Derlyn William Brown

Derlyn William Brown, 74, well-known resident of Grand Coulee, Washington, retired firefighter and tireless volunteer to his community, passed away unexpectedly at his home Thursday morning, July 13, 2017. Derlyn was born August 29, 1942, in Clearfield, Utah, to Alma M. and NaOla Brown. The family moved to Washington in 1956. Derlyn graduated from Moses Lake High School in 1960. He was called to serve in the Southwest Indian Mission, laboring among the Navajo people (1962-1964). In the fall of 1964, Derlyn reported to Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, beginning a 30-year career with the Air National Guard. He met the love of his life, Sheila Kay Barney, on June 10, 1964, and one year and one day later, June 11, 1965, they were married for time and all eternity in the Logan Utah temple. In 1971, they moved to Spokane, where Derlyn continued his career as a firefighter at Geiger Field. In 1977, they moved to Grand Coulee for "1-3 years," taking a firefighting position with the USBR, from which he retired in 1994. He also retired from the Grand Coulee Volunteer Fire Department in 2007. Following his USBR retirement, he worked for People for People and GTA. At his passing, he was a volunteer driver for Catholic Charities and SMS. As a life-long active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served in many capacities, including bishop of the Coulee Dam Ward for 6 years. In March 2014, Derlyn and Sheila received a call to serve an 18-month senior mission at historic Cove Fort, Utah. Derlyn's personal priorities were always clear: 1 – the Gospel of Jesus Christ, 2 – his sweetheart, Sheila, and 3 – his children and grandchildren. He loved spending time with his family camping, snowmobiling, fishing and waterskiing, going on long rides with Sheila on his candy-apple-red Honda Gold Wing, playing golf and, most recently, turning wood/making pens. Derlyn was "the" eternal cheerful optimist, who loved life and loved people.

Predeceased by his parents, Derlyn's legacy lives on through his beloved wife of 52 years, Sheila Brown; daughters: Deana Forrest (Robin) and Danette Beinert (Timothy); grandchildren: Ryan Forrest, David Forrest (Kaitie), Jennifer Forrest, Kristen Beinert, Brittany Beinert, Brooke Beinert and Michelle Beinert; brothers: Allan Brown and Selwyn Brown (Sharon); sisters: Roma Cornelsen (Gordon) and Mary Crowther (Paul), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Services for Derlyn will be held Saturday, July 22, 2017, at 11 a.m., (viewing 10 a.m.) at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 806 Spruce, Coulee Dam, Washington. Burial will take place in Heber City Cemetery, Heber City, Utah.

Those wishing to make donations in Derlyn's memory may do so to the Grand Coulee Volunteer Fire Department or to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Missionary Fund or Perpetual Education Fund.

Please sign Derlyn's online register book at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com.

Strate Funeral Home, of Grand Coulee, is honored to be serving Derlyn's family.