Arnold Weight Brown

Arnold “Arnie” Weight Brown passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 10, 2025 in Springville, Utah. He was born on August 16, 1936 to Berniece Weight and Rolland Esplin Brown in Springville, Utah.

Arnie was a man who built his life on service and caring for others. Out of a difficult childhood came a man of deep integrity, hard work, and love. From selling papers as a young boy on the street corners of Salt Lake City to working at Geneva to becoming a banker, Arnie had one driving force behind him: his family. Truly at the very center of his life was providing the best for them and taking care of them.

Arnie’s childhood was spent hunting, fishing, and helping take care of his mother and siblings. While life was rarely easy growing up, Arnie worked hard and took care of those around him.

Arnie served in the 11th Airborne in the Army from 1955-1958, during which time he was stationed in Germany. After returning home from his military service, he began dating his sweetheart, Elaine Barton. The couple were married on August 5, 1959 in the Logan Utah Temple.

Prior to marrying Elaine, Arnie worked construction pouring concrete floors and at Geneva. Two weeks before Arnie and Elaine got married, Geneva went on strike, but Arnie continued to look for ways to make a living. Hard work never bothered him. After they got married, Arnie got a job at JC Penney through his mother-in-law’s connections.

While working at JC Penney, Arnie got a job at Springville Bank and then Utah National Bank in Provo, which was later bought by Zions Bank. It was while he was working there that Arnie attended the Pacific Coast School of Banking. Arnie continued to work at Zions Bank until his retirement in 1995 as the VP of Commercial Loans for the Provo branch.

Arnie sang with the Utah Valley Opera and with a barbershop quartet. He loved to hunt, fish, camp, and travel. Summers were spent camping at Lake Powell, going to the drive-in, and road trips. He also loved to tease and make jokes.

In 1992, Arnie was diagnosed with cancer. His hip bone was removed, and he thankfully went into remission. For the rest of his life he had to use a cane and wear a big shoe to compensate for the shorter leg, but he never complained.

Arnie also built a life of tireless service. The Rotary Club, United Way, Sertoma Club, US Small Business Administration Central Utah SCORE as chapter president, and the Boys & Girls Club were just some of the organizations he helped. He also ran for city council. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, his church service included a BYU branch presidency, executive secretary, ward bishopric, temple finance clerk, and stake clerk. As thanks for all of his service in the community, he got to set off the cannon for the Provo parade one year.

After retiring, Arnie and Elaine traveled with friends. From the British Isles to Panama to Scandinavia, Arnie loved to experience different parts of the world. When his children moved away, Arnie and Elaine frequently packed up their car or got on a plane to visit their children and grandchildren. These visits took them across Utah and to Boston and New York, Alaska and Las Vegas, San Diego and Chile. Arnie loved to be with his family.

There is one phrase that has been said by many, many people who knew Arnie: “Oh, I know Arnie. He’s a good man.” Two simple sentences of a man whose legacy will be felt across generations and lives. He truly was a great man, and we are all better because he was part of our lives.

Arnie is proceeded in death by his mother Berniece Weight, brothers Abia, Phillip, and sister Diane Carlen, and great-granddaughter Arya Nielsen.

He his survived by his wife Elaine Barton Brown, children Marty (Leslie) Brown, Stacie (Dale) Nielsen, Lydia (Marty) Morgan, and Jennifer (Steven) Gordon, brother David (Lori) Gunn and sister Virginia (Butch) Mattinson, brother-in-law Lynn Carlen, 11 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025 from 6 PM - 8 PM at Wheeler & Sundberg Mortuary in Springville. A morning viewing will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025 from 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM at the Springville 3rd Ward Church Building located at 355 East Center Street, Springville, Utah. The Funeral Service will follow beginning at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at the same Church Building.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Primary Children’s Hospital.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.