Lafe passed away on July 22, 2014. Lafe was born October 24, 1955 in Provo, Utah. He was the only son of Agnes Mathis and Lafayette (Lafe) B. Brown, Sr. Lafe was the third of four children. His sisters were: Sue (Benjamin) Castro, Sue is deceased; Carol Fitzgerald; and Julie (Peter) Eldridge. Lafe married his sweetheart Lori Kimball on March 31, 1978. They were blessed with two beautiful daughters: Riki Lee (Justin) Gotchika; and Riley Joy.
Remembering Lafe as a boy, he was always a great boat enthusiast; he started driving his parent's boat before he was in kindergarten. He would say "my name is driver boat Lafe Berry B. Brown". His father and Mother would have to sit in the back seat and help influence his driving without being told they were not going with him for a ride.
Lafe developed good work ethics while he was in High School. He owned his own footing company when he was 17 years old. All of his week-ends and summers were consumed with work or getting jobs. He was able to read the architect's plans and lay out the footings for his men to set up and or dig. Getting the footings square and level is a very important part of building a home. It could mean the difference of many hours of labor and much unneeded expense if the footings are not correct.
Lafe bought his first boat when he was just a teenager. With the help of his wife and daughters he taught many people to water ski. His happiest hours were when he was playing on the water with his family and friends. Lafe and Lori and his family spent many hours at Timp Marina on Utah Lake where they developed many friends and wonderful memories.
He started water skiing by riding on his father's back and then by sitting on his shoulders. His Mother had become an expert boat driver. If you ever saw him water ski you would think he was a pro. He loved to jump wakes; the bigger the better which were created by whatever boat was pulling him.
His experience water skiing helped him to become a great snow skier. His friends said he was a hot dog skier, whatever that is. The steeper the course the more he liked it, he always had to have a challenge in everything he did.
Lafe built his first home for Lori and himself before they had any children. This home was a very nice show place and comfortable home.
Lafe had some very interesting jobs during his career; I would like to tell you about two or three of them.
His company was responsible for the expansion and remodeling of the Giant Hangar the Blue Angels called home. This was in El Centro California. Lafe became close enough to all of the pilots and crew that they gave him a large picture of them endorsed by all of the pilots.
While living in Huntington Beach, California they took a contract with the city of Chino Hill to manage all of their public works. Chino Hills had just become incorporated and had no idea what they had to manage. Lafe was responsible for inventorying everything in the city. This included streets, sewer, water systems, parks, mediums between streets and so many more things you can just imagine.
Next his company received a contract for all of civilian construction in the Naval Yard in Long Beach. One of the most interesting jobs was the dry docking of the Battleship Missouri to get this big monster ready for moth balling or final docking, what a challenge. Lori was behind the scenes raising that beautiful baby daughter "Riki Lee" and finding ways to help support Lafe in whatever he was doing.
Everywhere Lafe and Lori and his family lived they made many friends for lifetime. I feel this was accomplished because they always went the extra mile to help these friends and neighbors.
Lafe and Lori were blessed with a second daughter after they moved back to Salt Lake. She was named "Riley Joy" what a wonderful time in their lives. Of course, Riki became the surrogate Mother.
The biggest challenges in his whole career came from his daughters, if they had a project, Lafe had a project. You would find them with their heads together trying to figure out the best way to solve the assignment. In the event his daughters had a specific assignment out lining the required project, the challenge was issued and nothing but the best would be submitted.
Both daughters were very active in cheer leading while in High School. Sometimes this would require them to get up at 5:00 AM to go to practice, well Lafe would get up and make them breakfast regardless of the hour. If Riki had to have her hair done you find Lafe rolling and blowing her hair in order to make it right like it was required by the cheer leader instructor.
Riley entered into a science fair project which was state wide. Riley and Lafe worked on this project like there was no tomorrow. Their perseverance paid off, first Riley won her school prize and then went on to win state. This was typical of any goal Lafe and his two daughters decided to undertake and of course their mother Lori was right in the middle supporting them in all undertakings.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, July 28th at 11:00 AM at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. 10600 S., Sandy. A visitation will be held at 10:00 AM prior to the memorial service. Online condolences are welcome at www.larkincares.com
CASUAL DRESS IS REQUESTED!
