Obituary of Philip "Arn" Brown

Philip Arnold Brown, Arn to his friends, was a man who loved God, his family, and music. He was raised a Christian, and as part of his spiritual walk, he gave generously to many ministries and served as an elder. He was part of the Jesus Rap and the Christian folk scene in the 70s, and played in worship bands at King Street United, Faith Tabernacle, and Summerside Community Church, among other gigs. He played a mean guitar, and learned to fix and build them. Many guitarists in the region have instruments that were repaired by Arn, or made entirely by his capable hands. His passion was the return of Christ, and his website, jesusisreturningsoon.com, spread the gospel to thousands of visitors from around the world. 

His analytical mind and daunting intellect was well put to use as a longtime fraud investigator, a job that allowed him to catch bad guys and also protect the tax payer. This aligned with his political views, as he spent his spare time plotting takeovers for the Conservative Party of Canada. When he wasn’t knocking on doors for a campaign, he spent hours in the garage rebuilding his 1985 Fiero GT. He was an active part of his Fiero auto club and added to the odometer on cruises far and wide. He admitted his hobbies were expensive, but pointed out to his wife that so were their trips to Disney World, which she loved, where they could relive their honeymoon.

He was a man who always knew the right tool for the job, or could fashion it like MacGyver. An assembly manual? He would scoff. He passed on his brilliance for all things mechanical to his children, whom he encouraged to learn all the skills they needed to make their way in life. He taught his son, Sean, to play and repair guitars, and starting with slot cars, gave him the confidence to tackle electrical work, so that he could call on him as an adult to replace the board in his garage and make his stubborn Fiero turn over. His daughter, Vanessa, was inspired by his career as an investigator to become a true crime writer, and by his independent spirit to open a bookstore with her husband, Jason. While reserved, Arn was a father who made sure his kids were provided for in practical matters and had the ability to think critically. He never gave up on them. 

Arn was known for his distinctive style. In the 1960s, he sported the first Beatle boots in Strathroy. In the 1980s, he wore a tan trench coat and Ray Ban aviators like a character in one of his favourite 007 movies. In retirement, he dressed like Buffalo Bill with long hair, Western shirts, and cowboy boots, making himself ever-memorable to his descendants. 

Music was Arn’s primary way of expressing his faith and his feelings. He had great stereo equipment and a record collection full of blues, bluegrass, gospel, rhythm and blues, and guitarists who could really make those five strings sing; until he graduated to CDs, and eventually, satellite radio, where he listened to the Gaithers and classic blues. 

As such, it was suitable that he passed away peacefully while listening to BB King sing “Lucille,” in the company of his children, of which he was so proud: Sean Garrett Brown and Vanessa Brown. His pride extended to his son-in-law Jason Dickson, who was also there; and his grandkids Jack, Sam, and Lenore. He was predeceased by his siblings Kathleen and Jack, and is survived by his brother Jim and sister-in-law Olive; and his wife Ellen Monteith. Ellen and Arn spent 28 years of marriage laughing with each other and traveling the world on a wide variety of cruises and vacations. They notably took repeat trips to Ireland, the home of Arn’s ancestors, and to the aforementioned Disney World, where Ellen taught him to better experience the joy of childish things. They became avid cruisers and relished a trip of comfort on the high seas. It was a very happy marriage of trust and mutual care, and Ellen continued to care for him with diligence as dementia cruelly stole him away. She gave up the last few years to be his caregiver, showing us an incredible example of Christ’s love in action.  

In his passing, we remember a man who exemplified dignity and commitment; and that the pain is only so great because we loved him so much. 

Visitation will be held at Evans Funeral Home, 648 Hamilton Rd., London, Ontario (1 block east of Egerton St.), on Friday, July 18, 2025 from 2-4 p.m. & 7-9 p.m. A celebration of life will be held at Summerside Community Church, 1447 Commissioners Rd., London, Ontario on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. with reception to follow. The service will be livestreamed through the church. To register, got to https://tinyurl.com/2jfsvpxa Guests are invited to wear Western gear in Arn’s honor. The family requests that all attendees remain scent-free.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Arn's memory to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada or Summerside Community Church. Many thanks to the staff of Victoria Hospital, particularly Dr. Van Aarsen, Dr. Malik, and our nurse Emily, for helping us make this journey with confidence and providing superb care for our beloved father and husband.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.evansfh.ca

A tree will be planted, by the Evans Funeral Home, as a living memorial to Philip “Arn” Brown.