Harry L Brown, beloved member of our Cedar City community, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, April 4, 2026. His dear wife, Lynne, was with him at this time. Harry, the only child of Joel T. and Jean Allen Brown, was born November 17, 1945, and raised in Philadelphia PA. He was a very energetic and inquisitive child who loved learning about the world. His youthful “claim to fame” was being a regular dancer on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand TV show. After high school graduation in 1964, he chose to serve his country by joining the US AirForce. Harry was selected to train in an elite Intelligence sector which later became part of NSA. He served in Alaska for 4 years and was always a very proud Vietnam Veteran. Loving the wilds of Alaska, Harry settled in Anchorage and welcomed daughters Brenda & Tara with his 1st wife. It was in Alaska Harry began a career in banking, which led him to eventually move to Las Vegas. He was divorced and then married Marilyn Lieffers with whom he had a cherished son, David. Harry worked diligently in banking and rose to become a Senior Vice-President of Pioneer Citizens Bank. They purchased a second home in 1983 in Cedar City and spent every weekend and vacation in what would become Harry’s favorite place to live. When Marilyn divorced him, Harry and David moved permanently to Cedar City where he continued in banking with First Security Bank. He made close friends in the Community Presbyterian Church and that is where he met the love of his life, Lynne. They shared so many of the same values and interests and were married Feb. 19, 1994. Harry was a caring step-father to Lynne’s daughter, Michelle, and a super-Dad for son David.
Harry’s love for Cedar City became paramount when he was selected in 1995 to be the Exec. Director for the Chamber of Commerce. Harry worked with devotion and energy to improve small business and economic development for Cedar City without losing the unique historic and community heritage. He was so proud of working with many others to establish the Canyon Country Western Arts Festival and Sheep Parade which continues to this day. He successfully negotiated to bring to Cedar City, the American Orient Express, via the old Lund railroad spur, so tourists could visit Cedar City and our nearby national parks. Harry was so outgoing and enthusiastic about promoting Cedar City he collaborated with SUU, UT Shakespeare Festival and our local TV & radio stations to offer weekly television and radio shows promoting all the fabulous arts, culture and community events.
By 2000, Harry left the Chamber of Commerce to become the Public Relations and Foundation Director for the Cedar City Hospital. During his five years there, he supported the growth and expansion of the hospital and the move to its current location where he initiated the successful fundraising campaign for the IHC Cancer Center. During these years he also served on the SUU Nursing Board and helped them transition to an accredited BSN program. He also promoted technical and trade education by serving as a long-time board member of Southwest Technical College.
Harry retired in 2008 from “paid employment” yet maintained his community involvement by remaining on many community boards and committees. He also chose to follow his lifelong passion of learning. With Lynne employed at SUU, Harry began taking classes and never stopped. He especially loved Geology, Archeology, History, and was attending right up until his death. He was a huge T-Bird booster in all areas and loved the SUU faculty, staff and students. Everyone who met Harry was an immediate friend for life. His most cherished honor was being selected with Lynne to be 2026 recipients of the SUU Founders Day Distinguished Service Award. He was still “floating on Cloud 9” over this honor and recognition when he passed away suddenly a week later. He is in the loving arms of God and will be with all of us in spirit until we meet again.
Harry is survived by his wife, Lynne, a daughter Brenda Reeves (Steve), daughter-in-law Stephanie Farnham, step-daughter Michelle Trimble (Ray); fifteen grandchildren and one great-grandson. Harry was pre-deceased by his son, David, as well as both his parents.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Community Presbyterian Church on Saturday, June 6th.
Those wishing to give a gift in honor of Harry’s lifelong love of learning may donate to the Harry L. and Lynne J. Brown Scholarship at SUU.
Final arrangements are under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. To share online condolences, please visit www.mortuary.org.