"Brandt: Grandpa has always been my perfect image of classy politeness. Ever since I was young he was always dressed niced and driving one of his Cadillacs! More than that though Grandpa was kind and a great listener. He was always interested in what was going, especially with my progress in scouts. I always knew I could count on him to help me, and he did indeed help me many times. No mechanical problem was ever too much for Grandpa! Mt greatest memories of Grandpa however are the spiritual moments we shared. Grandpa confirmed me after my baptism, and I still remember the sound of his voice and the comfort I felt during that ordinance. Grandpa also gave me the opportunity to give him a blessing once, which was a powerful spiritual moment for both of us. I know that he is at peace now and that his life has prepared him for the great reward that he is experiencing now. I love Grandpa, and I know that the Lord will help heal all those who feel his loss so deeply. Katrina: I only met Grandpa once (shortly after marrying Brandt). He was already struggling healthwise then and I remember wondering how long he was going to last. Well... he made it well over a year after that. I view that as an impressive accomplishment in and of itself. However, that one interaction with Grandpa Brown has left a large impression on my soul. I hardly knew the man, but I can honestly say I love him: every bit of him. He's a great example to me. He's an example of courage, strength, endurance, love, compassion, diligence, loyalty, and so many other desired attributes. I continue to learn more and more about Grandpa as the days and years pass and the more I learn the more I grow to admire and love him. But as much as I wish I could have interacted with him more, I am very grateful that he is in a better place where he is pain free and full of true happiness. Grandpa, Ky and I barely knew you, but we love you and look up to you for your goodness. To Judy: God bless you for ALL you did. No one could have done what you have done in the same way that you have done it. You deserve a medal! God will guide you and give you comfort. That I know to be true. You have given wonderful service (exactly what God asks us to give). Thank you for your example of love and devotion."
In loving memory of
Amos Wilford Brown
October 16, 1923 - March 24, 2014
Amos Wilford Brown, 90, passed away March 24 at his home in Mukilteo.
He was born October 16, 1923 in Logan, Utah, to Lillian Christensen and
Amos Brown, the 14th of 15 children in a close-knit blended family.
Called "Junior" until adulthood, Amos spent happy childhood days
camping with his family and getting into mischief with his twin
brothers. This mischief often involved cars, for which he developed a
lifelong love. His other lifelong love was his high school sweetheart,
Evelyn Seamons, whom he married on April 10, 1942 in the Logan, Utah,
LDS Temple. They made their first home in Nampa, Idaho, where he
helped build the Amalgamated Sugar factory.
During World War II he received advanced training in communications
and served in the Fifth Marines Division, a corporal leading a team
installing telephone lines between the front lines and battalion
headquarters during the battle of Iwo Jima. He witnessed terrible
devastation, the iconic flag raisings, and was among the occupying
troops after Japan's surrender. Three years after enlisting, he
returned home to meet his first child for the first time.
Upon his return from the war, he and Evelyn moved their family to Twin
Falls, Idaho, where Amos again worked as a mechanic for Amalgamated
Sugar. In 1954, a new job took the family to Seattle, where Amos
eventually built his own packaging equipment company, Brown Packaging,
Inc., which he and Evelyn owned and operated together. Amos designed a
machine capable of applying labels to the new stackable tuna fish
cans, for which he holds a patent. They sold the thriving business
upon their retirement in 1987 and filled their later years with family
and travel and church service. Four of their five children settled
near them, so their grandchildren knew them well.
For over 20 years Amos and Evelyn rented a large beachfront house in
Cannon Beach, Oregon for a week-long family vacation that kept their
children and grandchildren close and filled many photo albums with
pictures of happy children playing on the beach. He also ensured that
the big family reunions of his siblings and nieces and nephews
happened each year in Utah, and he attended each year as long as his
health allowed. Though he remained fond of his childhood home in the
Utah desert, Amos loved the Northwest: the greenery and the seafood
and watching passing ships with his telescope. Favorite trips included
Hawaii, Japan, Australia, Israel, Egypt, deep sea fishing in Alaska,
and a special trip to his father's childhood village of Sapcote,
England where he met some of his English cousins.
Amos and Evelyn were active in the Mormon church and served two
missions together: the first for LDS Church Employment Services in
Seattle, and the second in the Seattle LDS Mission office. Amos took
care of the missionary car fleet and Evelyn was the financial
secretary. They also served in the Seattle LDS Temple.
Amos could fix practically anything, and was happiest when he had a
project. Even on vacation he would often go searching for objects that
needed repair or improvement--sometimes as enjoyment, and more often
as service.
Evelyn's health gradually began to fail, and Amos served as her loving
caretaker until her death in February 2002. They had been married 59
years and had been together all day, most every day, for over 30
years. He was very lonely without her.
In 2004, Amos married Judith Young Newbill, whom he had met while they
were both working in the Seattle Temple. Soon thereafter they served a
mission to Jackson, Mississippi, where they worked in the mission
office, Amos as financial clerk and Judy as secretary to the
president. In July 2005, they received word that Amos's son Greg was
missing. Despite extensive searches by family and experts, he was not
found.
Amos and Judy were in Jackson when that area was hit by Hurricane
Katrina and Hurricane Rita. At the end of their mission they toured on
the way home, visiting 11 LDS temples.
Upon their return to the Northwest Amos and Judy moved to Mukilteo,
keeping active with family and church. During Amos's declining health,
Judy has been a loving companion and compassionate caregiver,
undoubtedly lengthening and enriching his life.
He was preceded in death by wife Evelyn, son Gregrey, five
grandchildren, and 13 siblings. He will be dearly missed by wife
Judith; children Carole (Carvel) Thatcher, Amos Jeffery (Kathy) Brown,
Janet (Dale) Marshall, Cindy (Mike) Elison; fifteen grandchildren; 27
great-grandchildren; sister Phyllis Talbot; and a host of other
relatives and friends.
Tributes
"With heartfelt sympathy, Evergreen Washelli"