Francis H. Brown

My first and last memories of Frank are quite distinct. First as a graduate student in geophysics at the University of Utah (UU), Department of Geology & Geophysics (G&G), who received an A.B. (B.S. at most schools) from a school (UC Berkeley) that allowed me to graduate in geophysics with only two geology classes under my belt. At the UU I was encouraged (required) to take the core undergraduate geology courses immediately. I walked into a crowed historical geology class late. Frank, who had already started lecturing, stopped and asked who I was. Note, I was about ten years older than most of the class. I introduced myself; Frank laughed and said ?The new graduate student with a poor undergrad education – come down here and sit down.' I was mortified not yet appreciating Frank's background or wit! It was a great class even for someone who was much more comfortable writing code than looking at rocks. The last time I saw Frank was a few years ago at a silent auction fundraiser for the 25th Anniversary of the Association for Women Geoscience – Salt Lake Chapter. In the last minute he outbid me on a beautiful sodalite. A week later I received a rock in the mail, not quite as blue as the one he got, but with a note that he felt bad outbidding me and thought I would like this one better because he dug it out of the Dept. rock lab. He was right. It lives on the kitchen window sill, and I can hear his voice full of laughter and intensity when I look at it. Scientifically our paths never crossed, but we were friends through our love of the Earth. My advisor, Jerry Hohmann, passed away while I was trying to graduate. Through a difficult time, Frank was so wonderful and supportive. He gently asked if he could hood me at commencement, of which I was honored, and have his smiling face in the hooding picture. Frank so enriched the world broadly through his science and teaching, the Dept. of G&G specifically in countless ways with the Sutton Building being the physical manifestation of all he has done, and the people he caringly touched in so many small (and large) ways. He will be greatly missed Louise Pellerin Ph.D., 1992 Berkeley, CA

What an amazing and self-sacrificing man. He lived such a full and adventurous life. I know that such a man of the world will be missed by his family, friends and colleagues. I sincerely pray that you find comfort in knowing that he is our Heavenly Father's memory and he will be remembered when Jesus Christ is given the command to awaken all those asleep in death to live forever on God's new paradise earth where death will be no more..(John 6:40;Acts 24:15;Psalms 37:9-11,29) What a wonderful day to look forward to! May this wonderful promise from God give you joy, a peace of mind, and the strength to endure the days. weeks and months to come.

Please accept my condolences for your loss. I pray that you find comfort in your memories of Frank and the warmth in God's promises to end this pain you are currently experiencing. Its comforting to know that our Creator understands our suffering and promises a future where we can be truly happy and be reunited with our loved one. Please read Revelation 21:3,4 and Acts 24:15

We had the pleasure of spending a few Thanksgivings with Frank at my brothers. We enjoyed hearing his stories that he would share with us on that holiday. For his daughters and their families I am very sorry for your loss, he was a kind man.

Although I came from the other end of the campus I interacted with Frank on a number of campus issues. He was a great guy. Peter Goss Emeritus Professor of Architecture

Frank was a wonderful man and one of my best friends.I would like to extend my heartfelt compassion to Erica, Elise and their families. Our friendship originated about 35 years ago, due to the collaboration of the University's Geology Department, headed by Frank, with Kennecott. We shared meals and drinks, exchanged ideas and laughed at our funny jokes about any and all subjects. I was very much impressed by Frank's yearly advances in East African stratigraphy which took intellect, sweat and courage.At the same time, I came to respect his prowess as administrator and Dean of Mines and Earth Sciences. Pam and I will miss Frank. We trust that his family's sorrow will in time give way to very fond memories. Frank Joklik

When I think of Frank, the first thing I picture is the warmth of his voice, and his soothing style of speech. A fantastic teacher and mentor. The man had a way of making you feel like you were more capable than you believed you were. When I heard he had stepped down as Dean of the college last year, I reached out to him to thank him for all he did for me as a student. I'm glad I did. He'll be missed. My warmest condolences. -Erik Reinert, Utah Geology and Geophysics, Class of 2000.