John Sidney Brownlee

John Sidney “Sid” Brownlee was born May 20, 1937 in Poteau, Oklahoma to Millard and Jean Brownlee. At the age of five, he moved to Long Beach, California where he and his parents enjoyed boating and fishing trips and the wonderful weather in Southern California. He attended Long Beach Poly High School and Chico State University. He then transferred to Utah State University, where he majored in photography. There he met his future wife, Sharon Larson, and after a brief courtship they were married in 1958.

When Sid finished his university work, he and Sharon moved to Southern California where he got a job working for North American Aviation Space Division in Downey, California. The company later became Rockwell International and then Boeing. In the 37 years he was there, Sid worked his way from Photo Lab Technician to Manager of the Audio-Visual Operations Department. During those years, Sid met and photographed most of the astronauts of the time as well as many other dignitaries as he documented their accomplishments. He also made friendships there which lasted a lifetime.

Sid and Sharon had two children, Brenda and Steven. He enjoyed being a father and attending swim meets for Steve and ballet recitals for Brenda. Later, when Brenda married Kevin Schroeder and had two boys, Ryan and Sean, there were soccer games to enjoy and support.

After retirement in 1996, Sid became interested in paddling kayaks. He could often be found in the back bay and ocean of Newport Beach, California, paddling his surfski kayak. He was the official photographer for the Newport Aquatic Center for several years. He also enjoyed hiking the trails above Newport Coast.

Sid loved traveling and he and Sharon took many cruises around the world. He loved Hawaii and Alaska, but also Europe and Scandinavia. His travels afforded him many opportunities to take beautiful photographs which he enjoyed framing and sharing with friends.

Around home in San Clemente, California, Sid and Sharon enjoyed going to movies and having dinner or lunch with friends.

In 2018, he and Sharon moved to Central Point, Oregon to be near family. While there, he enjoyed the beautiful, tranquil scenery of the area.

Sid passed away peacefully on March 28, 2022, at the age of 84. The family wishes to thank the kind and caring people at Pear Valley Memory Care, Providence Hospice, and also the good people at Twin Creeks Retirement. Sid is survived by his wife Sharon, daughter Brenda (Kevin), son Steve, and grandsons Ryan (Cristal) and Sean.