Dr. Brent Whiting Brown was born on September 27, 1941 in St. Johns, Arizona, to Joseph Albert Brown and Elda Whiting. He passed away May 24, 2008 in Mesa, Arizona. He was a life-long resident of Arizona and was one of a dying breed of Mormon ranching Democrats from Northern Arizona. He received his bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University, a master's degree from Arizona State University, and a PhD from the University of Illinois in Political Science. He served under four Arizona governors in various positions. He was a Vice-President for University Relations and a professor at ASU. He was influential in bringing pro-football and the first Super Bowl to Arizona. His most recent position was as a Policy Advisor for Rural Affairs to Governor Janet Napolitano. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served a mission to São Paulo, Brazil. He served in many areas of leadership and teaching positions. His pastimes included: church history, genealogy, gardening, ASU sports, ranching, traveling and reading. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Nathel Burdick, and brother, Quinn Brown. He is survived by his wife of almost 44 years, Marilyn Cropper and his children Dessie (Scott) Harman, Morgan (Shawna) Brown, Daniel Brown, Angela (Bart) Smithson, Amanda (Theron) Hall and Bethany (Ryan) Hutchins, and his siblings Geraldine Sagers, Elma Smith, Louine Shields, Jack Brown, Philip Brown, and 11 grandchildren.