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Brent Brown Obituary
Arizona, to Joseph Albert Brown and Elda Whiting. He passed away May 24, 2008 in Mesa, Arizona. He was a life-long resident of Arizona and was one of a dying breed of Mormon ranching Democrats from Northern Arizona. He received his bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University, a master's degree from Arizona State University, and a PhD from the University of Illinois in Political Science. He served under four Arizona governors in various positions. He was a Vice-President for University Relations and a professor at ASU. He was influential in bringing pro-football and the first Super Bowl to Arizona. His most recent position was as a Policy Advisor for Rural Affairs to Governor Janet Napolitano. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served a mission to São Paulo, Brazil. He served in many areas of leadership and teaching positions. His pastimes included: church history, genealogy, gardening, ASU sports, ranching, traveling and reading. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Nathel Burdick, and brother, Quinn Brown. He is survived by his wife of almost 44 years, Marilyn Cropper and his children Dessie (Scott) Harman, Morgan (Shawna) Brown, Daniel Brown, Angela (Bart) Smithson, Amanda (Theron) Hall and Bethany (Ryan) Hutchins, and his siblings Geraldine Sagers, Elma Smith, Louine Shields, Jack Brown, Philip Brown, and 11 grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 31, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the LDS Gilbert Stapley Stake Center, 1100 North Cooper Road in Gilbert, with a visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. Interment will be at the St. John's Cemetery Monday, June 2, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. Arrangements handled by Bunker's Garden Chapel, 480-964-8686.
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Memories and Condolences
for Brent Brown
Charles Kupcik
September 26, 2008
Dear Marilyn,
What a truely wonderful and generious person was Brent. I just learned of his passing and find it so difficult to believe. He was a tremendious mentor and his strength of character has profoundly influenced my life. So many wonderful memories of our association I will carry with me always. Please know I will keep you and your family in my prayers. All my best, always!
Ken and Kerry Driggs
June 18, 2008
Marilyn and Family
Our love and condolences--Brent was an outstanding community leader and a tribute to ASU, the Governor's Office, the Church and the wonderful Brown family. He will leave a lasting legacy.
Gail Paredes-Ewen
June 2, 2008
I had the pleasure of taking Professor Brown's class on Arizona politics that he taught with Art Hamilton---probably the most enjoyable time I spent in school! I always told people that class was one of ASU's "best kept secrets." He was a wealth of information, anecdotes and political wisdom. This state will surely miss this true "Arizona Treasure."
Becky Potter
June 1, 2008
Marilyn and Family,
How saddened we were to hear of the passing of Brent. That is something I could not imagine, but I know that there is a time and season for all of us.
Our lives have been enriched by knowing and observing you and your good husband. May the Lord bless and comfort you and your family.
With great love and reguards,
Jerry & Becky Potter
Gary Hatch
May 31, 2008
Great guy! He made a terrific impact everywhere. He will be missed by those who have known him and by those who will and have benefited from his many contributions.
Arloa Siers
May 30, 2008
Dearest Marilyn,
Thinking back when we lived on Orion and what wonderful neighbors you and Brent were.
I have thought about the two of you through the years and the deep love that surrounded you both.
May the Lord hold you near his heart in your time of loss.
Love and Prayers
LaVelta Patterson
May 30, 2008
As friends and relatives to the Brown family we would like to convey our love and respect for a great man. May the Lord bless you with peace and comfort during this very difficult time and in the days ahead. Sincerely,
The Earl M and LaVelta H. Patterson family.
Alvin Mushkatel
May 30, 2008
Marilyn,
Please accept, and pass on to the rest of your family, my most sincere condolences. I was always enriched by my friendship with Brent, and he has left an incredible legacy to the University, the State and all who knew him.
Rosita
May 30, 2008
I am so sorry to hear about Brent's passing. I became aquainted with Brent while working with the Governor's Office of Equal Opportunity. My sincere condolence
Julia McCleve
May 30, 2008
Dear Marilyn and family~ Victor and I want to extend to your entire family our deepest condolences on the loss of Brent. He is such a wonderful man, and his legacy will be treasured and remembered for a long, long time.
Arizona Association of Counties
May 30, 2008
Our hearts go out to the Brown family at this difficult time. Brent was a tremendous public servant whose friendship and counsel will be greatly missed by those who new him.
Dr. Zhiyong Lan
May 30, 2008
Brent's death is a great loss to all of us. My condolences to your family at this time.
Jackie Johnson
May 29, 2008
Dear Angela and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will continue to keep all of you in my prayers. May your memories and God's love give you comfort.
Jody Seamons
May 29, 2008
Dearest Marilyn,
From the moment we appeared on the horizon in Gilbert back in 1983, you and Brent have always been there with your friendship, love and support. May you know of my great love for you and your family; and as you spend this time together in a temporary farewell, may those eternal family bonds become even stronger. With much love,
Mona Hernandez
May 29, 2008
Dear Marilyn and Family,
I send you my deepest sympathy. Words cannot express my sadness. I had the privilege of working for Dr. Brown at ASU for 13 years. Brent was an outstanding boss and a wonderful, caring, thoughtful man. May all the memories bring you comfort. You are in my thoughts and prayers and always in my heart. Much Love,
Lydia Leroy Aunt Marjorie Berry
May 29, 2008
Dear Marilyn & Family
We send our Sympathy to all of you.
We have had Brent in our prayers always & put his name on about 10 Temples, have kept it on & now we have put you & your family on. I am not sure if we can make it to the funeral or not depends on Mom.
Les Smith
May 29, 2008
I appreciate the legacy Brent left at ASU. He had tremendous political influence and was highly respected. Sincere condolences to the Brown family.
Audrey Moulder
May 29, 2008
Sister Brown,
We are sorry to hear about Brother Brown. I can't help but think that the Lord needs great missionaries and he just got one of the best. Our prayers are with you.
Mike and Audrey Moulder
Bernald Porter
May 29, 2008
Brown family -
Your loss is Father in Heaven's gain, and I am certainthat Brent will be busily engaged in preparing to receive his eternal family.
May the good memories of his life flood your hearts and minds and serve as a constant reminder of his christlike example. He was, indeed, a man loved by everyone who knew him.
May God's comforting spirit and blessings be with you.
Ronald Pies
May 29, 2008
I had the pleasure of working with Brent on several occasions. He was an outstanding individual. His contributions to Arizona and ASU have been monumental. He will be missed by all who knew him.
From the Staff of Bunker Family Funeral Homes
May 28, 2008
We wish to extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time.
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