In Memory of Lyn Brown

Volume 22 No 1 | Winter 2008-2009

Lyn Brown, Bethel Seminary of the East library director, died unexpectedly of a heart attack on November 29. A memorial service was held December 2 at Grace Point Church in Newton, Pa., and Brown, a chaplain in the U.S. Army Reserve, was buried in the newly dedicated Washington Crossing National Veterans Cemetery  less than a mile from the church. He is survived by his wife Kathy, Bethel Seminary of the East library assistant; daughter Deanna Munson, Bethel Seminary St. Paul library technical services assistant; and son Chris.

David Ridder, dean at Bethel Seminary St. Paul, former senior pastor at Grace Point Church, and former dean and executive officer of Bethel Seminary of the East, attended the memorial service as a representative of Bethel University, and noted that “Lyn touched many lives and served the Lord in every aspect of his life. We know he is realizing the joy of his salvation with the Lord today, singing in his big bass voice.”

Doug Fombelle, dean and executive officer of Bethel Seminary of the East, reflected that “Lyn Brown was a ‘students’ librarian,’ orienting his work to assist students in the midst of their busy school schedules, commutes, families, work, and ministry demands. He stood by them so that they were able to access the resources they needed. Always looking for ways to improve library services, Lyn never took his eyes off his mission to serve the students who came into his libraries.

We will miss Lyn Brown. We will miss his service to our mission. We will miss the sounds of his music at our convocations when he led singing and worship. We will miss his patience in showing all of us ‘how to do the library.’ We will miss his steady faith, his quick smile, and his deep booming laugh. He was our brother in Christ, our coworker, and our friend.”