Marvin Brown

Marvin Brown

July 24, 1938 (Montreal) – January 16, 2019 (Saskatoon)

It is with profound sadness and relief that we announce the passing of Marvin Brown on January 16, at the Royal University Hospital. Surrounded by his family, Marvin went very peacefully after a lengthy hospital stay. Son of Russian immigrants, Marvin discovered his great love of education early in life. In Montreal, after attending the famous Baron Byng High School, he received both his honours degree in Psychology and his Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from McGill University. Following a year at Queen Mary Veterans’ Hospital working as a psychologist, he and his wife Isabel (who he met on a blind date!) moved to Michigan, where he attended the University of Michigan and received his PhD (1967). In Michigan their first child, Peter, was born. The family returned to Canada and Marvin began teaching at the young and exciting University of Waterloo. After daughters Lori and Devora were born in Kitchener-Waterloo, the family moved to Vancouver, and then to Saskatoon. At the University of Saskatchewan Marvin was a professor of Psychology, Head of the Psychology Department, and Associate Dean of Arts and Science. He served on the Faculty Association Executive and the CAUT. Marvin engaged in the unusual mix of teaching, research, and graduate student supervision. Though he taught every level, from introductory to the most senior grad courses, Marvin’s claim to fame was his Psych 110 classes, where he taught up to 1000 students per semester in three ‘jumbo’ sessions in the massive Arts 143 lecture theatre. His sense of humour and innovative approaches made his classes very memorable.  His research and publications were in several areas of social psychology; human motivation, effects of erotica, and attitudes towards sexuality. He developed measurement scales that were adopted by other scholars. Away from work, Marvin had a great love of collecting. The house was always filled with books. When he discovered his passion for travelling, Marvin developed a love of nature photography and artwork from wherever he visited. Marvin loved sports and memorabilia, especially his beloved Michigan Wolverines and the former Brooklyn Dodgers. For many years he played and coached badminton and softball. In retirement, Marvin served on the boards of non-profit organizations, most importantly the Saskatchewan Abilities Council and the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute where he advocated for employees’ pensions. Marvin also belonged to the Saskatoon Amputees’ Support Group where he educated nurses in the compassionate care of amputees and counselled amputees. Marvin spent his final years at home, in failing health, cared for by his loving wife, Isabel. Marvin was predeceased by his parents, Pearl and Peter Brown and his older brother, Irving. Mourning his loss are Isabel, his wife of 49 years, son Peter (Susan) in Edmonton, daughter Lori (Darin, daughters Sara and Joanna) in Ottawa and daughter Devora in Calgary.  The family wishes to thank the amazing nursing staff of the 5300 ward of RUH. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Saskatchewan Abilities Council would be appreciated. A small family gathering has been planned. Arrangements entrusted to Stefan Funk – DALMENY FUNERAL HOME (306-254-2022).