Charles David Brown's Obituary
Charles David Brown, 72, passed away peacefully in his home in Holladay, UT on Wednesday, August 5, 2020, after a courageous decade long battle with cancer. Charles, also known as Charlie to many, or as Dave to those from his childhood, was born March 3, 1948 in Indianapolis, Indiana to James Dick Brown and Dora Louise Sallia Brown. Charlie had 4 siblings, older brother James Brown (Elaine), and younger siblings, Shirley Brown Angel (Douglas), Joseph Brown (Melanie) and Phillip Brown (Leslie). Shortly after his birth, the Brown’s moved to Salt Lake City and there he stayed through his childhood years. In his youth his love for music and singing began. He was an avid scouter and, consequently, earned his Eagle Scout award. He played basketball, baseball, football and volleyball. He played on the Olympus High School volleyball team for 2 years and then graduated from Olympus in 1966.
After graduation, Charlie served in the Air Force Reserves. From 1967-1969, Charlie served in Oklahoma in the Central States Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where many relationships of love and friendship were created that lasted the rest of his life. Upon his return from his mission he attended BYU in Provo, UT. This is where he met his sweetheart, Mary Smith, on the volleyball court. He often said, “It was love at first sight.” On September 14, 1973, Charlie and Mary were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. After finishing a Master’s Degree in Physical Education, the family moved to Montana to accept Charlie’s first job as the YMCA’s Athletic Director in Great Falls, MT. Three years later he was transferred to Helena so they moved their small family and remained there for the next 29 years.
Charlie was a hard-worker, no matter what position he pursued. While in Helena, he was a Manager of the YMCA and loved his time there. He spent 5 years teaching Physical Education Major classes at Carroll College and 12 years coaching the Women’s Volleyball Team. Charlie was a relentless competitor and a natural leader. He loved the game of volleyball. He understood the basics, and his ability to bring the best out of his players led his teams to multiple conference and national championships, along with many Coach-of-the-Year awards. Those that knew Coach Brown said he was always kind and gentle. After coaching, Charlie took a job as a Facilities Manager for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, taking him all around the southern part of the state of Montana to care for multiple church buildings. Eventually, he was offered a promotion to manage key Church facilities in downtown Salt Lake. The family moved to Holladay in 2007 and renovated the home he was raised in. With such a large family he was always doing something “on the side.” He refereed volleyball games, ran a big-family-small lawn care business in attempts to teach his children how to work, and managed CB Shorts along with his wife, who was the seamstress.
Charlie was diagnosed in 2010 with Prostate Cancer. Even though it was a devastating diagnosis, Charlie pushed through treatments, beating the odds, and managing to live life to the fullest.
After retiring in September 2013, he dedicated his time to serving and attending the temple many times a week and actively participating in family history work. He enjoyed golfing, watching sports, attending children/grandchildren’s activities and events, spending time with family, helping with home repairs and car projects for all his children living in the area. He especially loved playing games and eating popcorn with his children and grandchildren.
Charlie was always a dedicated husband and father to his wife Mary and their 13 children. His dedication and devotion to his family will live on through his children and grandchildren because of the many things he taught them and the time he spent cultivating relationships with each member of his family. Charlie was also dedicated to church service and to his faith. He cherished his membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and enjoyed the service he gave throughout his life. He served in the Young Men’s Program, as a High Priest Group Leader, an Executive Secretary, a Bishop, a Bishopric Counselor, a Member of the High Council, a Scout leader, a temple worker, and probably his favorite calling, home teacher.
After a ten-year fight with cancer, his health began to decline significantly in a short period of time. Even though his body was failing, he still maintained a positive outlook on life and spent his days strengthening and loving his large family. On his good days he enjoyed a trip to Costco, a walk around the neighborhood, or playing games at the kitchen table with loved ones.
Charlie is known for his sense of humor, easy going personality, patience, strong faith, organization skills, and his ability to make others feel comfortable. He just always knew how to calm every situation and make everyone feel important and special.
Charlie is survived by his wife, Mary and their 13 children: 3 daughters-in-law, 7 sons-in-law, and 38 grandchildren, Lona Kindsfather (Justin, Kiana, Kaylee, Kara), Clayton Brown (Robin, Hyrum, Echo, Dallen, Camille, Winter, James), Curtis Brown, Melissa Quinn (Patrick, Andelin, Porter, Miles, Talia, Eleanor), Shauna Roberts (Samuel, Claire, Lincoln, Cole, Diego, Ave, Sylvie, Maria), Lindsey Brown (Aubrey), Kristi Hill (Peter, Morgan, Chase, Easton), Andrea Harris (Spencer, Landen, Olivia, Avrielle, Isaac, Chandler). Laurie Anderson (Kevin, Brinley, Noah, James), Tyler Brown (AubriAnn, Whitney, Gideon), Carrie Dibba (Pa Modou, Nabiha, Zainah, LaMiah), Emily Brown, Mackay Brown (Evelyn). He is also survived by his 3 brothers and 1 sister: James Brown (Elaine), Shirley Brown Angel (Douglas), Joseph Brown (Melanie) and Phillip Brown (Leslie).
Events for Charlie Brown Funeral Service
All events will be streamed via Facebook Group-He’s Our Good Man Charlie Brown. This group is also a great place to share messages with the family. If you aren’t in this group yet, you can request to be added by clicking here or searching for the group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/234141160970734
Viewing -Sunday, Aug 9th 6-8 pm
Premiere Funeral Services
67 East 8000 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84047
All are welcome to attend.
Viewing, Family Prayer, and Funeral Service, Monday, Aug 10th 10 am-1:00 pm
LDS Chapel-2150 North Pointe Meadow Drive
Lehi, Utah 84043
Close family and friends are invited-limited seating.
Live Facebook Streaming and recording will be available in our Facebook Group Event.
Dedication of Grave, Monday, Aug 10th 2-3 pm (directly following the service)
Holladay Memorial Park
4900 South Memory Lane
Holladay, UT 84117
All are welcome to attend.
Live Facebook streaming & recording will be available in Facebook Group Event.
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