Gary Dean Brown

Gary was born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska on June 13, 1953. He was the third of four boys born to Lee Paul and Evaletta Brown. His father initially was a farmer in Nebraska, but early in Gary’s life the family left Nebraska and his father found work as a carpenter moving the family throughout Oregon, Washington, and California finally settling in Placerville in 1958.

The family lived in the Placerville area for a while, but eventually bought property and built a home outside of Diamond Springs. Gary attended the Placerville City Schools, Gold Oak Elementary School, and Ponderosa High School graduating in 1971. After doing odd jobs for a few years, Gary learned the Plastering trade. He began as a hod carrier working for his uncle Amos Starr of Starr Plastering. He also worked for several other Sacramento area plastering contractors in his early years in the trade. In 1980 Gary founded his own plastering business, Foothill Plastering, which he owned and operated for 25 years.

In 1973 he met Joanie Delfino of Camino. At the time he was working packing military rations at the old Placerville Fruit Growers building. This initial meeting eventually led to marriage in 1975, two daughters, and a loyal partnership that lasted 43 years.

Gary was a big man with an equally big heart. He was mischievous and had a quirky sense of humor. He was an un-complicated man and one who enjoyed simple pleasures. Nothing made him happier than having his kids and grandkids over for a barbeque, attending one of granddaughter’s basketball games, or camping with his brother in law. He made friends with people everywhere he went, from the clerk at a nearby gas station to a shy teller at the bank. He will be remembered for his kind smile and his accepting manner. He truly was a gentle giant of a man and he will be sorely missed by all.

Gary is survived by his wife of 43 years, Joanie, his daughters Shelley Almonte, and Dina King, his sons in law Arnold Almonte and Ryan King, grandchildren Ashlynn, Allie, Emily, Katherine, and Lizzie, brothers, Ray and Randy Brown, many extended family members, and his beloved dog, Tug.

Services for Gary will be held at the Chapel of the Pines, 2855 Cold Springs Rd, Placerville, CA, on Saturday March 30th, at 11:00 A.M. A reception will be immediately following at the Church of Christ, 4120 Missouri Flat Rd, Placerville, CA.

Gary truly loved animals, so in lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to ASPCA, the Humane Society, or any other animal-based charity.

Also, due to the large volume of blood used in trying to save Gary’s life, blood donations in his name would be appreciated; Donor group #1310.