Obituary: Brockmann, Rupert Otto
Age 76
BROCKMANN,
Rupert Otto
04/19/1936-04/10/2012
Rupert Brockmann, age 75, peacefully passed away surrounded by love on April 10, 2012, in his home at Merrill Gardens in Bellingham, Washington.
It was his late wife Marguerite’s birthday.
Rupert, known as Brock to many of his family and friends, was born April 19, 1936 in Bradshaw, Nebraska.
He was the fifth son of John and Selma Brockmann, a fraternal twin with his brother Hubert, and one of eight children.
He grew up helping his family on the farm near Riverton, WY.
He was an exemplary student, a 4-H champion, a skilled athlete, and a natural leader.
He played basketball for the University of Wyoming, while majoring in pre-med.
He went on to complete medical school at the University of Colorado.
He did his residency and specialty training in Portland, OR, served his country as a Captain at Fairchild Air Force Base, and started an Otolaryngology practice in Spokane, WA.
After many years as a successful ENT physician, he graduated from Gonzaga University with his degree in law, became an attorney and obtained a Masters in Health Law from DePaul University.
He was a lifelong student and enjoyed using his knowledge to help others every step of the way.
Brock met his wife Marg on a trip to Washington, D.C. in 1955, both of them representing their respective states at a national 4-H conference.
He wrote letters and visited her every chance he got, including driving his own mother to Kansas to visit relatives and just swinging by her parent’s farm 100 miles away.
She was “the love of his life.”
Brock and Marg were married June 7, 1959, and enjoyed 52 wonderful years together.
Rupert had three children and supported, inspired, and encouraged them to pursue their interests and goals.
He had a giving spirit and whether it was his family, friends, patients, or clients he touched the lives of those he came in contact with.
He cared about people and was generous with his talents, time and resources.
He lived out his strong faith in God by his love for others.
He brought joy to those around him as he had an incredible sense of humor and loved to tell jokes and make people laugh.
He enjoyed playing golf, flying, story-telling with his siblings, watching sports, dancing when the occasion presented itself, fishing and sailing at Spirit Lake, and a good road trip.
Brock and Marg lived in Denver, Colorado and Portland, Oregon in the early years of their marriage, then made their home and raised their children in Spokane, Washington.
They made a family gathering and vacation spot at Spirit Lake, Idaho, and spent decades of shared laughter, meals, and warm connections there.
In later life they became “snowbirds” and spent many happy winters in Green Valley, Arizona with family and friends.
Marg and Brock moved to Bellingham in 2010 to be closer to family.
Brock was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Marguerite Brockmann and his brother Francis.
He is survived by his three loving children: Bruce Brockmann (Allison) of Calgary, Alberta, Kathryn Wade (Steve) of Chehalis, Washington, and Laurie Brockmann of Bellingham, Washington.
He has eight precious grandchildren: Sarah, Jay and Camille; Nathan, Brock and Lauren; Kate and Lucas.
He is also survived by his brothers Erwin (Jo), Dale (Wilma), Paul (Nancy), Hubert (Joyce), his sisters Jeannie Carpenter (Bob), Mary Lou Bath (Jim), sister-in-law (Hilda), Marg’s three sisters and their spouses, sister- in-law (Mary) and many loving nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff at Merrill Gardens (Garden House) for their care and compassion.
The family suggests that memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
A Memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 6 at 2 pm at the Westford Funeral Home in Bellingham, Washington, with Rev.
Andrea McMillin serving as celebrant.
You may share memories with the family at www.westfordfuneralhome.com.