* Cullins W. Brown, Insurance Agency Owner

Cullins William Brown, the retired owner of an insurance business, died suddenly while on a tour of the Great Lakes with his wife and friends from the Ventura Missionary Church. He was 70.

Brown, who died Thursday, was born Nov. 19, 1929, in Ventura. He was the son of Harleigh and Ruth Brown.

Brown grew up in Ventura, and he graduated from Ventura High School in 1947.

Four years later, he graduated from USC. He opened his own insurance agency after graduation.

In 1956, he joined his father and Carl Dwire in the firm of Beck-Brown-Dwire Insurance, buying out Rudolph Beck. Brown was the chief financial officer, president and CEO. The firm merged with the Ventura County Insurance Agency in 1980. Two years later, Beck-Brown-Dwire was sold and he retired.

Brown served the community on various committees, including a panel on redevelopment of the downtown beach area and a city beautification board. He was a lifetime member of the Downtown Lions Club, a YMCA board member and was one of the founders of the first YMCA men’s club in 1955. He enjoyed participating in club-sponsored food booths at the county fair and the annual Christmas tree lot sales.

He enjoyed trout fishing, traveling and woodworking projects. He was also an active member of the Ventura High School reunion committee.

He was an active member of the Ventura Missionary Church and was on a trip with the Waylighters church group when he died in Wisconsin.

Brown is survived by his wife of 50 years, Myrna Weed Brown; one son, Gregory Scott Brown of Santa Paula; two daughters, Carol Brown of Bear Valley and Cindy Williams of Ventura; and three grandchildren.

A memorial service is scheduled at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Ventura Missionary Church. The family will scatter his ashes over Virginia Stream in the Sierra.

Donations may be sent to the Ventura County Historical Society, the music department at Ventura Missionary Church or to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Charles Carroll Funeral Home in Ventura.