25 years ago
President Hugh B. Brown, first counselor in the First Presidency, observed his 86th birthday Oct. 24, 1969, as he flew to Germany for a serviceman's conference, reported the Oct. 25, 1969, issue of the Church News."The birthday was a usual workday," President Brown said, "but we did celebrate on Oct. 22 with a family dinner at our home. This is also the birthday of our son, Hugh C., who was lost during World War II. A dinner at home was best because Sister Brown, who is in ill health and confined to her bed, was able to be with us."
President Brown was born in Salt Lake County on Oct. 24, 1883, the fifth of 14 children. When he was 16 years old, his family moved to Cardston, Alberta, to engage in ranching and farming. He left from Canada to serve in the British Mission.
"Life has been filled with challenges and opportunities, defeats and victories, hard knocks and discouragements, success and satisfactions," reflected President Brown. "This is the best world I know; I have great hope for the future. . . .
"I have had a very interesting life. I wouldn't want to go back over it again, and I wouldn't want to have missed a bit of it. There have been a great many experiences. I have a bit of experience with brickbats. A person learns more that way than with bouquets. I have had my share of both."
