Daryl Martin Britzius

Daryl Martin Britzius was born December 24, 1948, in Portland, Oregon to Harry Leroy Britzius, Jr. and Elma Louise (Banks) Britizius. He passed away in Portland on September 27, 2026, at the age of 77.

Daryl was a Portland-area resident his entire life and was a 1967 graduate of Benjamin Franklin High School. He joined the army in May 1968 and served honorably in Vietnam as a Medical Specialist until January 1970. Mr. Britzius received a Purple Heart for wounds received in action. He was also awarded the Army Commendation Medal with a ”V” Device for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force, as follows:

“His platoon walked through an enemy area infested with booby traps. Four soldiers in front of him were wounded, one mortally, when a booby trap was tripped. Disregarding his personal safety, he rushed forward to aid his fallen comrades. Unknowingly, he deposited his gear on a wire near the wounded, thus temporarily placing a safety on the trap. This provided time for the others to diligently search the area. He administered first aid to the wounded and directed their movement to a clear area to await medical evacuation. When one man was moved, he began to bleed heavily from a severed artery in his neck. Specialist 4 Britzius applied immediate emergency procedures and by his professional knowledge contributed to saving the soldier’s life until he was under professional care.”

Upon his discharge, Mr. Britzius attended Mt. Hood Community College, studying Inhalation Therapy from September 1971 to June 1972, followed later by a course of study in Auto Parts from September 1976 to March 1977.

On February 21, 1976, he married Christine Frances Pieri at their home in Portland. They had met working together at Package Containers in Canby, Oregon, Christine a machine operator and Daryl giving daily operational orders to seven machine offbearers and maintaining machinery. He also owned his own backflow business for many years – Backflow Test Gauge Service – while working for the City of Gresham. He finally retired in 2016.

He was kind, funny, stubborn, generous, and hardworking. He was always joking and had a sense of humor that would brighten any room. When he and Christine first got together, she wasn’t always sure how to take his jokes. But over the years, she learned to give it right back, becoming just as funny in her own way as Daryl. Their laughter and playful teasing became a special part of their relationship.

Mr. Britzius was the kind of person who would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need. He was loving, supportive, patient, and when needed, strict but fair. He loved telling stories, especially ones about his time in Vietnam, and his contagious laugh is something his family and friends will always remember.

Daryl loved spending time outdoors, especially camping, fishing, and hunting. He also enjoyed collecting diecast cars, a hobby that brought him a lot of joy. But, above all else, Daryl loved his family. He loved Christine with his whole being, and the love they shared was one of the most important parts of his life.

Mr. Britzius will be remembered for his big heart, his stubborn streak, his quick wit, his generosity, his stories, and most of all for the love he gave so freely to the people around him.

He himself would want to be remembered as a man who loved his family deeply, and who found joy in the simple things in life. He would want people to remember his laughter, his kindness, his sense of humor, and the way he made those around him feel loved and welcome. Most of all, he would want to be remembered not by the things he had, but by the lives he touched, the memories he created, and the love he gave so freely. His greatest legacy will always be the family and friends who carry his love and memories with them.

Mr. Britzius will be missed and remembered by:

Children Bobbi McClaugherty, Corrie Fries, and Michael Britzius;

A brother, Daniel Britzius, and two sisters, Denise Robinson and Darlene Britzius;

Grandchildren Jayden Johnson, Sabrina Johnson, Samantha Walker, and Hayley Robinson;

Six great-grandchildren and 6 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by wife Christine Frances Britzius and grandson Zachary Robinson.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations to the Oregon Humane Society would be greatly appreciated by Daryl’s family.

Private services will be held.