Obituary for Arthur Henry Brown
Arthur Brown, beloved husband of Lorraine Brown of Calgary, leaves his son Lawson [Peggy] Brown, granddaughter Mandy Winfield [Phillip], great grandchildren Hadley and Bennett, grandson Adlai [Kimberly], great grandchildren Jackson and Elle, and son Garth [Sandra]. Arthur also leaves his brothers Leonard [Jane] Braun, Ervin (Helen] Braun, sisters Alma [John] Kaiser, Helena Smith Zieber [George Smith; Walter Zieber], Erma [Gerry] Schroeder as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers William Braun, Walter [Vi] Brown, Albert [Ann] Braun, Edwin Braun, and sisters Elsie FEDDERSEN [Ernie], and Hertha Rustulka [Frank].
Arthur was predeceased by the wife of his youth, Ruth Meier of Leader, Saskatchewan. Arthur grew up on a farm north of Estevan, SK, and helped the family survive and thrive through the hardship of the Depression years. The entire family worked hard and was committed to making the farm productive and successful. They were known for their physical strength and even mustered their own ball team. If it were necessary, they could "clean up" in a good scrap [German family WWII]!
The farm was a setting for deep spiritual connection for Art and his siblings. Sometimes our dad would stop his tractor, kneel in the soil, and pray earnestly to his God, often struggling with his sense of call to Christian ministry. Our Grandma, Olga Braun [Albert], was a prolific pray-er and literally prayed our sickly infant Dad to health. In his late teens, Arthur attended Hillcrest Christian College in Medicine Hat and graduated into Christian ministry. It was there, he met Ruth Meier and they were married in 1952. Arthur then responded to the call of God to be a pastor, serving four churches: Torrington, AB [2 yrs.]; Lipton, SK [3 yrs.]; Hanna, AB [11 yrs.]; and Medicine Hat, AB [17 yrs.]. He wrote books in his retirement years, Europe After Democracy and Life After Armageddon, which revealed his passion for biblical prophecy.
Dad loved pastoral work intensely. The churches he served were characterized by strong youth ministries, lots of music, inspirational teaching and preaching, and mentoring the rising generations, especially pastors. About a dozen pastors, and some wives, felt called and were nudged to follow God into Christian work by his influence. The church itself became “the farm team” for trial, failure, and growth as young men and women grew their budding skills. Art spoke and preached in both English and German to adult and youth subcongregations. He had an ability to cast a wide net, leading many toward the goal of working with God and for His kingdom. Ruth was a constant companion in every aspect of family and church life and her skills as a musician, child and youth worker, and hostess, complemented his life at every turn.
For more than 20 years, Art reached out to his radio audience through CJDV Drumheller and Medicine Hat CHAT radio. He produced two vinyl albums utilizing some of the talent within his congregations. Art was an amazing carpenter and could intuitively repair almost anything. He turned dimes into dollars and was a creative provider for his wife and family. Art’s preaching was Biblically inspired, Spirit- empowered, and laced with heartfelt stories and colorful farm illustrations, with many references to the farming he loved and knew so well. Art was opinionated and courageous, yet gentle as a shepherd who cared for his flock.
He lost Ruth in the autumn years of his life, but soon after married Lorraine Schmidt. Lorraine and Art were like soul mates; their common background in farm life and service to the church and their immovable love for each other gave us deep assurance that Dad was loved. They lavished their love on their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. We are so thankful to Lorraine for loving and caring for Dad, especially in the recent, difficult months. Dad compressed into one life the productivity and experiences of at least another half-life. We love you, Dad, and will dearly miss you – yet we know Heaven is richer, for you are there.
To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Arthur please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.
Arthur was predeceased by the wife of his youth, Ruth Meier of Leader, Saskatchewan. Arthur grew up on a farm north of Estevan, SK, and helped the family survive and thrive through the hardship of the Depression years. The entire family worked hard and was committed to making the farm productive and successful. They were known for their physical strength and even mustered their own ball team. If it were necessary, they could "clean up" in a good scrap [German family WWII]!
The farm was a setting for deep spiritual connection for Art and his siblings. Sometimes our dad would stop his tractor, kneel in the soil, and pray earnestly to his God, often struggling with his sense of call to Christian ministry. Our Grandma, Olga Braun [Albert], was a prolific pray-er and literally prayed our sickly infant Dad to health. In his late teens, Arthur attended Hillcrest Christian College in Medicine Hat and graduated into Christian ministry. It was there, he met Ruth Meier and they were married in 1952. Arthur then responded to the call of God to be a pastor, serving four churches: Torrington, AB [2 yrs.]; Lipton, SK [3 yrs.]; Hanna, AB [11 yrs.]; and Medicine Hat, AB [17 yrs.]. He wrote books in his retirement years, Europe After Democracy and Life After Armageddon, which revealed his passion for biblical prophecy.
Dad loved pastoral work intensely. The churches he served were characterized by strong youth ministries, lots of music, inspirational teaching and preaching, and mentoring the rising generations, especially pastors. About a dozen pastors, and some wives, felt called and were nudged to follow God into Christian work by his influence. The church itself became “the farm team” for trial, failure, and growth as young men and women grew their budding skills. Art spoke and preached in both English and German to adult and youth subcongregations. He had an ability to cast a wide net, leading many toward the goal of working with God and for His kingdom. Ruth was a constant companion in every aspect of family and church life and her skills as a musician, child and youth worker, and hostess, complemented his life at every turn.
For more than 20 years, Art reached out to his radio audience through CJDV Drumheller and Medicine Hat CHAT radio. He produced two vinyl albums utilizing some of the talent within his congregations. Art was an amazing carpenter and could intuitively repair almost anything. He turned dimes into dollars and was a creative provider for his wife and family. Art’s preaching was Biblically inspired, Spirit- empowered, and laced with heartfelt stories and colorful farm illustrations, with many references to the farming he loved and knew so well. Art was opinionated and courageous, yet gentle as a shepherd who cared for his flock.
He lost Ruth in the autumn years of his life, but soon after married Lorraine Schmidt. Lorraine and Art were like soul mates; their common background in farm life and service to the church and their immovable love for each other gave us deep assurance that Dad was loved. They lavished their love on their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. We are so thankful to Lorraine for loving and caring for Dad, especially in the recent, difficult months. Dad compressed into one life the productivity and experiences of at least another half-life. We love you, Dad, and will dearly miss you – yet we know Heaven is richer, for you are there.
To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Arthur please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.