A much-loved butcher who used his meats to encourage footballers to score goals has died aged 89
Donald Arthur Brown, known by all as Don, died following a long battle with Parkinson's Disease on December 13.
The youngest of three, Mr Brown's father Samuel was one of the ten 'California Brothers' who were renowned for their exploits in the booming herring trade and for taking part in the Dunkirk evacuation.
After finishing school, Mr Brown briefly followed his father by spending time at sea.
As a teenager, Mr Brown was taught the skill of butchery at Hunns in Caister. After carrying out National Service, Mr Brown returned to butchery, working for David Greggs and eventually becoming a manager at a shop on Bells Road, Gorleston.
While he was in his 40s, Mr Brown became his own boss, establishing Don's Family Butchers on Church Lane, Gorleston, which he ran until his retirement.
READ MORE: 'A wonderful place': A look back at Gorleston's 'second high street'
Closer to home, he was known as a great supporter of Gorleston Football Club, sponsoring the team during the 1980s and providing players with a free pound of sausages and a steak for every goal they scored and making it on the pitch.
Mr Brown also loved the great outdoors and was a keen gardener, with his sizeable rose collection being among his greatest prized possessions.
Since the 1950s, Mr Brown dedicated a lot of his time to the Royal British Legion.
He served in most officer positions, including chairman for many years, and assisted the annual November poppy collection in Caister, often seen rattling a collection box in local supermarkets, and helped raise thousands of pounds for the charity.
Mr Brown was also the legion standard bearer, attending the funerals of many ex-servicemen in the area, and flying the standard on behalf of the legion at many grand occasions.
He also took the Caister standard to Ypres and participated in a remembrance service at the Menin gate.
His final deed for the legion, before he could no longer actively participate, was closing the local branch and working with the parish council to return the standard from the legion and rest in its rightful place in Caister church.
READ MORE: 'Never a conformist' - Final respects paid to D-Day hero at Caister church
Mr Brown is remembered as a true gentleman and a well-loved member of the local community, whose motto was “It is easier to please than to tease”.
His funeral will take place at the Holy Trinity Church, Caister, from 10.30am on January 4, followed by a wake at The Castle Hotel, nearby.
Family members have asked for no flowers, and donations will be split between Parkinsons UK and the Holy Trinity Church. If people are not able to make donations at the services, donations can be sent to Brundish and Sons Funeral Directors, 154 Nelson Road Central, Great Yarmouth NR30 2HZ.
Card payments can be accepted by ringing the funeral director on 01493 842768.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here