Douglas Wayne Brown was born in Portland, Oregon to James Enoch Brown and Lucille Pearl (Robbins) Brown on April 5th, 1940. While in elementary school, Doug moved to Eugene where he later attended South Eugene High School. Doug’s lifelong love of sports became apparent when he became a “Yell King” and cheered for high school team the Axemen. After graduating high school in 1958, Doug joined the Coast Guard with his best friend Gary Wolf. After serving aboard ships at sea, Doug remained in the Cost Guard Reserves and returned to Eugene, attending the University of Oregon where he studied political science and business. Work at his studies was balanced with play when he joined the Chi Psi Fraternity where great friends and memories were made.

In 1963 Doug fell in love with and married beautiful young woman from Eugene named Lynda Kay Raybourn. As a busy husband to Lynda and father to Gregory, their first child, Doug managed to complete his studies at U of O and was accepted to Officer Candidate School. While on active duty the family moved to Florida and Doug and Lynda were blessed by the birth of Robin, the apple of Doug’s eye. After completing his active-duty service, Doug moved back to Eugene where he became a banker. While in Eugene, Doug and Lynda welcomed Christopher, an active little boy whom they jokingly referred to as their “3rd and 4th” child. Eventually the Brown family said goodbye to Eugene and moved up the valley back to the suburbs of Portland. Soon Doug and Lynda decided that country-life was for them, and they purchased and moved into a historical farmhouse on acreage.

Doug’s love for the military drew him away from banking and back to active duty for the Coast Guard where he eventually retired as Captain. Still too young to retire for good, Doug and Lynda together purchased Tower Bridal, a retail bridal shop in John’s Landing, which they owned and managed for 25 years with Lynda managing the front end of the shop and Doug working behind the scenes managing the books. They enjoyed many trips together to Chicago and Las Vegas where they went to market to meet with the vendors and stay current with the latest bridal trends. During much of this time, Doug also managed a full-time career with the State of Oregon.

Doug had many interests and hobbies which included being a hobby farmer and breeding and showing Arabian horses with Lynda. In the winters Doug packed up the family and ski gear, braving snowy roads with his trusty rear wheel drive station wagon, where they all learned to ski and fall in love with the mountains. He was an avid reader and was known to read the Wall Street Journal front to back. He also enjoyed all books about history and the military. Doug’s biggest love after his family was his love for the Oregon Ducks where he owned season tickets for many years and traveled to several away games with his boys Gregory and Christopher to support his Ducks. Above all, Doug loved his family with all of his heart. He was a loving husband and wonderful father and grandfather. His grandchildren will always have fond memories of their Papa getting down on the floor to play with them and talking to them in his Donald Duck voice. He loved spending time with family, especially during the holidays where the group was large, the food and drink were plentiful, and the noise level was high!

Doug passed away on February 8th 2024 after battling a long illness. Doug’s wish was to remain on the farm, and thanks to the love and care of Lynda, he was able to live out the end of his life in his home. Doug is survived by his wife Lynda, and children Gregory Brown, Robin (Patrick) Barnes, and Christopher (Deborah) Brown; and four grandchildren Bryan Barnes, Maxwell Brown, Lillian Brown, and Allison Barnes. He is survived by his sisters Nancy (Alex Hanson) Woodward and Debra (Patrick) Mecartea. Doug was very loved by his family and friends, and he will be greatly missed. Go Ducks!