5600 Carroll Canyon Rd
San Diego, California
It is with great sadness that the family of Donald "Keith" Brown announces his passing after a 10-year battle with cancer. Keith died at his home on Sunday, December 24, 2017 at the age of 67 with his wife and son by his side.
Keith Brown was born on December 11, 1950 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to his parents Elizabeth and Bouton Brown. His father passed away when Keith was 16-years-old. At 18, Keith joined the Navy, and went overseas during the Vietnam war, where he served as a corpsman in the Philippines. In September of 1970, his son Michael Keith Brown was born. After returning from the Philippines in 1972, Keith and his family moved to San Diego.
In the early 1970s, Keith completed his civilian nurse training and started his career in nursing. Keith's encyclopedia-like mind and giving nature helped him naturally excel in the medical field and he quickly became a very well regarded and respected nurse. He worked for many years in the heart catheterization lab at Sharp, where he met many colleagues who became lifelong friends. In the 90's Keith made a career transition to medical device company Medtronic, where he worked for nearly 8 years. In the 2000's Keith returned to the heart catheterization lab at UCSD, where he ultimately retired in 2014.
In 1983, he met the love of his life, Anita, who worked with him at Sharp. The two started dating and their love for each other grew very quickly. Keith and Anita were married in April 1984 and they established their life together, with Anita's two young boys Jon Kollen and Mike Kollen in Encinitas, CA. Anita and Keith enjoyed over thirty three joyous years of traveling, golfing and spending time with their sons, grandchildren and friends.
In the late 90's, Keith was reintroduced to the Bible and the teachings of Jesus Christ by his two step-sons. This proved to be a turning point in his life - from that point on, God was a driving force for Keith and it played a role in everything he did. Even when he was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma cancer in 2007, he approached it with dignity and courage because of his deep faith in God. For the last 14 years, Keith has been a member of Horizon Christian Fellowship church in Rancho Santa Fe and has touched many hearts and made many close friends while spreading the word of God.
Keith is survived by his wife Anita, his son Michael, and his step-sons Jon and Mike. Grandchildren: Tamsen and Ruari Brown and Luke Kollen. He is predeceased by his father Bouton, his mother Elizabeth and his brother Randy.
Services will be held on January 6, 2018 at 12:00pm at Horizon Christian Fellowship in Rancho Santa Fe, CA. A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Horizon Christian Fellowship to the API program.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by El Camino Memorial – Sorrento Valley and El Camino Memorial Park and Mortuaries (Sorrento Valley).
January 7, 2018
Mary Bond
Words fail me. I do so believe that the Lord's love allows healing in all circumstances. Keith was kind and forgiving. I was blest to have known him.
January 6, 2018
John & Judy Mort
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Anita and her family. Keith was a very thoughtful and kind person . We felt honored to have him as our neighbor. He also greeted us every Sunday at Horizon with a beautiful smile and a great spirit. We will always remember him for that smile.
January 6, 2018
Tab & Geri Ros
I had the pleasure of meeting Keith in the early 80's, when we both worked at SHARP's Cath Lab. One of the most caring and compassionate people We have met. We had a lot of history together and we will not forget him. Rest in peace old friend, I know you're in a better place.
January 6, 2018
Ed Gutierrez
I've been fortunate to have a friend like Keith. We work together at Medtonic for eight years and he was loyal, knowledgeable,and trustworthy. He will always be in my thoughts. My condolences to his family.
January 5, 2018
We have known Keith for over 25 years as a friend, collegue & golf buddy and he will be greatly missed. I have never heard him say anything bad about anyone. He always had a positive attitude despite his illness. Our love and prayers go out to his family.
Greg & Bette Mahan
January 5, 2018
Jack and Beverly Henderson
Our condolences to Anita and Family. We will always remember Keith as a very kind and generous Man.
Jack and Beverly Henderson
January 5, 2018
Carlos Gallegos
A good friend, no better patient advocate than NURSE Keith!! Always a smile and a kind word.
January 5, 2018
Rick & Kimberly Keil
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Keith's family. Keith greeted us every Sunday at Horizon with a wonderful smile and a great spirit. He will truly be missed by many.
January 3, 2018
Carol Ball
If ever a man had a servant heart and passion for the gospel, that was Keith. He had a humble, giving spirit and will be sorely missed by the many whose lives he touched. I know he was greeted by his Savior on the threshold of heaven with "Well done, good and faithful servant!!"
January 3, 2018
Keith was a very gentle and kind soul, very smart and always wanting to be a friend and helper. I have greatly admired his strong faith, which was a gift from God. I pray that God will comfort and strengthen Anita and her extended family. ....Uncle Sonny, Charles Harris (Oklahoma City).
January 3, 2018
Jeanie and I send our sincere, loving condolences. Keith was a special guy who loved and served the Lord. He was always gracious and friendly--like his mother- whom he will reunite with in Heaven, Anita and Keith were a great team and they touched the hearts of many at Horizon Church. We are sure, that he will be blessed by the Lord as Keith blessed his family and friends. It was a joy to be his friend. I will cherish forever the CD he made of music that was played at his mother's memorial service. May the Lord bless Anita with peace, joy and happiness until she is with Keith again. Love, Ken and Jeanie Rose Wood
January 2, 2018
Donna McAllister
Keith always had an uplifting thought...his voice was rich with compassion...he was the friend we all hope to be...he was a dutiful son, a loving husband, father and grandfather...and a reminder to all of us that Grace and Goodness are to be lived...donna
January 2, 2018
Linda Matthews
Anita my deepest sympathy to you and your family. It was very apparent how much Keith's faith meant to him, and his love for his Heavenly Father. Keith was very much a gentleman, and I feel honored to have known him. Linda Matthews
January 2, 2018
Our thoughts are with you and your family as we send our love and support.
Love, Jill, Bill, Sam, Alex and Kirsten Van Dresser
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