RIP Chris Brown (Santa Barbara)

[billie_morini]

Mrs. Morini and I learned some new things today from Chris' father about Chris' passing. Yes, admittedly Chris was severely intoxicated on meth when he fell from the cliff. We also learned that Chris' back, hip, and some ribs were broken in his fall from the cliff. His broken back caused paralysis from the waist down and he could feel no pain. The night before this occurred, Chris and his parents shared one of the most enjoyable dinners they'd had in 6 months or more. As the super high tide moved in that early morning, it eventually drowned Chris. Chloe, Chris' daughter, adroitly concluded the arms of the sea that her Father loved so dearly, took him in its arms.

R.I.P., Chris.

[billie_morini]

... and now for the professional report. Source: https://www.noozhawk.com/article/hundre ... t_20190217

bonus Youtube video made by local:

Hundreds Celebrate Life of Former Pro Surfer Chris Brown at Memorial, Paddle-Out
Paying tribute to late legend, surfing and commercial fishing community encouraged to ‘Smile like Brownie!’
By Michael Holldiay | February 17, 2019 | 7:45 p.m.

The local surfing and commercial fishing community showed up in force Saturday to honor one of its own, Chris Brown, first at a memorial service at Calvary Chapel Santa Barbara and then with a paddle-out in the Santa Barbara harbor.

Brown died Jan. 19 at age 48. (billie adds: sadly, Brownie passed away on his Mother’s birthday)

“Brownie,” as he was affectionately nicknamed, was a standout professional surfer for 15 years in the 1980s and ’90s, competing on the international stage against some of the best in the world. After retiring from the pro surfing circuit, he worked as a commercial sea urchin diver.

At the memorial service, 11-time world champion surfer Kelly Slater shared that he and Brown were best friends and inseparable as teenagers.

More than 1,400 people attended the celebration of his life, which included inspiring messages of Christ-centered faith and hope led by Pastor Ricky Ryan, formerly of Calvary Chapel and now at Harvest at Kumulani Chapel in Maui, and Britt Merrick of Channel Islands Surfboards, the founding pastor of Reality Carpinteria.

After the memorial service, several hundred surfers participated in a paddle-out off the harbor’s sandspit, one of Brown’s favorite surf breaks. The group was surrounded by dozens of boaters while throngs of well-wishers looked on from the breakwater and Stearns Wharf.

During the floating ceremony, Brown’s 22-year-old daughter, Chloë, and his father, Dave, and his wife, Jane, shared a special poem, which was followed by the spreading of ashes returning Brown to the ocean that he knew so well and loved.

Brown was known by all for his amazing smile and his unending words of encouragement and stoke for everyone he met. Those who attended his memorial service were encouraged to honor his memory and to “Smile like Brownie!”

A GoFundMe page was established to support Chloë Brown. Click here to make an online donation.

— Michael Holliday is a Santa Barbara architect and lifelong surfer.