Benjamin Paul Brown

Benjamin Paul Brown passed away with dignity and grace on September 1, 2023.

Ben was born on January 24, 1936 to Benjamin Webb and Hildegard Maria Louise (Kuepper) Brown at their home in Salt Lake City, Utah. The oldest of three boys, Ben’s childhood was filled with adventure and mischief with a healthy dose of discipline and perspective. 

Ben developed and practiced an active lifestyle beginning in his youth.  He was a member of the ROTC and cheer team at West High graduating in 1954. His ability to perform a back handspring was a pride point that lasted into his grandparent era. Memories of Ben performing handsprings in the backyard is one treasured by many.

Ben was a faithful and devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was called to serve in the Swiss-Austrian mission throughout 1956-1958. While on his mission, Ben had the opportunity to visit the village where his mother was raised. This visit proved to be deeply impactful to Ben and became a long-treasured experience for him. In 1955 Ben enlisted in the US Army Reserves as a Specialist in Communications, earning an Honorable Discharge in 1962.

Ben met his bride of 62 years, Joyce Louise Thornton in Samak Park, Utah where both families owned neighboring cabins. They were married and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on August 8, 1960. Together they raised four children, a daughter and three sons, in the foothills of Salt Lake City.  Ben was a father who loved and took care of his family, often taking his family on long vacations and fishing trips ensuring the bond between his children and himself was forged and nurtured. Ben remained fiercely committed to Joyce throughout their lives together, dedicating himself to her care until her passing in January of 2023.

Ben earned ASD in Business Computer Tech and Higher Accounting from LDS Business College in 1971. Worked@Tracy Trust and Loans as Escro Clerk, Rialto Theatre as usher.  His intelligence and experience would lead to a 41-year-long career in aerospace and satellite technologies as an electrical engineer.  Ben spent the bulk of his career employed by Sperry, staying with the corporation as it transitioned to L3 Communications-now L3 Harris-where he retired in 1999. Ben’s career was a highlight in his life. The work he contributed and relationships he formed held a place of unique significance to him with programs his team engineered still being in operation today.

After his retirement, Ben and Joyce embarked on a life of travel, service and volunteer work. They were the longest standing volunteers at Antelope Island and were recognized for their years of dedicated service. Ben and Joyce were called to serve a genealogy mission with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. They found personal fulfillment within the mission, opting to extend their service multiple times for a total of nine years. Ben also found fulfillment and community as a member of the Sons of Utah Pioneers.

Ben will be remembered as a stern man with a sly, yet keen sense of humor. His affinity for fishing, Native American culture, his Savior, and his wife stood out to those who knew him. He valued education and stability and stood as an unwavering example of discipline and dedication to this friends and family. Though we will miss his earthly presence, we know his example will continue to guide us forward and we will see him again.

Ben is survived by his children Bonnie DeVaney, L. Paul(Teresa Sanchez) Brown, Alan(Melissa) Brown, and Carl(Lori) Brown. 15 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by lifelong sweetheart Joyce, his parents, brothers; Kenneth M. and Gerald R. Brown, and son-in-law Lonnie C. DeVaney.

A viewing will be held on Friday, September 15, 2023 from 6:00-8:00pm at Cannon Mortuary.  2460 E. Bengal Blvd (7600 S.) SLC, UT 84121.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 11:00am at the Parley’s 5^th Ward Chapel. 2615 Stringham Ave, SLC UT 84109. Viewing beforehand from 10:00-10:45am.  Graveside dedication following the service at Wasatch Lawn Memorial. 3401 S Highland Dr, Millcreek UT 84106