Richard D. Brumbaugh

Richard (Dick) Brumbaugh Richard Brumbaugh, 88, died on August 15 in his San Rafael home with his partner, Valerie Stilson, at his side. Dick was born to Montra and Wesley Brumbaugh in Ohio in 1928. The Brumbaugh family had long before emigrated from southern Germany to Pennsylvania in the mid-1700s. Following high school, Dick spent two years in the Army on the front lines and other battle zones during the Korean War. Coming home from the war, Dick apprenticed with his cousin and later became a Union electrician; it was a profession that he loved and excelled at the rest of his life. In 1960 he partnered with Russ Fessler and built a highly successful electrical contracting business in Ohio. Dick left Ohio, moving first to Florida and then to California, building successful electrical contracting firms in each state. He was proud to always have been a Union man, and was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his excellence in 2010 from the Electrical Workers Union Local 551. Most importantly, he was blessed to work with his two dedicated and talented sons, Stuart and Mark. Dick was married for 29 happy and fulfilling years to Jean (McGlothlin) and together they raised five children. His children, Stuart (Georganne) and Mark (Maria) Brumbaugh, Sue Hritz, Beth Trachtenberg (David) and Barbara Bitbol loved and will miss him dearly. Grandchildren Sarah Scholze (Marty), Emily Brumbaugh, James and Blake Hritz, Ashley Plesich (Ivan), Rebecca, Lisa and Shoshana Bitbol, Mia and Samuel Trachtenberg, and his great-grandchildren, Sasha and Tao Scholze, will miss their Grandad's doting presence. Dick is preceded in death by treasured grandson Jacob Brumbaugh. Twenty-eight years ago, Dick and Valerie Stilson formed a new family union. Dick's large family expanded to include Valerie's two sons Greg (Jenine) and their children Samantha, Leland, and Duncan, and her son Guy (Irene). Valerie's grandchildren affectionately referred to Dick as "Grandpa Dick". Dick and Valerie walked over many cities in Europe and the hills of Marin. He loved to dance, especially the jitter bug, and was often mistaken (sometimes hilariously) for the old time movie star Jack Palance. Dick was unfailingly generous, appreciated and treasured any kindness offered to him, and held many people close to his heart. He did the work of at least three men, was always an optimist, and never gave up even in the worst of times. Above all, he was a good and loving man with a big heart. They don't make them like that anymore. In the last years of his life Valerie showed unparalleled love and devotion caring for Dick until the morning that he died in her arms. He will be profoundly missed. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Keaton's Mortuary, San Rafael California. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice by the Bay, San Rafael, CA.

Published in Marin Independent Journal from Aug. 20 to Aug. 25, 2016