Herman “Bud” Brunell

Herman “Bud” William Brunell

Birth: January 21, 1913 in Seattle, Washington

Death: October 22, 1988 (age 75) in View Royal (Victoria), B.C.

Gravesite Details: Row C – Plot 40

Biography:
Note: His British Columbia Vital Statistics Death Registration # 018073 states he died at Victoria General Hospital.

Rabbi Victor Hillel Reinstein gave the following eulogy at his funeral:
Died on Shabbat Lech Lecha; 11 Cheshvan 5749
Yohrzeit: 11 Cheshvan

On behalf of the family I would like to read these reflections about But – Herman William Brunell, which they lovingly compiled and which Helen set down.

The deep and abiding love which you had for Bud was reflected in his love for you and his love and sparkle shall continue to guide you and brighten your path. He died on the Sabbath on which we read the Torah portion which speaks of journeys. Name of Torah portion in Hebrew. These words mean – “you shall go forth”, and were spoken by God to Abraham at the start of his journey, the journey of the Jewish people. So on that day, filled with the holiness of the Sabbath, Bud set forth on a new journey taking leave of you with a deep sense of himself, with an inner tranquility. They way and dignity of his dying is one of the gifts of his living. He lived in a quiet unassuming way, welcoming all who came his way, his spirit filled with generosity. He had eyes, you say, that dreamed, that told of a private part of him that he rarely spoke of, of desires, aspirations, a sense of something he missed in life. Yet, I am sure within himself he knew a deep sense of wholeness that can only come of the love of which you speak today, a love of which so many others, sadly, can only dream, with empty eyes.

Today is a day of first steps in a new journey, for Bud and for you. As we say goodbye, shalom – peace, to him, so may his love and smile continue to give light to your paths and may his memory be for a blessing in your lives.” ….may the memory of the righteous be for a blessing.”

The following was written by his daughter Helen:
For Bud, the most important and significant aspect of lie was his family. Husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather were the roles that he most loved to play and the ways that he most deeply showed his love and caring.

He would have been happy to have many children, but he and his wife Mildred were not able to have their own. After the war, therefore they took into their home two children whose parents had died in the Holocaust. Although only his daughter (Helen) was legally adopted, his relationship with Emery was loving and fulfilling to them both. His sister Sylvia, cared for him and was always there when he needed her support.

Like most of us, Buddy was more satisfied with some aspects of life than with others. Sadly, his working life (which took up the largest portion of his years) was not a source of satisfaction to him. A reluctant businessman, he nevertheless provided a comfortable life for his family. He would have preferred, and he would have been happier, with a career that better suited his keen aesthetic sense and his love of line and form. He appreciated all that was beautiful and, in his later years, he found happiness in creating environments that reflected his sense of beauty.

Everyone who knew him and loved him would agree that Buddy made us laugh. His sense of humor was a constant delight. For those of us who shared his last days, it was an amazing experience that he laughed with us, literally to the end.

But his personality also had a deep and serious side, a side he did not easily show to others. He was a tolerant man who easily accepted a diversity of beliefs and values in others. However, his own beliefs and values were important to him, and in his last few days, he talked with conviction about his faith in God and his belief that he would soon be united with his loved ones who died before him.

Buddy had many interests. When he was still healthy, he fished, hunted, golfed and collected coins. He also read constantly, listened to classical music by the hour and loved to watch the ocean in every kind of weather. Music was so important to him that, even in the hospital, his radio could be heard night and day.

There is one characteristic of Buddy’s which best summarizes who he was; Buddy was a person who elicited from those closest to him intense loyalty, deep commitment and above all, an incredible and abiding love.

Parents:
Katherine Marie Eckart Brunell (1891-1983)
Phillip “Pinchas” Benjamin Brunell (1886-1962)

Siblings:
Sylvia May Brunell Kirkham (1915–2008)
Doris Evelyn Brunell (1911–1933)

Spouse:
Mildred Harrison Brunell (1915-1986)

Children:
Helena Brunell LeFontaine (1936–1964)

Siblings:
Sylvia May Brunell Kirkham (1915–2008)