Richard Brown

Fruit Heights — Richard (Dick) Taylor Brown passed away on June 15, 2025 at the age of 78, at his home in Fruit Heights, Utah, surrounded by his loved ones.

Dick was born on September 17th, 1946, to William and Norma Brown, of Ogden, Utah. He was the firstborn, in a family of 5 children. With a head of beautiful auburn hair, he was a charmer from the beginning. In fact, he was chosen to be The Prince of the Hooper Tomato Days Baby Contest at just 10 months old.

Dad was given a ukulele for Christmas when he was 8. His mom noted that she wanted to get him a good one, and she did. It was his first Martin. He played that ukulele at the class show and tell. When he finished, his teacher was so impressed; she took him around the school and had him play for all the other classes. By his telling, that was the beginning of his career as a performer.

Dick graduated from Ben Lomond High School, class of ’64. During his high school years, Dad and his good buddies formed a blue grass singing group called Nick, Dick and Doug. They played a variety of folk music for assemblies, church gatherings and civic groups. They loved to sing together and after graduation, they decided to go for their dream of making it big, and drove to California to try for a record deal. This led Dad to his next amazing adventure, touring with a group of 18 young singers and musicians, featuring Johnny Mathis, called the Young Americans. They toured all over the United States for 18 months.

He returned home from touring to have an inspiring two-year experience as he served in the British South mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

After his mission Dad attended Weber State University, where he served as Activities Vice President and as Vice President of the Latter Day Saint Student Association. He was also named “Talent of the Year”. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree.

While attending the University, he was set up on a blind date to a formal dance – the girl had done the asking. That girl was our Mom, Lonna Germer. After their first date, they both had the same impression: they had met their soul mate. This began one of the great love stories of our time.

They were married in the Salt Lake temple, February 26, 1969.

The Dream Team started a family. They had 4 children and began a life of service, joy, laughter, music, creativity, and most of all love.

Dad began his career as an art teacher at Bonneville and Weber High Schools. He was beloved and became a mentor, a creative force, and a fixture with his guitar performing on assemblies.

Dad’s shift to advertising came in 1984 when a dear friend, Dave Thomas, invited him to work as an Art Director. Dick worked as Art Director, Senior Art Director, Associate Creative Director and Principal during his year of nearly 35 years. Over the years he won many awards including 6 Obie awards (the industry’s highest award for outdoor advertising). As a highlight to his career, he was awarded by the Utah Advertising Federation, “Advertising Professional of the Year” in 2012.

Dad was selected to be the Official Calligrapher to the 2002 Olympic games in Salt Lake City.

Another facet of Dad’s unique gifts was his ability to entertain. For 50 years he brought laughter, fun and joy to a range of audiences – young and old, church groups, reunions, civic organizations – through his 30 minute one-man show, all of over the state of Utah.

A fundamental part of Dad was his deep abiding faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ. He manifested his faith by giving his all to every calling he ever had. From Primary chorister, to serving in Bishopbrics. As he served as a High Priest group leader, his weekly newsletters became legendary – providing laughter as well as information. For many years, Mom and Dad worked with the church youth, writing, directing and accompanying first place road shows, creating choice memories for all who participated.

Dad was the Real Santa Claus. Waking up on Christmas morning in our home was magical. With handmade tags, handmade gifts, and thoughtful surprises – things he had been working on all year, to our delight.

Dad was always there through happy times and difficult times. He was a steady figure and loving presence. Never too busy to help with anything. Dad brought a calm, sweet, reassurance anytime we might be having troubles. He sensed if we might be going through a rough patch, and would place a card or a note on your pillow, giving words of comfort.

Dad was an unbelievable example of a devoted husband. He was Mom’s biggest fan and cheerleader and showed us all how to treat your sweetheart. He used his creativity to shower her with his beautiful calligraphy on his handmade cards. He loved writing her songs, and singing her praises. His was frequently heard to say “You know your mother does the work of 10 men every day”. Mom and Dad celebrated their 57th anniversary this year.

Dad was a unique and very special individual, and we count our blessings that he was ours.

Dick is survived by his wife Lonna Brown, his 4 children – Emily Brown Widdison (Jason), Tosh Brown (Victoria), Holly Burrell (Ty), Jenny Lemmon (Jeremy) and grandchildren: Desmond, Knox, Vesper, Frankie, Greta, Stella, Dylan, Sydney, Rylee, Averee, and siblings Mari Wolthuis (Gerrett), Mark Brown (Sheryl), Becky Wiser (Randy). He was proceeded in death by his mother Norma Brown, father William Brown and brother Bill Brown.

The family would like to express gratitude to the incredible hospice team, Abbey Murray, Jessica Ross, and Dr. Bartholomew and to our dear friend Ben Richards for his exceptional love, support and care.

The visitation will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025, from 6-8 p.m. at the Mountain Road Chapel, 901 South Mountain Road, Fruit Heights, Utah, 84037. A morning visitation will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025 from 9:30-10:30 a.m., followed by celebration of life services at 11 a.m., also at the Mountain Road Chapel. Internment at the Kaysville Cemetery.

Services will be live streamed at Russonmortuary.com