BROWN, Tyre Harris, II

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, AZ Friday, June 10, 2011 Tyre Harris Brown II, 71, beloved husband of Rita Daniel Brown, died following a brief battle with cancer, June 8, 2011. They were nearing their 50th anniversary. Mr. Brown was born Dec. 8, 1939, in New Haven, Conn. He grew up in Houston, Texas, and Albuquerque, N.M. Because of his strong love of mountains, they settled in Flagstaff in 1970. He was quoted as saying when he saw the San Francisco Peaks, "I knew I had come home." He completed his bachelor of arts and master's degree in physical science at Northern Arizona University. During his career, he had worked as lab manager for the NAU Physics Department, at the Wire and Cable Division of W.L. Gore, and prior to retirement had been an educator with the Flagstaff Public Schools. His love of learning encompassed many subjects and he was a naturally gifted teacher in the sciences and math. As a member of the Steering Committee under President John Kavanagh, he was proud of helping to get the Coconino Community College for Flagstaff on the ballot. He was a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church, serving as an altar boy at age 12. At Church of the Epiphany in Flagstaff, he served most recently on the Vestry, the Finance Committee and Holy Folders volunteers. Mr. Brown was a great student of history, with a special interest in the Civil War. Growing up, his interest in sports included Western saddle horseback riding, expert level figure skating, Alpine skiing and hiking the Grand Canyon with the Prairie Trek. He and his family shared a great love of all kinds of music, especially classical and folk. He played the guitar and loved to dance. Mr. Brown was a great animal lover and especially intrigued with the endless variety of dogs, birds, fish and reptiles. He and Rita had spent many years rescuing abandoned cats in their neighborhood. Mr. Brown is survived by his wife, Rita; son Warren Brown of Colorado; daughter Halli Fossaceca (David); two grandchildren; sister Evelyn Tumlin (Bob) of Mississippi; two nephews; aunt Kathleen Toler of Washington; and several cousins, nieces and nephews throughout the United States. A memorial service will be Sunday at 2 p.m., at Church of the Epiphany at 423 N. Beaver St., with a reception to follow in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to Make A Wish Foundation, Hospice or the Cancer Society. Memories and/or condolences can be sent to the family at www.norvelowens mortuary.com. Norvel Owens Mortuary is handling arrangements.