John F. Brown, past president and life member of the Petaluma Host Lions Club, died May 30, 2003 at his Petaluma home. A native of Oakland, he was 84. A member of the Petaluma community for 30 years, Mr. Brown was a graduate of Oakland High School. He attended the University of California, Berkeley and graduated from the University of the Philippines.

As a retired lieutenant colonel with the United States Air Force, Mr. Brown received numerous medals and the Air Force Commendation. During World War II he was a prisoner of war in Poland. After his retirement from the military, Mr. Brown worked for Crocker National Bank in Marin County and later in several Petaluma real estate offices. An avid sports fan, Mr. Brown was an original member of the Petaluma Coffee Cuppers. He was proud of his association with the Woodacre Improvement Club and Little League and Pony League coaching positions in Marin County.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Loise Brown; children Linda Martin and Patti Prichard of Petaluma, and John F. Brown Jr. of Alameda; grandfather of 12 and great-grandfather of four. The brother of Winifred Haag of Carmel, Robert Brown of Oakdale and the late William Brown and Doris Neslund, he is also survived by many nephews and nieces.

Services have been held, followed by interment at Cypress Hill Memorial Park. The family prefers memorials to Hospice of Petaluma, 416 Payran St., Petaluma 94952, or the Lions Vision Fund, c/o Petaluma Host Lions Club, P.O. Box 946, Petaluma 94953.