October 15, 1943—-October 24,2018

1 Peter 5:10

Peter Brown passed away Wednesday, October 24, 2018 in Olympia, Wa. with his wife Phyllis “PJ” Brown at his side. Peter was born Raymond Jr. in his grandmother’s historic home ( now a museum ) in Fort Meade, Florida to the Late Raymond Paul Brown Sr. and Becky Ley Brown. Raymond Sr. used the nickname Peter to honor a war buddy who lost his life in combat. Our Peter assumed the nickname .

Peter joined the Air Force at 17, serving 4 years at Edwards Air Force base in California. His proudest accomplishment was service to his country as a specialist in aircraft radio repair which led him to San Diego State University majoring in mathematics. He was Airman of the month and awarded a good conduct medal. His civilian career spanned 35 years near San Diego Airport which started as Ryan Aircraft, the builder of the Spirit of St. Louis. The company transitioned to Teledyne Ryan, Northrup and before his retirement it became Northrup Grumman. As an aeronautical engineer with a responsibility constantly evolving he managed departments and oversaw the guidance and controls of stealth aircraft and drones.

He took 5 years off from Northrop to take his sailboat, the Aldebaran, on an 18 month sail from San Diego to Fort Lauderdale, Fl. After 5 years there Northrup recruited him back to San Diego where he was employed until his retirement at 56 years old. Among his many accomplishments he holds a pilot’s license, a scuba diving certification, and navigated by the stars. A successful investor, he started an investment club at Ryan when he was 21 years old. He loved to teach and enjoyed sharing his knowledge of flying, the solar system, math, sailing and the stock market until his last few days in the hospital.

Peter met PJ, his soul mate, in 2005 and swept her off to Texas where they were married. He wanted to be near warm salt water. To give back together in their retirement he decided to undertake her avocation of producing children’s theatre. Together they served the children of the Coastal Bend until they moved to Washington. He served at the Olympia Union Gospel Mission until he became too weak. In Texas he was generous with his time and resources in church and the community. Peter had the gift of curiosity towards everyone he met. He loved everyone and believed that God wanted him to be kind and not hurt anyone. In turn God would direct his steps and love him. ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease was what took him to his eternal resting place. The family is asking for donations to ALSA.org/donation in lieu of Flowers. A facebook link has also been set up.

Peter was preceded in death by his brother, Ley. Besides his wife Phyllis, he is survived by daughter Michelle and Sister Betsy Brown. PJ’s children, Debbie (David), Angela (Don Mark), Robert and a blended loved group of grandchildren, Ben, Scott, Amber, Annika, Michael, Samantha, Ella, Sophia Elizabeth and Emerson Rose.

Sister in law, Sherrie Brown and nieces Brandi, Becky and Penny and their children.

Cousins George, Susie, Elin, Robert and many friends including Mary Brown.

“He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens” (REV. 3:7-13). The door of heaven has been opened and the door behind has been closed.

A Memorial Service is planned at Sunbreak Missionary Baptist Church, 7722 Yelm Hwy SE, Olympia, WA 98513 on Sunday, November 4, 2018 at 2:00PM.

Interment to take place at a later date at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, CA.