H. Templeton "Temp" Brown Jr.

Lyme - On Aug. 13, Temp Brown rested for a moment on his stone patio, contemplating the beauty around him. As always, he took time to relish life. He and Suzie, his beloved wife and sweetheart, had been gardening, one of the many activities they enjoyed together. Moments later, he suffered a severe fall and died three days later, on Aug. 16, 2012, at Yale-New Haven Hospital, surrounded by his wife and three daughters. He slipped away quietly and with dignity.

Born in St. Joseph, Mo., on April 13, 1930, Temp Brown lived a full and rich life. His family moved to the Chicago area when he was 12, but he never forgot his Missouri roots. He attended Andover and then Yale, graduating in 1952.

During his freshman year at Yale, he met his best friend and lifelong love, Suzie. In his own words, "Love is something that comes from the heart and binds two people together forever." They married after Temp was drafted into the U.S. Army, not wanting to spend any time apart. Suzie would tell people they'd been married for 58 years, and Temp would correct her and say they'd been together for 62.

After working at A.M. Castle & Co., and raising their three daughters in the Chicago suburb of Winnetka, Temp retired; he and Suzie then moved to Lyme, where they began their next adventure. Passionately devoted to his new community, Temp became a longtime director of the Lyme Land Conservation Trust, a cause he championed until the end of his life.

Temp found joy every day and inspired it in others. He possessed an appreciation for beauty however he happened upon it: in the garden, at the theatre, touring a fine museum, savoring a sweet jazz note, or getting lost between the pages of a good book.

Temp savored fine food and wines especially when in the company of family and friends. An accomplished cook in his own right, he excelled as a saucier extraordinaire, pleasing everyone in his mastery of Sauce Hollandaise and chocolate sauce.

At the heart of his joie de vivre was the ability to accept other people's differences and find common ground. He practiced this throughout his life, leaving a lasting legacy to those who loved him and a precious gift to his children and grandchildren.

Temp's zest for travel led him and Suzie to explore many different corners of the world. He especially enjoyed the planning of their trips. Temp always discovered charming places to stay, and where to find the most exquisite croissants.

His friends and family will long remember his keen observations, his curiosity, his wonderful laugh, his dignified carriage, his impeccable manners, and his graciousness - all manifestations of his heart-centered celebration of life.

Temp is survived by his wife, Suzie and their three daughters, Lisa Brown of Minneapolis, Minn., Suzanne Butz of Gladwyne, Pa., Maren Brown of Florence, Mass., and their respective spouses, Mark Lellman, Ted Butz, and Patricia Morrison. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Matthias, Leah and Heidi Lellman, and Robert and Teddy Butz.

A memorial service will be announced.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Lyme Land Conservation Trust would be most appreciated.