Darrell Brandenburg Obituary


DARRELL WAYNE BRANDENBURG
September 16, 1934 ~ May 8, 2018

Darrell was born in Topeka, Kansas on September 16, 1934 to Charles and Marie Brandenburg. He died on May 8, 2018, National Teacher Appreciation Day. He was the big brother to sisters, Joyce (Ryan Collins) and Judy (Glen Johnston). His family moved to the Pacific Northwest so that their dad could work in World War II shipyards. Darrell grew up in Vancouver, Washington and graduated from Vancouver High School in 1952.
Darrell completed his undergraduate degrees at Clark College and Portland State University. He completed his Master's degree at the University of Oregon. While in college, he worked at the Teen Canteen and Trapadero Club. He met the love of his life, a cheerleader at Clark College, in 1953. Darrell and Shirley Marie Johnson were married September 3, 1955. They were married for nearly 63 years.
Darrell started his career as an educator in 1959. He taught kids at Leiser and Marshall Elementary until receiving his "Administrator" credentials in 1964. He was an elementary school principal at Fruit Valley, Lincoln, Truman, Sacagawea and Salmon Creek. He was Educator of the year in 1988. Darrell was retired longer than he was employed. He was an excellent volunteer; charter member and past president of Boulevard Kiwanis, past president of Salmon Creek Kiwanis, Clark County chairman of the March of Dimes, District Executive with the Boy Scouts of America, advisor to the Skyview Key Club, Moderator and member of First Congregational United Church of Christ, Alcoa Little League coach and field maintenance guy.
Darrell enjoyed travel with friends and family, Friendship Force, music, art, theater and playing cards. He was a hunter and fisherman. He wasn't a "fix-it" guy. He enjoyed reading and wrote poetry. He was a die-hard Mariners fan, even when they were horrible. He loved his wife Shirley. Darrell is survived by his sisters, Judy and Joyce; wife, Shirley; their children, Mark (Molly), Barry (Letha) and Becky Munn (Greg); grandchildren, Brad (Nichole), Angie, Amy (Danny), Bennett (Crystal), Madison and Grayson; and great-grandchildren, Brady, Kennedy, Alexandra, Lilly and Gracie. His daughter Melinda preceded him in death.
Special thanks to the Hospice "Angles" from Kaiser; Ariel, Sarah, Kate, Audrey and the Kaiser doctors. Their kindness and professionalism allowed Darrell to die with dignity in his home surrounded by his family.
Darrell's Celebration of Life will be held in July at First Congregational Church, date and time to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Salmon Creek Kiwanis Scholarship Fund.
Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.

Published by The Columbian on May 20, 2018.
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Shirley and Family;
I'm so sorry to read of Darrell's passing. I never saw him without a smile and he was gentility personified, so kind and pleasant. You complimented one another as the perfect couple and parents.
You and your family are in my thoughts.
With sympathy,
Karen Dickenson

Karen Dickenson

May 23, 2018

We Simpson siblings will always remember Mr. Brandenburg as a wonderful, caring teacher and principal of our Lieser elementary. He was so respected and liked by all his students and our father, Robert E. Simpson. Wonderful part of the history of Vancouver and our public schools.

E. C. Duke Simpson

May 21, 2018

WE ARE SO SORRY OF THE PASSING OF SUCH A NICE PERSON, RECEIVE OUR BLESSING FOR YOU. STAFF AT SILVER STAR TRAVEL.

May 21, 2018

I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 119:76.

May 20, 2018

Thanks for all that you Shared with us and the many people here on Earth. You will truly be missed. Until we meet again Love always Mark and Molly

Mark and Molly Brandenburg

May 20, 2018

Darrell:
Thanks for the wonderful memories, Caribbean Cruise, Salmon Creek Elementary and Palm Springs. Farewell friend,see you tomorrow.

Joy Dent (Duvall)

May 20, 2018

Grandpa We love you so much and will miss you terribly.
~ Danny, Amie, Alley, Lilly & Gracie Adams

Amie Adams

May 20, 2018

Mr Brandenburg was the principal during my student teaching experience at Salmon Creek Primary 30 years ago. He was a wonderful administrator to work for and guided me towards the educator I am today. I was so lucky to have had him in my life during that time of choosing my lifelong career. Heaven gained another wonderful person.

Lisa Fleckenstein-Whitten.

May 20, 2018

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