|
 We
mourn the passing of Hal Brown in November 2008. Unsurpassed as advocates
for vulnerable children, Hal Brown and Jacquie Dolan joined forces
in 1983 to become the founders of Friends of Child Advocates, the non-profit
organization which, to this day, raises funds to sustain the work of the CASA of
Los Angeles program.
After graduating from Pomona College, where Hal met and married his wife of 52 years,
Jerrie (a CASA volunteer since 1982), Hal served in the Army Security Agency as a
Chinese Linguist. His military service was followed by a long career as the owner/
president of Pacific Outdoor Advertising, leading him to become an icon in outdoor
advertising. (Whenever you see the Hollywood sign, a Los Angeles landmark, think
of Hal, who made its preservation possible.)
Hal also served as a member of the Los Angeles County Commission for Children and
Families, the county’s oversight body of agencies providing services to children
and their families. In this capacity, he was a steadfast advocate for children in
foster care, serving as Chair of the Commission’s Emancipation Planning Task Force
Committee, which resulted in mandatory transition planning for youth leaving foster
care.
Following years of advocacy for children in foster care as a founder of Friends of
Child Advocates (aka CASA of Los Angles) and a member of the Los Angeles Commission
for Children and Families, Hal became a CASA volunteer in 1992. Upon learning of
Hal’s passing, CASA Supervisor Jessica Tachibana wrote the following:
THOUGHTS ON HAL … or … BIG BAD BROWN
By Jessica Tachibana
My first thought was, “What a Guy!” Those of you who knew Hal know just what I
mean. Those of you who didn’t have the luck, joy, and honor to know him will just
have to hope in your lifetime you run into a “Hal Brown.” Big, blustery, and
benevolent, he was the epitome of “What you see is what you get.”
I liked Hal because you always knew where you stood. No BS, no holding back,
short, sweet and to the point. If you did good for kids, Hal could be your best
friend; if the children didn’t come first, he could be your worst nightmare. Lots
of clichés? You bet, because Hal was an original, old fashion gentleman. A big
man, whose heart was bigger. You could hear him coming and you always looked
forward to seeing him.
Everyone at CASA of Los Angeles extends their condolences to Hal’s wife and fellow
CASA, Jerrie Brown, and to the entire Brown family. Hal was, indeed, larger than
life, and it was an honor to have known him.
Donations in honor of Hal may be made to:
CASA of Los Angeles
Hal Brown Memorial Fund
201 Centre Plaza Drive, Ste. 3
Monterey Park, CA 91754-2142
Click here to make a donation.
|
