Joseph R. Brown

Joseph Richard Brown died on June 22, 2008 in Sebastopol from
complications of post-polio syndrome.
He was born in San Francisco in 1938. He studied architecture at
UC Berkeley and then earned his undergraduate degree at the Rhode
Island School of Design and a masters in fine arts at Cornell
University. After teaching at San Francisco City College, he and
his wife Pam moved to New York City where he energetically pursued
his painting career. They traveled for two years throughout Europe,
North Africa and Turkey before returning to California.
He lived in Sebastopol for the last 30 years and faithfully
volunteered at Apple Valley Convalescent Hospital for many years.
Despite the after effects of childhood polio, he did amazing
things-painting large dynamic canvases, building fences and
remodeling their home.
Brown is survived by his mother, Mary Larkin Brown; his wife of
40 years, Pam; his sisters, Mary Ann Cullen and Ginny Paulsen; and
his brothers, Robert and Don Brown. At his request, no funeral will
be held.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Post-Polio Health
International, 4207 Lindell Blvd, #110, St. Louis, MO
63108-2903.