J. LOUIS BROWN

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J. LOUIS BROWN February 20, 1924 - August 16, 2011 Louis was the first of five children, born to Isaac and Kathryn Brown. He grew up on a family farm near Winkler, Manitoba, where he developed a love of nature, and a love of God, that brought him joy and inspiration throughout his life. With his beloved wife, Mary Ethel, he raised five children, Mary, Joletta, Oriana, Ludella and David. After trying his hand at farming in the Roseisle area, Louis pursued a career as an educator. Some highlights of his career included creating a wildlife sanctuary in a wooded area of the schoolyard at Riverland School, where among other delights wild trilliums grew, extending the Bluebird Trail with students, and establishing an outdoor education program at Machray School. Along with sharing the pure joys of discovery and nature's infinite variety, these efforts were aimed at instilling an understanding of ecosystems, the interdependence of all living things and our role in conservation. Music filled the family home. Louis and Mary would frequently lift their wonderful singing voices in praise to God. Louis enjoyed the bagpipes and through his inspiration, David became an accomplished piper. Based on his research into the music of the Lord Selkirk settlers, Louis composed a piece that David performed at Manitoba's Centennial celebration. Louis enjoyed more than thirty years of retirement living in North Vancouver, BC. He created amazing gardens and found ways of portraying God's Word and His joyful creation in wood art. Louis looked forward to meeting face-to-face with his Creator, Lord and Saviour. Following a stroke six months earlier, Louis died peacefully at Capilano Care Centre in West Vancouver on August 16, 2011. Along with many friends, nieces, nephews and other relatives, left to mourn his passing are his children, Mary Oliver, Joletta Brown, Oriana Fisher (John), and David Brown (Sherrill); grandchildren, Elizabeth Mcve (Tom), Anthony Oliver and Zowe Blackie; brother, Bert Brown; and the joy of his later years, Sonia Dale. Louis will be buried at a private family ceremony at Mountain View Cemetery, where he buried his beloved wife Mary on August 16, 1982. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 20, 2011, at Tenth Avenue Bible Chapel, 7103 10th Avenue in Burnaby, BC. In lieu of flowers, friends who so desire may donate to the Union Gospel Mission.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 19, 2011