Clifford Lynn Brown

Clifford was the second of Ed and Elaine’s five boys born within six years. Because of Clifford’s condition of Down Syndrome and the extra care that he required, Ed and Elaine made the difficult decision to place Clifford in a system that could give him the care that he would need throughout his life. That is how Clifford came to be part of the Community Living family.

Clifford attended and graduated from A.C. Davis High School, an accomplishment he was proud to tell people about. He was an avid traveler having gone on trips to Paris, Canada, Hawaii, several cruises and trips to Alaska and last but not least, his favorites, to watch the Daytona 500 and the Indy 500.

His favorite hobby was going to the races at Yakima Speedway with his best friend and roommate, Carrol Smith, where he earned a “Most Loyal Fan” trophy. You could find Clifford and Carrol at the Speedway almost every Saturday night during race season. His favorite NASCAR driver was “Number 3!” (Dale Earnhardt Sr) He also liked watching old Western movies and TV shows, WWE wrestling, NFL football (the Seahawks of course!) and action/adventure movies.

Clifford loved music, especially 70’s rock and roll. You could find him listening to his music at any given moment, usually playing an air guitar or the drums.

Clifford was a “people person.” He greeted everyone he met with a big smile and a “Hi! How you doing?” He had several different jobs as an adult but his favorite was working as a courtesy clerk at Albertson’s. He loved the interaction he had with all of “his customers” and co-workers and they loved him. Folks would plan their shopping trips around his work schedule just so that they could visit with him as he helped them with their groceries. His love of people was evident in every encounter that he had. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Clifford was a gentle, kind and caring soul with a killer sense of humor! Even toward the end of his life he was fond of calling his nieces or nephews “old man or old lady”. Clifford loved his family with no strings and no expectations. And they loved him. Because of Clifford, every member of our family learned kindness, compassion and patience for disabled people. That was his gift to us and to everyone he encountered.

Clifford found Jesus later in life and became a devout Christian, singing worship songs and praying whenever the Spirit led him to do so. His faith was contagious and inspiring.

Clifford was preceded in death by his parents; Edward Thomas Brown and Letha Elaine (Smith) Cromwell and his youngest brother, Kenneth Ray Brown.

He is survived by his brothers, Mark (Paula) Brown of Yakima, WA, Vincent Brown of Pasco, WA and Kevin (Helga) Brown of Anchorage, AK, sister Kellie Cromwell of Richland, WA and sister-in-law Jackie Brown of Pasco, WA in addition to over a dozen nieces and nephews and more than 10 greats. Clifford is also survived by his roommate of 40+ years, Carrol Smith and all of his friends and devoted staff at Community Living to whom we are eternally grateful for making him a part of their family. He was blessed by your love, care and kindness.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 2:00 pm at West Hills Memorial Park in Yakima with a Celebration of Life to follow at the home of Mark and Paula Brown.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Community Living of Washington, Yakima, WA.