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 in The Columbian on May 20, 2018
