BAR HARBOR and CAPE CORAL, Fla. – David Wesley Brown, 65, died April 25, 2008, with his wife, Bunny, by his side at his Florida home. Born June 19, 1942, in Norway, the son of Wesley Jordan Brown and Geneva Howe Brown. On June 15, 1963 he and Beverly Blake were married in Bethel and they had three children, Tracy, Todd and Tammy. He was a graduate of Norway High School, in 1960 and the University of Maine at Orono, 1964, with a Bachelor of Science. While there he broke many records as a member of the university’s football team. He received his Master of Science in educational administration from the University of Maine and his EdD from George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. Dave always put his family first. He was a terrific husband, dad, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, Godfather, friend and mentor. He was born to educate, always willing to listen, to advise and to teach. He was a friend to all he met. People felt better from having known him. He firmly believed that it was okay to make mistakes. Learn from them and move on. He never stopped learning. He was a passionate outdoorsman, jogger and wood carver. His career began at Bar Harbor High School, where he taught math and science and coached football. In 1967 the family moved to Conway, N.H., where for the next nine years he taught math, coached football, and worked in administration with his lifelong friend and mentor, David Appleton. In 1976, the Brown family moved to Strong, where Dave served as the superintendent of schools for MSAD 58 for 12 years. He later served as associate commissioner of education for the state of Maine in Augusta. In 1990, Dave was appointed associate professor of educational leadership at the University of Maine at Orono. That same year, Dave and Bunny returned to Bar Harbor, where they opened Seacroft Inn, Albert Meadow. In addition to his wife, Dave is survived by his three children, Tracy Brown of Strong, Todd Brown of Bar Harbor and Tammy Brown of Brooklyn, N.Y.; his granddaughter, Diana Allen of Strong; his sister, Laura Johnson of Sauquoit, N.Y.; his mother, Geneva Brown of Norway; his three nieces and Godchildren, Elizabeth Blake Jarvis, Diana Blake Drown and Caroline Blake Dorr; and his much adored dog, Tucker. No memorial service will be held for Dave at his request. Instead, his family asks that his many friends, family, colleagues and students pick a day and make it a Dave Brown day. Do things the way Dave would do them. Have a great day. Exhibit a positive attitude, laugh loudly and flash a smile. Hike a trail. Go for a jog. Hit the beach. Work hard. Show your family and friends how much they mean to you. Be a truly good human being. Pursue your passion. Be happy. Although Dave will be greatly missed, his family and friends will be happy with the wonderful memories he created for them.
DAVID WESLEY BROWN
