William (Bill) Charles Brown

William Charles Brown, known as TGUB (The Great Uncle Bill) to many, was larger than life and a constant source of inspiration to those around him. The eldest of William Charles Brown Sr. & Georgia Elizabeth Brown's nine children, Bill Brown was born on November 6, 1933 in Chicago, Illinois. He was the epitome of his mother's wish for her children and grandchildren, embracing the importance of education and integrity as he became a true Renaissance Man.

He grew up in Kansas City, Missouri and attended the University of Kansas City, Arts Program. He was an excellent student, performed in college plays, and led both the French and Spanish clubs on campus. His exemplary talents were quickly recognized on a national level when he became a recipient of the Woodrow Wilson Fellowship, which provided a select group of students at the top of their class complete scholarships to attend graduate school anywhere in the country. As one of only 159 men and women in the US and Canada, he was the only recipient in the Kansas City area. He considered several options and eventually set his sights on University of California, Los Angeles with plans to teach art & design after graduating.

As a designer, illustrator, creative director, he developed visual communications for ABC, CBS, NBC, Infiniti Division of Nissan Motors, Westinghouse Broadcasting, The Los Angeles Music Center, 20th Century Fox, Paramount Pictures, Universal Pictures, and Warner Brothers. Bill Brown's work has appeared in Art Direction, Print Magazine, Print Regional Design Annual, The Los Angeles Art Directors Annual, The Hollywood Television and Radio Society, The Society of Art Center Alumni, u&lc, and Idea International Advertising Art. The AIGA Design Annual, Graphis Packaging, and Graphis Design Annual have also published his work. He was a well-renowned Graphic Designer both in and out of the classroom for decades, through his retirement from UCLA in 1999. In 2007, he received the Master Graphic Design Award.

On September 2, 2017, we lost a true mentor and light in our lives. Bill Brown will be remembered by his passion for traveling, learning, and loving those around him. He inspired everyone to pursue and achieve their dreams while supporting them every step along the way. His lasting impression on all who knew him is one that is timeless and infinite with a love beyond measure.

Bill's celebration of life will commence Monday, September 11th at 12:30 pm at Forest Lawn Mortuary in Hollywood.