October 29, 1921 - January 2, 2024
In Loving Memory ~
After a joyful Christmas in Maple Ridge, Martin Brown suffered a stroke and passed away on Jan. 2, 2024 at the impressive vintage of 102.
Martin was born in 1921 at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver, B.C. to Martin Lawther Brown, Sr., and Edna Mae Brown (Hearns), and matriculated from Lord Byng High School.
A Teacher's Diploma entitled him to teach Grade 4 in Cumberland in 1942-43. He then pursued a BA at UBC (1946). He taught junior high school in Surrey and secondary high in Rossland, interspersed with postgraduate work at UBC and subsequently Laval University, Quebec. He received his MA in Philosophy from UBC in 1950.
During his studies at Laval, he took instruction in the Catholic Faith from French Dominicans there, and was received into the Church in 1949. This was a turning point in his life.
Martin was a professor at Notre Dame University in Nelson, BC from 1951-55. He taught music at the San Francisco College for Women and philosophy, psychology, and Latin for the University of San Francisco. After six months travel in Europe, he returned to Notre Dame University in Nelson where he was an Associate Professor of Philosophy
In the Fall of 1965, Martin was teaching a seminar in philosophy of education. Among the four students enrolled was Judy Lang who would later become Mrs. Martin Brown in May 1970.
In June 1977, the University ceased to offer courses. Martin was appointed Registrar and sole remaining employee to assist NDU students fulfilling their requirements at other academic institutions. In May 1983 he carried the mace at the final convocation ceremony of NDU. He had also worked part-time until 1983 as the Financial Aid Officer for Selkirk College in Castlegar, BC.
Throughout all these years, Martin enjoyed music. He was organist/choir director for both the Cathedral of Mary Immaculate and the Anglican St. Saviour's Pro Cathedral in Nelson. He was involved in various musical events (e.g., pianist for I've Always Wanted to Ride a Streetcar!) and loved accompanying young singers in the West Kootenay Music Festivals. Saturday afternoons were dedicated to "Saturday Afternoon at the Opera" on CBC.
Since the move to Maple Ridge in 1997, Martin was a parishioner of local St. Luke's Parish and Holy Family Parish in Vancouver. He enjoyed attending Vancouver Opera and gardening on his balcony.
Martin was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, his parents, brother Donald, and sister-in-law Shirley.
He is survived by two nephews, three nieces, children Michael (Christine) of Spokane, Miriam (Omar) Gutiérrez of Omaha, and Kevin (Lisa) of Richmond; his grandchildren Nicole, Andrew, Carlos, Gemma, Antonio, Francisco, Zita, Maximilian, and Carrington and his great grandchild in utero will be deprived of his clever, gentle presence.
The family would like to thank the Fr. Geddes and Dad's friends who visited him faithfully since he was widowed. The family is forever indebted to the caregivers who enabled Dad to stay at home-especially Katherine, Ella, and Joseph.
Prayers were offered on Jan. 7 at 6 pm with Requiem Mass on Jan. 8 at 10:30 a.m, both at Holy Family Parish in Vancouver.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the parish, earmarked for families in need.