Victor Lee Brown died Tuesday, March 26, 1996 at home, following a lengthy illness.
He was born July 31, 1914 in Cardston, Alberta, Canada. In his youth he moved to Salt Lake City with his parents, Gerald S. and Maggie Calder Lee Brown, and younger brothers, Emmett and Ross. Victor married Lois Ashton Kjar on November 13, 1936 in the Salt Lake Temple.He worked for United Airlines in Salt Lake City, Washington, D.C., Denver and Chicago. He served in various callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including becoming the first bishop of Denver Fourth Ward and in the Denver, Colorado stake presidency. While serving as a Sunday School teacher in Chicago in 1961, he was called by President David O. McKay to be a General Authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served for 13 years as the Presiding Bishop of the Church. At the time of his death, he was an emeritus member of the First Quorum of Seventy. From 1985 to 1987, Victor and Lois served together as president and matron of the Salt Lake Temple. They considered their temple service as the most fulfilling opportunity in their years of church activity.
Victor was active in many community and business affairs including service as a director on several local and national boards including Utah Water and Power Board, DMBA, Utah American Revolution Bicentennial Commission, O.C. Tanner Co., Murdock Travel, Western Airlines, Utah Symphony, Thrasher Research Fund, Deseret Trust, Deseret News, and The Hotel Utah Co.
Victor and Lois are survived by their five children, and their spouses, Victor L., Jr. (Mareen), Gerald E. (Janice), Joanne B. Soderborg (Steven), Patricia Glade (Larry), and Stephen M. (Peggy). Also surviving are 26 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brothers, his wife, who died September 17, 1989, and a grandson.
The family is grateful for the long years of skilled service and loyal support given to their father and grandfather by his secretary, Carolyn Hyde. They also appreciate the years of care given by the nurses and aides from IHC Home Care Services.
Funeral services will be Saturday, March 30 at 11 a.m. in the Salt Lake Eagle Gate Stake Center, 135 North A Street. Friends may call Friday evening 6 to 8 p.m. at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the IHC Home Care program. Interment, Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
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