Beloved husband of 24 years of Susan Denise Brown; dearest father of Heather Marie & Christopher Michael Brown; beloved son of Judith & the late Charles Brown; dear brother and best friend of Robert (Christi) Brown, cherished brother of Kimberly (Doug) Tindall; dear grandson of Margaret Brown; dear brother-in-law, son-in-law, uncle, nephew, cousin & friend.
Michael, you will be loved and missed always. As he requested, Michael donated his body to Washington University for ALS research.
Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant Michael. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive him into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen (from the Book of Common Prayer)
The following are the words I wrote to Michael just weeks before his death.
Michael
Somehow, you were always there.
And we knew she loved you.
You were so deeply in her heart that when
She went away to college, she would not stay that far away from you.
You were there the rainy night of the car accident,
And we went to the emergency room together.
You were there when we moved away and left her behind.
You loved her, married her, gave her the children that you both love so much.
You cared for her when she battled what was then unknown,
Her bi-polar disease, and together you came through that crisis.
And you supported all her efforts as she studied to become a nurse, and a very good one at that.
You have loved and cherished her well, and that love has been returned.
Now, together, as you battle another enemy, we admire and salute you for your bravery and courage. It is an inspiration to those around you, and we love you both more than ever.
We are proud to have you as a son-in-law.
You could not have been a better one.
You are precious to God; you are precious to me;
And you are loved very much.
It has been a journey of love, Michael.
You were there, and I know that, for Susan, you will always be there.
