Walter Waldo Brown

Walter Waldo Brown, age 89, of San Diego, Ca, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2022. He is survived by his loving wife René; his children, Lori, Larry(Debra), Linda(Alan), and stepdaughters Laurie (Jim) and Chrissy(Tom); 11 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Preceding him in death was his sister Jacqueline; his parents Kenneth and Leona; his brother Grant; his niece Kimberly; and his stepdaughter Jamie.

Walt was born on December 16, 1932 to Kenneth and Leona Brown in San Pedro, Ca. After he finished high school at Sweetwater High, in National City, Ca, he went to work for the postal service. He then went on to join the Navy and served 2 years on the U.S.S. Hamul, during the Korean War and remained in the reserves until 1959.

After the Navy, he went back to the Postal Service, and then he joined the National City Police Department. He eventually found himself riding with the California Highway Patrol, as a motor cop, in 1963. Simultaneously, he started a side business as a masonry.

On July 15, 1985, Walt married the love of his life René. Together, with Rene’s 3 daughters they built their dream home in Blossom Valley, El Cajon and resided there for 34 years. Walt spent 20 years with the CHP and retired to focus solely on his own business: “Walt’s Masonry”; until he retired completely in 2005. He was well known for beautiful custom fire places in high-end homes in cities like Coronado, and all parts of San Diego. He was a true artist when it came to his brick laying work.

When he wasn’t working, he loved camping with his family off Interstate 8 and Dunaway Road, where the annual “Crawford-Soto Picnic” was held for many years. He was a true motorcycle enthusiast; whether it was off road motorcycles in the desert, enduro rides in California or Mexico, or Harleys, you could always find Walt on two wheels. Many memorable trips were taken to cities like Sturgis and Laughlin, with his son and son-in-laws; or the Tecate 500 in Mexico with his brother Grant and son, Larry. He even convinced Rene, his daughters and daughter-in-law, to jump on the back with them too. His love for motorcycles was deep, and he loved building them in his garage too.

Walt was also an avid study of history, especially World War II and submarine warfare. But more than anything, he was an avid participant in the present. Walt loved supporting his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as their #1 fan at any sport they participated in. He loved Friday Night Lights and supporting each one of them in their activities. To his grandchildren, great grandchildren and all their friends, he will be remembered as, “Poppy.”

Services will be held at Miramar National Cemetery April 18th at 12:30. Celebration immediately following at Napoleon Pizza House, 619 National City Blvd, National City.