Robert Brown

Draper, UT – Our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother and friend, Robert Lee Brown passed away on June 9, 2015, at the age of 91. Bob was born May 23, 1924 in Magna, Utah to Ray Brown and Melba Fotheringham. He was the second of four children. He attended Jordan High School, but his real education came from the Navy. He met the love of his life, Joyce Despain at the home of a friend. In July they will have celebrated 72 years of marriage. Dad joined the Navy in 1943, where he flew in the bottom of a plane, known as a Torpedo Bomber by Martin (TBM). During a night training their plane crashed into the ocean and sank within 30 seconds. Dad was a survivor. It took three days of rowing before they spotted land. Dad loved the Navy and served during WWII in the South Pacific. He later served as a firefighter for the Salt Lake County Fire Department, retiring as a Captain after nearly 30 years.
Dad and Mom built a cabin in Island Park, Idaho and spent lots of time fishing and enjoying their family. He was always waiting for “the gang” to show up to fish, especially Dee. He was as strong as an ox and could be seen on the roof even into his 80’s. He’s the only guy we know of who was struck by lightning twice and survived. He was an avid sports fan, who loved baseball, and rarely missed a BYU basketball or football game.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a daughter-in-law, Julie. He is survived by his wife Joyce, three children, Craig (Christy) Bruce (Lindy) and Rick (Linda), 21 grandchildren and 57 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his two brothers, Glen and Denny, and his sister Joy Ann.
Services will be held Monday, June 15, at 12:00 p.m. at the Draper Third Ward, 13085 South 300 East, Draper, Utah, with a viewing one hour prior. A viewing will also be held on Sunday, June 14, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Draper Third Ward.
The Brown family would like to extend our deepest appreciation to Carol Brown, Bob’s niece, who recently cared for Bob. Carol made his last few years of life comfortable, meaningful, and filled with laughter and love. We will forever be indebted to her. We would also like to thank Hearts for Hospice, especially Wade and Elena, who did everything possible to support and care for Dad. We will miss him dearly. He helped all, loved all, and made us family!