Search by Name
Search by Name
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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more