Melvin Leo Brown

1934 ~ 2023

Born in Sandy, Utah on March 10, 1934 Melvin Leo Brown (Mel) passed away peacefully at his home in the Highland Park neighborhood on March 11, 2023 one day after his eighty ninth birthday. Growing up on the family farm in Butlerville, Utah an area of modern day Cottonwood Heights, Mel was the second of four children born to Henry Joseph Brown and Edith Mary Hansen. He was always proud of his pioneer heritage. With his older sister Marilynn and his younger brother Ed and baby sister Gloria, Mel grew up helping out with all the farm chores which included raising chickens, pigs and cows and cultivating a 5 acre fruit orchard. He graduated from Jordan High School in 1953 where he was a proud member of the beetdigger football team and lettered in wrestling. After High School Mel raised and sold minks from the family farm. Enlisting in the U.S. army he served in Germany for two years from 1954-1955. Mel was justifiably proud of his military service and generously contributed throughout his life to various veterans organizations. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Mel worked for Buehner Block Company for some years and then went to work for Buehner Construction Inc. as an expert iron worker contributing on diverse projects such as the construction of Highland High School, various bridges in Salt Lake and other big projects in Elko and Reno Nevada. He kept up his hard work ethic in retirement by starting a landscaping business with his son Melvin Roy that existed from 1989-1994. Mel married the love of his life Arlene Gardner Brown on June 18, 1965 and was happily married for 35 years when Arlene passed away in 2000. Over the years, the family enjoyed many summers at their cabin at Bear Lake and visits to their St. George home. Mel loved taking long scenic drives and road trips throughout the western United States with family and friends. Mel enjoyed gardening, home building projects, and all things associated with the old west. Mel loved all his nieces and nephews and many friends. A special mention must be made to his dear friend Ron Bell who he shared a lasting bond of friendship. Mel you will be sorely missed!

Mel is survived by his children: daughter Cynthia Joy Brown (Barr Laver) Salt Lake City, Utah and his son Melvin Roy Brown (Mona) St. George, Utah. He is also survived by his brother Edward Brown West Valley, Utah.

A memorial will take place on Friday, 1p.m., March 24, 2023 at Larkin Sunset Lawn 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108.


Guestbook/Condolences

Cindy,

I'm sorry for your loss. Mel sounded like a great man and I'm glad his legacy has been so eloquently documented here.


- Nicholas Prince

Cindy, Melvin Roy & family,
Saddened to learn of your Dad's passing, reflecting on a beautiful life so very well lived. I can hardly remember a visit home in the last 25 years that didn't include time spent with your Dad.
Coming up, I was as comfortable in your home as my own. I remember being there in your parent's care when Grandma Alder passed, playing dress up and Cindy's "easy bake oven"! How our imaginations engaged in your amazing playhouse in the yard, I had my first cup of tea at your kitchen table, and our Buster - Buster Brown BB Bell to be exact, what a great dog! I remember our Dad's at a Daddy/Daughter program at Stratford Ward, blindfolded we were tasked with finding our Dad's by feeling their faces, I turned beet red having chosen your Dad! How did I confuse his manicured handlebar mustache for my Dad's? Your Dad gave me a hug, he was so gracious, my Dad winked and chuckled. I'm so glad that they shared such a special friendship, especially their bond after losing our beautiful Mothers far too early.
While having to say goodbye to these great men feels like losing an anchor and being set adrift, the firm foundation they provided us in our youth will always sustain us and steady our course. Know that you, like your Dad and Mother, will always be loved and treasured.
Ronda


- Ronda Bell

Dear Cindy,

My deepest sympathies on the loss of your dear Dad. Mere words cannot express the feelings that losing a beloved parent brings. Your dad is in Heaven with your dear mom and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You will see your dad again.

I pray you will be comforted by the Holy Ghost and by your dear memories of him.

Love,

Yvonne


- Yvonne Morgenegg

Cindy, Barr & the family,
Sincere condolences for the loss of your father. I know he will be missed.
He is at peace now with his beloved Arlene.
May prayers of comfort help you though this time of grief.
Love,
Shirley Grant & family


- Shirley Grant

Mel was a great neighbor the last 15 years. He was kind and friendly to our kids and I always enjoyed chatting with him outside after he parked his big Ram truck or his motorcycle. We’ll miss him and his friendly smile. Rest in Peace Mel!
Love,
Christiaan, Amanda, and the girls.


- The O’Connor’s

Cindy,Barr and your whole family,
Our Love and condolences are with you at this time.

I think that it is so Beautiful!!...the Love and care that you and Barr had for your Dad, and how close that you were with him.

My Hope is that we will all be together in Heaven with our Father,Jesus our Saviour,& the Holy Spirit...enjoying them and each other forever and ever!!

Our Love and prayers are with you and your family now and always.
Love Mel,
Mercedes & John


- John Catrow

Dear Family of Mel’s,

Tom and I have lived in this sweet Sugar House neighborhood, it will be 40 years this July 4th! So many of our original precious neighbors have passed on! I wish everyone could have known each one! Your Dad is just one we will miss dearly! Sending much love! Tom and Bunny Green


- Tom and Bunny Green

Dear Cindy, Roy and extended Brown family,

I am so sorry about the tragic loss of your beloved father and truly wish I could be there in person to express my condolences. Your dad was a gentleman among gentlemen. I greatly enjoyed our occasional interaction and I especially enjoyed spending one happenstance afternoon with him along with Barr and my sons at the cabin on Bear Lake in June 2018. Your dad was certainly at his best proudly showing us around the estate and generously taking time to highlight several of the projects he had undertaken over the years. He was a most impressive man and I marveled as I read over his awe-inspiring obituary. I feel most fortunate and privileged to have known your dad and, now some seventy years later, be wearing the same uniform and likewise be stationed in Germany where he so proudly served. I salute your dad for his service to God, family and country. May he rest in peace after such an exemplary life.

A big hug from afar,

Steve and Sara Calder


- Steve Calder and family