Richard Andre Brown Sr.'s Obituary
Richard (Richie) Andre Brown was born on April 22, 1955 in New York City, New York to the parents of Helen Brown and Wilma Baldwin. As a child, Richard accompanied his aunt and siblings to Bethany Baptist church and was eventually baptized. Richard graduated from Brandeis High School, attended Bronx Community College, LaVern University, and San Diego Community College. In 1978 Richie joined the Navy and moved to San Diego, California where he met his wife, Ellen Brown. In the Navy he was assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Warfare Squadron 12. After four years of service he enlisted in the Naval Reserve where he was assigned to the Helicopter Anti – Submarine Warfare Squadron 0246 and served as a Navy Squadron Career Counselor. During his tenure, he earned two Navy achievement metals, and in 2000 Richard retired from Helicopter Anti – Submarine Warfare Squadron 85. In 1983 (while serving in the military reserve), Richard became an officer with the California Highway Patrol, and eventually transferred to CHP Motor Carrier Division and worked as a Motor Carrier Specialist. He was responsible for checking motor carriers for compliance with the California Highway Patrol administrative regulations. Richard was proud of his involvement with the State of California Employee Unions. He took on the responsibility of being President of the State of California Employee’s Union, Association of Motor Carrier Operation Specialists (AMCOS), for 18 years, and was a Board Member and Vice President of California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA). His union activities involved being responsible for negotiating benefits for the union members. Richard’s greatest joy was spending time with Ellen, his wife of 35 years. He looked forward to going to the Island of Aruba every October, where he would swim and snorkel for hours each day. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and usually looked for any excuse to travel to New York. While in New York he enjoyed catching up with family and friends and eating at his favorite restaurants. In addition, Richard loved to stay up-to-date with the latest gadgets. He often visited computer shows and meticulously planned for his next gadget purchase. During his illness Richard stayed spiritually uplifted. He was determined to stay strong no matter what he was going through. He knew that the battle was not his. He fought a good fight and he finished his course. On November 7, 2015, at 6:42 P.M. the Lord saw that he was getting tired, so he whispered, “Come with Me”. Richard loved his family and friends very dearly, but the Lord loved him best and more than anyone else could. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Ellen, three sons, Jerome Dickey, Sr. and his wife Brianna, Benjamin Russell , Richard Brown, Jr., one daughter, Charmaine Brown, one sister Sandra Brown, two brothers, Linwood Brown, and Trevor Baldwin. Eight grandchildren, Rhiannon, Asia, Kayla, Kyra, Jerome, Jr., Yashahwah, Yashahyah, and Yaramayah, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.
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