Obituaries
From our weekly issue dated March 17, 2010
Carl Gordon Brownlee
Carl Gordon Brownlee, 88, died Thursday, March 4, 2010 at his home in Grants Pass. “Gordon,“ as he was known to his family and friends, was born in Yuba City, Calif., Jan. 6, 1922, the son of Carl G. Brownlee, of Berkeley, and Mabel Butler, of Yuba City.
He grew up in San Pedro, Calif., where he met his bride-to-be, Vernice Haden, in 1937, just before they started high school.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 20 at 1:30 p.m. at the Kerby Belt Lodge. Private interment will be at Deer Creek Cemetery in Selma. Chapel of the Valley - L.B. Hall Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Brownlee joined the Merchant Marines at the onset of World War II. He became immediately embroiled in war-time activity in the South Pacific. At the war“s conclusion, he graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings“ Point, N.Y. Within a few years he became licensed as Chief Engineer for steam and diesel, qualifications which entitled him to take any ship of any size, anywhere in the world.
After this accomplishment, he finished his college work and received a Bachelor of Science degree from Long Beach State College.
After the war, Gordon and Vernice married in San Pedro and would have celebrated their 65th anniversary this March 25th. They became the proud parents of Carl Jr. and Peggy Elizabeth, both born in San Pedro.
In 1958, after an adult bout with chicken pox, he traveled with his son and father-in-law to Oregon, where he purchased property in Selma. Gordon laid the foundation for a new home in 1969, but it wasn“t until his retirement in 1978 that he and Vernice moved there for good.
He also continued with the Masonic work he started at his father“s lodge in California. He was encouraged by the men of Belt Lodge #18 and was raised to the Sublime degree of Master Mason in 1979, becoming a Mason and thus following in his father“s footsteps and fulfilling a lifelong ambition.
Ten years later he became an Honorary Past Master, but then went through the line and served as Master in 1993. Gordon, his wife and daughter are all members of Eastern Star. He served as Worthy Patron twice, once with his daughter, Peggy. During this time he was also very active with the Jobs Daughters of Bethel 36, serving as Associate Guardian. His Masonic service also reached out to the York Rite Bodies and the Shrine. He has served the Masons well.
Gordon has always been a people-oriented person and was always doing something for someone, often fixing a car, wiring a home, seeking out children for the Shriners Hospitals, or just lending a helping hand when needed. He will be greatly missed by all.
In addition to his wife, survivors include a son, Carl Brownlee Jr., of Grants Pass; and a daughter, Peggy Brownlee, of Grants Pass.
(Sponsored Memorial)
We want to hear from you!
Add your thoughts with the link below.
Comments returning soon!
Advertisement:
