Arthur Norman Brown

Doug, Jody and Mackenzie:

Thank you for sending me the notice of Art’s passing. I did not know. I am so sorry for the loss of your dad and my prayers go to all of you and your families.

I kept in contact with your mom and dad (through Christmas cards) ever since he retired from General Mills. I worked for your dad, as his secretary, for many years and up to his retirement in 1985. I remember scheduling many trips to London, Paris, etc. for him and always envied him for the places he visited. He was the only individual I knew who flew many times on the now extinct Concorde. No matter where he went, he would bring me back small items (mainly chocolates filled with liquor – bless his heart!). Your mom always sent, with your dad, a Christmas gift for me. I still have on the counter (even though one of the ears are nicked) an Alice In Wonderland rabbit cookie jar he gave me as a gift. It is our favorite!!

On one of his visits, the London General Mills office asked Art to bring a pair of “crazy colored men’s boxer shorts” available in the United States. Art sent me shopping at Ridgedale to find them! During my entire career, that was the most unusual request I ever received. I still tell that story.

I remember when you purchased your first home, Jody, and Art was helping design the landscape. He was so proud to assist with the design and purchase plan (spread out over a few years). Your dad talked me into opening an IRA at General Mills – which I really could not afford to do at the time with two small kids to raise. But, to get him off my back, I opened one and it is still growing today. Thank goodness I took his advice!

Art and Midge were truly special people and I will miss them until I see them in Heaven. Take care of each other and stay close.

Lynn George (Lynn Griffin)

On behalf of the staff at Courage Center, please accept our condolences for the loss of Arthur. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Art was a wonderful person. I will miss him. Jackie Faison