Stater Bros. Plans ‘Celebration of Life’ for Jack Brown

Stater Bros. Markets will hold an open-to-the-public “Celebration of Life” on Saturday, Dec. 3 in remembrance of its late executive chairman, Jack H. Brown, who passed away on Nov. 13 at the age of 78. Beginning at 9 a.m., the event will take place at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, Calif.

“Through his commitment of ‘doing the right thing, for the right reason,’ Jack Brown touched many lives,” the San Bernardino-based grocer noted. “Stater Bros. Markets invites our valued customers, members of the Stater Bros. family and friends of the Stater Bros. family to honor and celebrate his extraordinary life.”

Occuring at the same time, all 169 of Stater Bros.' stores, in addition to its corporate offices and distribution center, will observe a moment of silence to honor Brown's memory. Designated employees will make an announcement asking all customers and employees to puase for 60 seconds to pay tribute.

Brown was Stater Bros.’ chairman of the board, president, CEO and most recently executive chairman during his 35-year-plus tenure with the company. Under his leadership, Stater Bros. has become the largest privately owned supermarket chain in Southern California, now operating 169 supermarkets in seven counties and employing nearly 18,000 associates. All told, Brown worked in the supermarket industry for more than 65 years.

“Jack Brown was an inspiring mentor; he loved the grocery business; he truly cared about his people; and his commitment to the communities Stater Bros. serves remains unparalleled,” said Pete Van Helden, president and CEO of Stater Bros. Markets. “We will honor his memory by continuing the legacy he worked tirelessly to build,” Van Helden concluded.