411 Coombsville Road, Napa, CA. The memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 11am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Napa Stake Center at 2590 Trower Avenue, Napa, CA. David requested that a donation to the Humanitarian Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints be considered in lieu of flowers.

https://donate.churchofjesuschrist.org/contribute/church/humanitarian-services?cde2=475-Humanitarian-home&cid=Humanitarian-home-donate-button

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