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Dudley Brown (1935 – 2025)

A legacy of service.

We are grieving the loss of our friend, partner, teacher and mentor.
Dudley Brown, a founder of District 19, served on the District Board of Directors for over 50 years until stepping down recently due to health issues. District records date back to 1973, and he was a continuous presence.

Dudley served on the ACBL National Board of Directors from 1989 to 1998 and was the President of the National Board in 1996.
He was a Platinum Life Master holding 14,764.93 masterpoints; he finished second in the Leventritt Silver Ribbon Pairs in 1998.

After a career with the military, he remained very active in the American Legion serving as Commander of the post in his area.

For decades he attended every regional in the District and every sectional in eastern Washington, perhaps missing a day only when there was a conflict with a symphony for which he had season tickets.

Dudley was a superior player and among his peers a fierce competitor, but he would partner with a new player with great kindness and gentle encouragement.

He touched hundreds of lives and left us better for having known him.

Remembrances:

• Dudley had many, many partners over the years. A few of his favorites include Tom Edwards, Dick Maison, Matt Koltnow, Edith DeShaw, Mary Egan, Leonard McGrath, Carol and Duane Christensen, Gard Hays, Marilyn Steele and Jane Hunt, though I’m sure some names are missing here.

• Along with championing bridge for so many years he was a very large part of my bridge development. Cannot say enough about what he meant to me.

• He was responsible for my renewed interest in Bridge – taking lessons from him

• So sorry he’s gone. I liked him a lot.

• I am new to the club but the first member of our club I met was Dudley. His kindness allowed me to learn a game he supported and played so well.

• He was a very special man.

• When I moved to the area in 2005, I was advised to get in touch with Dudley – the bridge “master” of the Yakima Valley. He opened me to friendships and Symphony. I can’t say enough about his generosity and kindness.

• Dudley was generous with sharing his insights to our game. It seemed I learned something new every time I played with him. Admittedly, I was in awe of the man’s intellect. Now he is gone but never forgotten.

• We were so fortunate to have had his expertise of and devotion to bridge for so long.

• I have enjoyed his presence at the bridge table for the past 60+/- years. I will miss him.

• Dudley not only helped me enjoy duplicate, but he was a good friend. Last year he came to our church for my husband’s memorial. I will miss him.

• Dudley is playing bridge at the BIG table – sitting North.

• Dudley was so incredibly kind to me when I first started going to tournaments and was always encouraging and would give me advice and tips when he thought it would help my game. He will be missed.

• He was always kind and had a good word to say. I’m sure all will miss him.

• So sorry about Dudley, he was a Rockstar.

• Dudley served this district so well for so many years. He was also a fearless and accomplished competitor, willing to accommodate all who played with him.