Richard Eugene Brendley
January 13, 1932 - July 08, 2013
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Richard Eugene Brendley
January 13, 1932 - July 08, 2013
Obituary
Richard Brendley
Richard Eugene Brendley, 81, passed away in Birch Bay, WA on July 8, 2013. Richard was born in East St. Louis, IL on January 13, 1932. He served in the United States Navy from 1952 until 1960, and he was also employed by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. He entered the U.S. Foreign Service in 1963, becoming a Diplomatic Telecommunications Officer, and he spent a large portion of his service overseas, in Japan, India, Indonesia, Belgium, Finland, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and Thailand, in addition to temporary duty in other countries. He retired in 1991, and settled with his family in Birch Bay Village, WA.
Being an ardent patriot, who loved his country dearly, he later became actively involved in the Republican Party, and worked on various campaigns. He was also an active member of St. Joseph’s Parish in Ferndale, WA, and was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Holy Family Council #7356 and San Juan Assembly #1176. He was also a member of the American Legion, Peace Arch Post #86.
He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Masako Yamanaka; brothers Frederick W. Brendley, Jr., Thomas H. Brendley, and Donald J. Brendley; and sister Mary Agnes Brendley.
He is survived by his son, Michael Brendley, two granddaughters, Leah Brendley and Hannah Brendley, and numerous nephews and grandnieces. Please share your thoughts and memories of Richard in the online guestbook at www.farewelltributes.com
Farewell Tribute Information
A Rosary Vigil service will be held at Greenacres Memorial Park in Ferndale, WA, on Friday, July 12th at 7:00pm, and the Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Parish in Ferndale, WA on Saturday, July 13th at 11:00am, followed by a reception at the church.
7 responses to Richard Eugene Brendley
Craig Brendley says:
July 8, 2013
The last time I spoke in person with Uncle Richard was at my father’s funeral a little over a year ago. He was able to tell me exactly how many years, months, weeks, days, hours, minutes, and seconds it had been since Aunt Mako died. He obviously missed her very much, but at the same time, he didn’t appear to be overly sad. He knew it was just a matter of time until he would get to be with her again. I remember thinking how much I admired him for his courage, passion, and unwavering faith. He had a strength that few of us possess. Uncle Richard was a remarkable man who lived an extraordinary life. I’ll greatly miss him.
Dick Hoffer says:
July 8, 2013
I met Dick while he was assigned to the American Embassy in Helsinki, Finlnd. I would frequently stop by his office to say hello before returning to my assignment, Leningrad, USSR. Dick really had his hands full in Helsinki, but he never seemed to lose his sense of humor. He was obviously very dedicated to his work and his country. Rest in Peace.