Marlin B. Brown

 Marlin Brady Brown died May 20, 2021 at his home in Kanab, Utah, after blessing our lives for more than 89 years. He will be greatly missed until we see him again.  Born the third son to loving parents, Gurnsey and Alga Brown, Marlin fit right in with his energetic brothers, Mac and Rex. He had the kind of childhood one reads about in adventure books--exploring the hills north of Kanab where he discovered exotic locations like Planet Mongo, the Beehives, and the Milk Bottles. The stories from his youth inspired his children and grandchildren to also love the red hills of southern Utah.
 At an early age, Marlin experienced severe injuries leaving him frequently on crutches. While he didn’t allow these injuries to slow him down much (yes, you can run on crutches and even push a brother in a wagon), he ultimately ended up with one leg that was shorter than the other, which gave him his signature limp. While the limp squelched a promising track/basketball career, in true Marlin-fashion he developed new skills and talents to embrace life. Into his early 80s, Marlin could still play a mean game of tennis, which he did whenever he got the chance. 
 Marlin served a mission in Hawaii for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He came to love the tropical food, the polynesian people, and the music of the islands. Throughout his life he entertained friends and family with the ukulele and songs he learned while serving the Lord. 
 The greatest conquest of his life began when he met his forever sweetheart, Delores Kaufman, a witty, beautiful Wyoming girl. While Marlin may have been a little late to their first date, he was quick to realize Delores was the one for him. They were married in the Idaho Falls Temple on October 12, 1955. Little did he know what lay ahead.
 Over the span of 22 years, Marlin and Delores added 9 children to their family. That family has continued to grow with 40 grandchildren and 41 great grandchildren. Marlin loved his family above all else. He often said that while he knew “pride” was a sin, he just couldn’t help being “proud” of his family. He was an example to his family and to all who knew him. 
 He loved watching his children and grandchildren participate in athletics. In fact, the best ball field in town is located in Marlin and Delores’ back yard. For decades, Brown children of every age have batted, kicked, thrown, and pitched balls into the garden and onto the roof, much to Marlin’s delight (and sometimes chagrin).
 Marlin served his family, his church, and his community. He owned and published the Southern Utah News for 26 years. In addition, he created Canyon Bookstore, a gathering place for 42 years. Marlin and Delores wisely used these family businesses to teach their children and many grandchildren the value of work and integrity. He was honored many times over in his professional career, receiving the award of Master Editor and Publisher. He volunteered with the Kanab City Council, the Lions Club, and Sons of the Utah Pioneers. In his church he served in a myriad of callings from executive secretary and scoutmaster to high councilman and bishop. He served more than 30 years as stake patriarch. He figuratively (and quite literally) blessed hundreds of people. 
 Husband, dad, grandpa, brother, son, friend, mentor, leader, the list goes on. We will miss you more than we can imagine. Your example gives us something to work toward. Marlin, we love you!
 Marlin is greatly mourned by his wife, Delores; his brother, Rex; his nine children and their spouses: VaNae & Don Cumming, Matt & Julie Brown, Alvin & Tye Brown, Robert & Nina Brown, Kanani & Scott Wells, Kristine & Tom Barton, McKay & Lois Brown, Natalie & Mikko Puikkonen, Brant & Jana Brown; his 40 grandchildren and their spouses; and his 41 great grandchildren.
  A viewing will be held at the Kanab Utah South LDS Chapel (604 S 100 E, Kanab, UT 84741) Thursday, May 27th, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Friday, May 28th from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. His funeral will be at 11 a.m. on Friday at the same location. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the missionary fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
 Arrangements were made with Mosdell Mortuary.
2021-05-24T17:03:36+00:00

2 Comments

  1. Tulsi Esplin May 27, 2021 at 1:19 am - Reply

    I moved back to Kanab when I was in 6th grade. I don’t remember life without him. Such an incredible man. Much love to the Brown family.

    • Natalie Puikkonen June 2, 2021 at 4:22 am - Reply

      Thank you so much!

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