As the first snow of the season was falling in Sunriver, a gathering at Café Sintra was more than a memorial; it was a celebration of a life well-lived and deeply shared. Clyde Browning, a beloved community leader and friend, brought people together even after his passing, reminding us of the power of connection and kindness. You may share your memories about Clyde in our comment section below.
A Life Centered Around Community
Larry Browning, Clyde’s son, opened the gathering by expressing heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the family, acknowledging that Clyde would have cherished seeing so many loved ones together. Clyde’s community spirit was further echoed by Pastor Rob Pearson, who reflected on Clyde’s commitment to the people and places he loved. From his involvement in church to his role in local real estate, Clyde was a constant presence, contributing to the growth and vibrancy of Sunriver for decades.

Cyde’s son Larry Browning sharing warm and joyous memories.
I really wanna thank you all for being here. Our family does. Susan, Erin, Dustin, we know that Clyde would have loved this. I wanna thank Tracy and Thad for putting this on. My daughter kept telling me, today is gonna be good. It’s gonna be good for the community. He would love this. And so I think what he would. More than anything I think he would want all of you to get back chatting and tell your stories and eat up all of that amazing food so kindly provided. Thank you all for coming. It’s so nice to see all of you..”
– Larry Browning

Deb Tebbs and Bev Sherrer contribute their real estate start and decades of great success to Clyde, who hired them without having any experience.
Inspiring Professional Dedication
Stories from former colleagues, like Deb Tebbs, illustrated Clyde’s unique approach to mentorship. He was not only a skilled real estate professional but also a supportive leader who believed in giving newcomers a chance. Deb fondly remembered Clyde’s open-hearted attitude, calling him her “Papa Bear,” a nickname that resonated with others as they recounted his generous, paternal nature. Clyde’s work ethic was legendary; as Randy Parmalee recalled, Clyde once proudly attributed his professional success to a simple mantra: “I show up every day and I kick ass.” This spirit, laced with humor and determination, was quintessential Clyde.
Deb Tebbs – Founder/co-owner of Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty:
“Clyde, I called Papa Bear. When I first got into real estate no one would hire me, they kept saying you don’t have enough experience. And then I walked into a real estate office in Sunriver and there’s Clyde Browning standing in the office and I walked up to him and asked if he would hire me please? And he goes, uh, yeah why not. And I learned from him so much! And together, we all had a good run with this guy,, didn’t we Bev? When I resigned working for Clyde, to start my own real estate firm, he sent me a the most thoughtful good luck card and he signed it ‘Papa Bear’. I always carried that kind gestor forward to the many wonderful people who have come and gone at my company over the years. I miss him dearly.”
A Passionate Life Beyond Work
Clyde’s life extended beyond the boundaries of his professional accomplishments. He was a man of many loves: flying planes, connecting with friends over martinis, and contributing to the community’s collective growth. Marc Cameron and his wife Carol recounted Clyde’s instrumental help in finding their brewery’s production location. Clyde’s unwavering support and belief in local ventures left a mark on countless community members, proving that his reach extended well beyond real estate.
Marc Cameron – Owner of Sunriver Brewery Company:
I moved here in 2012 when we were starting our business, one of the first people we met was Clyde Browning. We spent a lot of time with Clyde just trying to figure out how this Sunriver works. It was a time when Sunriver wasn’t too organized as a community yet but Clyde got everybody working together. We never would of succeeded without Clyde. We have has many wonderful times together. He was the kindest man. He loved his flying so much. When I visited him recently at the assisted care home, I said Clyde, thanks for finding that building for us so many years ago and telling us that’s where we should be – because it turned out great. And he said, you know, I was always wondering at the time if you guys were really serious. Do you know I showed you that building 23 times? So I just wanted to say to my good friend, Cylde, you always knew how to find a good party. But I’m thankful. My wife Carol’s thankful. My son Brian is thankful. And I am also thankful to get to know many of you and certainly to have him in our lives. He was just so optimistic. He’s such a kind guy.”
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Cherished Memories and Deep Bonds
Clyde’s legacy was evident in the stories shared, not just by friends and colleagues but by his family. His wife of 32 years, Susan, shared the depth of their love and the profound loss she felt with his passing. Despite her grief, Susan found solace in the presence of those who gathered, reaffirming how much Clyde was cherished by so many.
Clyde’s enduring impact was felt through every story and laugh shared at the gathering. One of Clyde’s favorite hang outs was Marcello’s Cucina Italiana restaurant and owner Thad Lodge, who often bartended for Clyde, highlighted Clyde’s elegant, unwavering demeanor, noting how he remained impeccably dressed and always full of life, even well into his nineties. Clyde’s 90th and 95th birthday parties were celebrated at Marcello’s
Thad Lodge – Owner of Marcello’s Cucina Italiano:
“I spent a lot of time with Clyde over the years. I first met him maybe 22-ish years ago. I was bartending at Marcello’s before my family purchased it and found out that Clyde was, born a half hour from where I was, in a small town in Ohio. I have so many stories I could share, but, you know, bartender’s oath, so I won’t. But, over the years, I just he was such an incredible guy just to see him come in and the way he would treat people, he was always a gentleman. Such a classy guy who’d come in, even into his nineties, with a pressed shirt, his hair always perfect, his work ethic unmatched, just incredible, just inspiration to anybody. I seen him write up real estate deals on cocktail napkins. So impressive. He was just a very, very special person to have in our lives. He was a frequent visitor of many places in Sunriver. He loved this community. He loved all of you guys, and I think he’d be extremely happy to see everybody here today celebrating his life. Thanks for being here.”
A Lasting Impression
His legacy is not just one of professional accomplishments but of kindness, mentorship, and community spirit. Pastor Rob Pearson concluded with a poignant reminder: Clyde’s life serves as a challenge and inspiration to us all to lead with courage, to love deeply, and to bring out the best in those around us.
Clyde Browning’s life was a testament to the power of showing up and being present for others. His memory continues to inspire, encouraging everyone who knew him to live with the same generosity, determination, and warmth that defined him.
Clyde Walter Browning (March 21, 1928 – October 10, 2024)
You may share your memories about Clyde in our comment section below.

Photo shared by Michelle Powell, a special memory that she will always cherish. See her kind message in comment section below.
I’m sorry to learn of Clyde’s passing.
Clyde was the first person to give my father a chance by saying yes to an offer in 1987 for a then unproven product for vacation rentals. Thankfully, he was the first of many vacation rental managers who we went on to partner with. He started with us before we had a company name but ultimately that business became NAVIS. Clyde and the Browning family have been very special to many of us at NAVIS but especially dear to my dad, Milton Buehner.
Clyde’s granddaughter, Larry’s daughter is ERIN; not Aaron.
Thank you for letting us know!, just fixed that.
From Michelle Powell, Broker from Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Clyde, who meant so much to me and to so many in our industry. Clyde was the person who took a chance on me as a brand-new broker, and from day one, he took me under his wing. With his mentorship, guidance, and trust, he opened doors to incredible opportunities in those first crucial years of my career, shaping both my path and my confidence. His wisdom and kindness left a lasting impact on me and on everyone he encountered.
While I’m sorry I couldn’t attend his celebration of life, I take comfort in knowing that so many others came together to honor him. Clyde’s legacy lives on in all of us whose lives he touched. He will be dearly missed.