On July 1st 2010 my beloved father-in-law passed from this life. That he will be missed is without question. He was a wonderful man. He touched every life that he came in contact with for the good. There was a line 3 hours long at his viewing. His funeral service was provoking and inspiring. That in itself is a tribute to the life that he lived. I have thought long and hard about what I could say as a tribute to this wonderful man, what I want those who didn't know him to know about him, what I want to remember most about him. All I can say is there are hardly words. A more loving, fun, spiritually guided and inspired man I have never known. There are VERY few people in this word who can bring me to tears at the very mention of their name. He is one of the few. When asked on the spot what my favorite memory with him was I was so overcome with emotion that I couldn't speak. There are too many. Beach trips, Bear Lake, coboy potatoes, tri-tip steak BBQ's, car rides, him holding my sweet Maylee only a few hours old, reading to my kids, wakeboarding, hiking, biking, chidding Grandma for hogging the baby, his wisedom, his quiet way, his hugs, his laugh. He was a quiet, proud man. And, as a man, didn't often discuss his feelings with Matt. They were always close, and they knew how they felt about each other, but they didn't talk about it. Matt was able to spend those first few days after Frank's passing reading his father's journals. In his writing he could hear his dad's personality come out in the way he would describe events of his life. He was also able to read in his dad's own words how he felt about him. Those journals with be treasured by our family forever. His sudden passing has brought me to consider my own life. I want to be better at letting my family know how much I love them, and I want to record it so that when I am gone they will never forget it. I have never been a very good journal-keeper, but I manage to somewhat keep up on my blog. I have a tendancy to just record the who-what-where and include photos, and if I get behind I feel like I have to catch up in order to move forward. I have decided that my blog will be more of my journal than a documentary of our lives. I want to use it to record the little things that go on in our lives and to preserve those special moments for my children and for generations to come. My postings may just be random incomplete thoughts because that's all I have time for, but at least it will be written down. I apologize in advance for the direction (or lack thereof) that my blog may take, but after all, it's more for me and my family, but you are still welcome to read if you want to :). I want to record my goals and how I feel as I accomplish them. I want to record the little every-day moments. I don't want to feel like I missed anything. I am quite certain as the time drew near, my father-in-law was able to look back on his life and think to himself "I did pretty well." I want to feel like I could say that. I want to lead a life like his. That is the best tribute I can think to give. I am eternally grateful for the man he was, the son he raised, the life he lead, and the legacy he left behind. He truly earned the gospel phrase "Well done." 
-Photos courtesy of Amanda Castleberry Photography-Frank's Obituary from the Deseret News:
Frank Robert Brown 1939 ~ 2010 Our beloved Father, Husband, and Grandfather, Frank Robert Brown, passed away peacefully at home, July 1st, 2010 from complications of cancer.Frank was born December 23rd, 1939 to Frank William and Edith Jones Brown in American Fork. It was there he worked on the family farm, attended High School, and met the love of his life Sharon (Wing) Brown. They were married in 1960 and their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. Frank graduated in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from Brigham Young University. After graduation Frank moved his young family to Kennewick, Washington where he worked for Washington Public Power. Later returning to Utah in 1968, where he worked for The Solar Salt Company. He then joined Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Utah in 1973 where he had a distinguished career of over 20 years. He held several positions including manager, director, assistant Vice President and, at the time of his retirement, Vice President of Government Relations. He was widely known and respected for his industry knowledge, work ethic, and integrity. In addition to his vocation he spent much of his time serving others within his church and community. Whether it was coaching young men on a baseball field, serving as a Bishop or Temple worker or on the Davis County Schools Foundation Board, Frank was found giving of his time, talents and love to others. Perhaps one of the most fulfilling services rendered was his time serving a mission with his wonderful wife in Arcadia California. Frank and Sharon were loved by the missionaries with whom they served. Frank was a man of character who put his family above all else. He enjoyed taking family vacations, especially to Southern California or boating where countless memories and traditions were established. Frank was an exceptional athlete and could often be found on the golf course with family and friends. He also loved baseball where he played competitively at the collegiate and semi pro level and later retired to the "old mans" game of softball. He touched those he came in contact with a warm smile, a twinkle in his eye and a quick wit. Frank is loved by many and has left a legacy and example for us to follow. Many will miss him but we know he has gone to a better place to continue the Lords work and to be with many loved ones that have passed on before him. Frank is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sharon, and his children: Lisa (Greg) Cowley, Kim (Darrel) Welling, Aimee (David) Higley, all of Bountiful, and Matt (Mandy) Brown of Saratoga Springs. He is survived by 15 beautiful grandchildren with one on the way. He is also survived by his siblings Elaine (Morris) Smith, and Janae Mattingly. Preceded in death by his parents Frank and Edith Brown. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at the Mueller Park Stake Center, 1891 South 1200 East, Bountiful. A viewing will be held Tuesday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary, 295 North Main, and Wednesday 9:30 -10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment-Bountiful City Cemetery.
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