Mervin George Brown

Mervin George Brown, Age 83, passed away at his home in Salt Lake City, Utah on March 24, 2024 with his daughters by his side.

He was born in Salt Lake City on December 30, 1940 to George Herbert Brown and Jennie Francis Heinhold. He was the oldest of 4 boys.

Prior to getting married, his first love was the pipe organ. He worked hard to pay for organ lessons each week and started a collection of organ parts to build his own.

The pipe organ took a back seat for a few years in order for him to serve an LDS mission in England. He loved serving in London - especially playing the organ at Hyde Park Chapel. Many blessings and opportunities came from his time serving faithfully.

After returning home from his mission, he served in the Air Force. His favorite part about this service was, once again, being able to play the organ.

Upon his return, he purchased a home with high enough ceilings and rooms to fit a pipe organ. Once it was installed, he was finally ready to marry the love of his life, Karen Jean Banham, after 5 years of dating. They were married and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on October 26, 1973. They loved each other dearly.

He was the best dad. He was so proud of his girls and would often take their side, vetoing mom’s choices. He was never sad to not have boys - his girls were always up for camping and hiking any time he wanted. Summers were spent in the mountains. He loved nature and this is where he was at peace.

Professionally, Merv built and repaired pipe organs, mostly in Utah and Idaho. He was also the organist and choir master at Saint Paul's Episcopal church in Salt Lake City for 13 years. He loved his friends there and considered them an extension of his family.

Later in life he worked at the County Recorder’s office with Karen. They were so happy to work together.

He was an expert gardener – his yard was immaculate. He spent every moment he could outside in the dirt growing beautiful flowers and a large harvest of vegetables. He shared this bounty with everyone.

His eyes got a little extra sparkle when he became a grandpa. Each of them are special and mean the world to him.

He was an active, faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in various callings, but as you can probably guess, being the organist was his favorite. His life was full of faith, hope and love of the Savior. He led by example. He was charitable, kind and forgiving.

He and mom served a mission later in life in the Salt Lake City East mission. They grew to love and adopt young missionaries as their own. It was a part of their life that they treasured.

Merv is survived by his two daughters: Heidi (Brian) Ball and Kellie (John) Dickamore. He was grateful for both his sons in law and loved them as his own children. Also survived by his grandchildren: Taylor (Andrea), Jordan (Lauren), Madison, Reagan, Deserae (Kyle), Ty and great-grandsons Stetson and Bennett. Brothers Don (Mary), Keith and Lowell. Many wonderful, caring nieces, nephews, in-laws - friends too many to count and missionaries of the SLC East mission.

Preceded in death by his loving sweetheart, Karen, his parents and other very missed extended family.

Dad, thank you for your loving ways, your constant example and tender heart. It is not surprising that you believed "It is Well with My Soul".

A viewing will be held on Monday, April 1, from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Salt Lake Grant Stake, 3155 S. 900 E., Millcreek, UT. The funeral will take place on Tuesday, April 2, at 1:00 PM at the same location with a second viewing prior from 12:00-12:45 PM. Interment will take place at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park at 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, UT.

To watch the recorded service please click o the Watch Service button above.