Obituary: Brodin, Alva J.

BRODIN,
Alva J.

August 12, 1935 -
April 14, 2012

As the final notes of Taps lingered in the air, Alva Joseph Brodin’s soul made its way to that point where the horizon meets the sunset and crossed over to the next life.

Joe was born to Fred and Mabel Brodin in his grandmother’s home in Spokane WA, the youngest of eight children.

He was raised on a farm near Four Lakes, attended grade school at Four Lakes, graduated from Cheney High School, and was remembered for playing the trumpet in the school band.

He was drafted in the U.S. Army in 1961, serving in the 64th Engineering Battalion, Heavy Duty Construction Equipment at Fort Leonard Wood, MO.

Joe was a natural mechanic, first in his class in the Army training school.

Later, he was a truck mechanic by trade, working for Able GMC and Garret Freight Lines/ANR until his retirement.

Joe and his family returned to the family farm and raised beef and sold hay for 20 years, while he was still working.

He could do anything he put his mind to.

Some notable accomplishments were building a large addition to his first home, and many other remodeling projects, using skill with concrete, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, finish work, and welding.

He was a kind and generous person who loved family gatherings, old cars, NASCAR and drag races, camping and water skiing with his family.

Joe was predeceased by his parents and four sisters, and is survived by his wife of 50 years, Karen; three children, Kay Batson (Stuart), Janet Vick (Bob), and Jeff Brodin; two grandchildren, Desirae and Ryan Gutierrez (Lisa and her son Roman); two sisters, Rose Johnson, Freda Satfield and one brother John Brodin; two loving sisters-in-law and their families, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Joe always had a twinkle in his eye and a boyish sense of humor which will be greatly missed.

A family celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Donations in his memory to Hospice of Spokane (PO Box 2215, Spokane, WA 99210) would be appreciated.