Steven Russell Brown

Steven Russell Brown passed away on June 5, 2024, at the age of 66. The hallmark of his life was the love for his family. He will also be remembered for his passion for hiking and travel, his dedicated friendship and concern for others, and his notable career in energy.

Steven was born in Provo, Utah, on April 17, 1958, to Russell Olsen Brown and Norma Gammon Brown. He grew up in Orem and graduated from Orem High School where he played basketball. His education continued at BYU where he received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and his MBA.

While at BYU, he met the love of his life, Lisa Elaine Reedy. From the start, Steven admired her confidence, her passion, and her ambition. The two were married on January 5, 1989, and built a successful life and family together over their 35 years of marriage.

Steven and Lisa raised their family in Orem. Steven’s greatest joy was spending time with his wife, with his five children, Kaeli, Cassy, Ian, Connor, and Mia; and with his three grandchildren, Kason, Layla and Malakai. Steven and his family enjoyed yoga, trips to Disneyland, hiking, canyoneering, cooking, and caring for many animals ranging from horses to bearded dragons. He had a special love for his dogs and enjoyed taking them on hikes with him. He had a dry sense of humor and a deep appreciation for music.

Steven was a seasoned geothermal energy industry executive and was involved in bringing green energy to communities around the world. His career took him to places like Kenya, Egypt, China, Iraq, and Israel. At the time of his passing, he was president of GreenFire Energy Inc., a geothermal energy company based in San Francisco. In this role, he recently participated in the U.S. Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to the Philippines.

Other highlights of his career included being the founder and chief executive officer of Open Mountain Energy, where he identified business opportunities resulting in the construction and operation of geothermal power plants. As a founding member at Cyrq Energy, Inc., Steven led the company to develop multiple geothermal projects across the Western U.S. and completed local projects in Utah, Nevada, and New Mexico. Steven also served his local community and honored his father’s legacy by serving as chairman for the Metropolitan Water District of Orem.

Steven was preceded in death by his parents, Russell Olsen Brown and Norma Gammon Brown, and by his beloved daughter, Cassidy Leigh Brown. He is survived by his wife, Lisa Elaine Brown; his children, Kaeli Noelle (Marcelino) Herrera, Ian Russell Brown, Connor Tipton Brown, Mia Shao Ling Brown; his grandchildren, Kason Marcelino Herrera, Layla Noelle Herrera, Malakai Cass Herrera; and his siblings, Sherry Brown, Matt (Cheryl) Brown, and Holly (Wayne) Williams.

A celebration of life and friendship in honor of Steven will be held on Tuesday, June 18, from 5:00 to 9:00 PM at Canyon Glen Park. This open-house event encourages casual attire. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and remember Steven during this special time.