Remembering Fresno State Coach Brown | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Friday, March 20, 2009

Fresno, CA Anyone who knew Dan Brown will tell you he never complained, never gave up and left a lasting impression on each player he coached and each friend he made during his life. He died last Friday at the age of 50.

In a blue casket with Bulldogs on the side, Fresno State Assistant Coach Dan Brown was laid to rest.

Bulldog football player Moses Harris said, "We knew the day was coming but you know it's always harder when it's actually here."

Close to one thousand people came to honor the coach, many wearing Bulldog red. Robbie Quinn met Brown 12 years ago when he was a graduate assistant at Fresno State. He found in Brown a mentor and lifelong friend.

Robbie Quinn said, "Dan lived the reciprocal of life. He just gave back everything that someone else gave to him and that's what I've learned is just to give back the gifts that have been given to me and to others."

Just over a year ago Brown talked with Action News about his battle with brain cancer. He said, "The toughest probably day would've probably been when we were going to the surgery and had to say goodbye to the kids and that was such a tough time because there was such a hurt on their face and that's what you hate, you don't want that to happen, ever."

Fittingly, on the football field he loved, family members, friends, and coaches from across the country gathered for a different kind of tailgate party.--one to celebrate a life.

Bulldog football players said they will remember those life lessons from brown that often had nothing to do with the sport that brought them together.

"Always concerned about his players off the field more than on the field. He's always trying to get involved in our lives like helping us out and trying to find a job whatever we need, if we just need someone to talk to he was always there for us," said Harris.

Dan Brown is survived by his wife Mindy and their six children.

Brown's legacy will live on through his children. His son Eric is a linebacker on the Bulldog Football Team. His younger son Travis has committed to playing at Fresno State next season after he graduates from Clovis West.

During Thursday's funeral Coach Pat Hill spoke and former Head Coach Jim Sweeney sang "O Danny Boy."

Family, Friends Say Good Bye to Dan Brown