Obituary for Davey Lee Brunkal
Dave Brunkal left his friends and family on March 16, 2023 to join his beloved deceased wife Sharyn and sons Jeff and Danny.
Born in Marion Oregon on April 24, 1935 to Victor and Florence, he was a lifelong Salem resident attending Salem High School (now North Salem High School). He was drawn to all sports, but it was baseball that was his main interest, a sport he continued to play after high school followed by years of slow-pitch softball.
Various jobs kept him in Oregon, but he was always attracted to public service. He started his career as a guard at OSCI and in October 1964 he joined the Salem Fire Department, a career he loved. Dave always enjoyed sharing his experiences from his firefighting career. He retired in March 1992 as a captain at Station 5 (West Salem).
In 1956, Dave married Sharyn French, they did everything together and their interest in MG sports cars included many hours in their garage, road rallies, car shows and auto cross races with their Willamette MG Club. Dave was one of the original club founders and he was an inspiration to all the members.
Together, Dave and Sharyn raised sons Jeff and Andy (Danny passed away at 6 months old from SIDS) with a love of the outdoors, including camping, hiking and exploring sites in the Pacific Northwest surrounding states including Canada.
Due to his love of auto racing, He rarely missed a televised Formula One or Indy Car event. If he couldn’t watch it being televised live, he was sure to record it to watch it later with his loyal companion Fanny the cat on this lap.
For decades his interest expanded to include slot car racing with his home track and dozens, if not hundreds of cars. It was always a good time and usually very competitive at the Brunkal racetrack.
Their decision to have an inground pool installed proved to be a wonderful gathering place for family and friends. It led to many lifelong friendships and treasured memories to all that had the privilege to be a part of a summer of fun.
Dave was a friend to whoever he met. He always looked at the bright side of things and was a positive influence to many. Dave was always more concerned about the happiness of others than anything else. Always placing others needs before his.
He is survived by his son Andy, brothers Victor and Richard, his nieces and nephews and Andy’s daughter, Dave’s granddaughter Danica who he absolutely adored. He also leaves behind his MG family (Willamette MG Club) Fanny his cat and many dear friends including the Armintrouts,, the Days, Ari Schrool, his deceased son Jeff’s widow Catrenna and the Kelly Family.
A celebration of Dave’s life is planned for April 24, 2023 at Pringle Community Center, 606 Church St SE, Salem, OR 97302 from 11 am to 1 pm. Please attend and share a story about Dave. A private inurnment will follow at Butteville Cemetery. Dallas Mortuary Tribute Center is serving the family. www.dallastribute.com
Born in Marion Oregon on April 24, 1935 to Victor and Florence, he was a lifelong Salem resident attending Salem High School (now North Salem High School). He was drawn to all sports, but it was baseball that was his main interest, a sport he continued to play after high school followed by years of slow-pitch softball.
Various jobs kept him in Oregon, but he was always attracted to public service. He started his career as a guard at OSCI and in October 1964 he joined the Salem Fire Department, a career he loved. Dave always enjoyed sharing his experiences from his firefighting career. He retired in March 1992 as a captain at Station 5 (West Salem).
In 1956, Dave married Sharyn French, they did everything together and their interest in MG sports cars included many hours in their garage, road rallies, car shows and auto cross races with their Willamette MG Club. Dave was one of the original club founders and he was an inspiration to all the members.
Together, Dave and Sharyn raised sons Jeff and Andy (Danny passed away at 6 months old from SIDS) with a love of the outdoors, including camping, hiking and exploring sites in the Pacific Northwest surrounding states including Canada.
Due to his love of auto racing, He rarely missed a televised Formula One or Indy Car event. If he couldn’t watch it being televised live, he was sure to record it to watch it later with his loyal companion Fanny the cat on this lap.
For decades his interest expanded to include slot car racing with his home track and dozens, if not hundreds of cars. It was always a good time and usually very competitive at the Brunkal racetrack.
Their decision to have an inground pool installed proved to be a wonderful gathering place for family and friends. It led to many lifelong friendships and treasured memories to all that had the privilege to be a part of a summer of fun.
Dave was a friend to whoever he met. He always looked at the bright side of things and was a positive influence to many. Dave was always more concerned about the happiness of others than anything else. Always placing others needs before his.
He is survived by his son Andy, brothers Victor and Richard, his nieces and nephews and Andy’s daughter, Dave’s granddaughter Danica who he absolutely adored. He also leaves behind his MG family (Willamette MG Club) Fanny his cat and many dear friends including the Armintrouts,, the Days, Ari Schrool, his deceased son Jeff’s widow Catrenna and the Kelly Family.
A celebration of Dave’s life is planned for April 24, 2023 at Pringle Community Center, 606 Church St SE, Salem, OR 97302 from 11 am to 1 pm. Please attend and share a story about Dave. A private inurnment will follow at Butteville Cemetery. Dallas Mortuary Tribute Center is serving the family. www.dallastribute.com