John Lambert Brosy

March 11, 1951 – September 18, 2022

John Lambert Brosy, age 71, of Salem, Oregon, passed away on Sunday, September 18, 2022. John was born March 11, 1951.

John was deeply rooted in his community and loved people. He was devoted to his wife of 24 years, Maria, and was a proud father to his daughter, Andra. He loved canoeing and camping, trips to the coast, volunteering for his church, playing piano and singing in the church choir, reading poetry and the news, and helping his clients – who became his friends – as a land use planner. He was a gregarious neighbor, gifted writer, chatty storyteller, loyal friend, and had a playful sense of humor. “Live a life of no regrets” was his motto, and that was his way.

John Lambert Brosy was born in Portland, Oregon, the first child of Geraldine (Wachob) Brosy and John “Jack” Florin Brosy. He is survived by his wife Maria, mother Geraldine, brothers Tom (Vickie) and Paul, and sisters Janet Hamilton (Scott) and Jean Schroeder (George), as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is also survived by his daughter Andra Brosy Chastain (Andrew), Andra’s mother Daina Upite, and grandchildren Galen and Sylvia Chastain.

John grew up with his family in a log house on the Tualatin River, where he swam, canoed, and developed a love for the outdoors. Boy Scouts added to his enjoyment and appreciation for the woods and role as a leader amongst his peers. He graduated with a degree in geography and a certificate in urban studies from Portland State University in 1973, when pioneering land use planning ideas were remaking Oregon. He met his future wife, Maria Jacinta Martinez, in one of his first jobs as a planner, working for the City of Forest Grove. In the 1970s he worked for the City of Portland Planning Bureau, where he mentored and enjoyed the camaraderie of other young planners. In the mid-1990s he moved to Salem to be closer to his daughter and grew his business as a land use planning consultant, a vocation he loved. In 1998, he married the love of his life, Maria.

Curious, smart, and outgoing, John seemed to know everyone in Salem, where he and Maria grew deep roots. He was active in Westminster Presbyterian Church, where he sang in the choir, helped fundraise for new construction, and recently became a deacon. He was a regular in the talent show, performing as the lion from the Wizard of Oz, and organized a choral group for special performances. He was active in the Salem Executives Association, was a member of the American Planning Association with certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners, served on the board of One Fair World, and volunteered for the Tualatin Historical Society. He and Maria loved to spend time at the coast, explore out-of-the-way country roads, go hiking and winetasting, and travel, including a memorable trip to Chile. His canoe was one of his prized possessions and he savored every opportunity to be on the water with Maria, Andra, and other friends and family. He loved attending games and rooting for the Beavers and Vikings, Indians and Giants, and the Portland Timbers. Crossword puzzles, the comics, and news in the Oregonian and the Economist were daily pleasures, and he loved comedies like The Simpsons and The Three Stooges. Family gatherings large and small brought him deep happiness. He was the epitome of a proud father and grandfather, delighting in sharing news and updates from his daughter and grandkids. A consummate community member and networker, he knew everyone and was always willing to lend a hand or make a connection to help someone out.

A memorial service for John will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Salem on Sunday, October 30, 2022, at 2:00 pm. Masks are requested by the family. In John’s spirit, if you are so inclined, donations may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, Tualatin Riverkeepers, or to any group that works to protect wildlife and natural spaces.