Howard Ray “Butch” Brown 1952-2026

By Atascadero News · Sat Feb 21 2026

Howard Ray “Butch” Brown was called home to be with the Lord on January 18, 2026, he passed away at home with his family by his side, he was 73. 

He was born in Atascadero, attended elementary school in Templeton, before his family moved to Atascadero, where he attended Atascadero Junior High and High School. He played football throughout high school, and in his Senior year, he also wrestled. He attended Cuesta College and played football; he loved both sports. He was a fierce competitor.

He loved the outdoors, nature, and traveling.  He was an avid runner and cyclist, and competed in Biathlons, Triathlons, and various annual runs. He enjoyed scuba diving, hunting, camping, rock collecting, and visiting National Parks. He had a love for animals; everyone remembers his dogs Miles and Casey, and his big cat Champ, he loved them all.

Butch was in the construction trade; he was an entrepreneur. He owned Brown’s Roofing and Brown’s Gym in Atascadero during his early days. He also worked as a carpenter for various contractors over the years. His skills were used to bless many family members and friends.

Butch had a passion for life; he loved to laugh and to make others laugh. Butch was very strong-willed and unapologetically opinionated. He loved to read, loved Native American history and artifacts. He was a huge supporter of military Veterans and respected all of those who served to protect this nation and the freedoms we enjoy today. He loved the San Francisco 49ers and San Francisco Giants.

We will miss his spirited debates and thoughts on things, whether you wanted to hear them or not, his brutal honesty, his infectious laugh, perseverance, courage, and the fight he had through life’s challenges. He was an inspiration for us through those trials.  Butch was a guy you wanted in the foxhole with you. He always had the backs of those he cared for. We love you, Butch!

Survived by: Mike Brown, Tom Brown, Jim Shannon III (Brothers), Janie Roeder (Rick), Myra Cook (Sisters), and many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by: Eleanor Shannon (Mother), Jim Shannon II (Stepfather), Howard Brown (Father), Amelda Brown (Stepmother), Robert Brown, David Brown, Raymond Brown (Brothers), Judy Brown-Trivolli Wolf (Sister)

Celebration of Life will be on June 20, 2026, at Templeton Park from 1 pm to 5 pm.