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Richard L. Brunk

1945 - 2013

Richard L. Brunk obituary, 1945-2013, Aptos, CA

BORN

1945

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

Mehl's Colonial Chapel

222 E Lake Ave

Watsonville, California

Richard Brunk Obituary

Richard L. Brunk
Sept. 14, 1945 ~ Oct. 16, 2013
Resident of Aptos
Richard Brunk, Sept 14, 1945 - Oct 16, 2013, resident of Aptos, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family and close friends.
Rich was raised in Covina, CA, and moved to Aptos in 1974 where he raised his two children, Joel Brunk (Denver, CO) and Holly Brunk (Portland, OR) and spent the last 33 years with his wife and love of his life Kathy.
Rich was a Vietnam Veteran and worked as a firefighter for the City of Hayward for 23 years and spent his time fixing cars, building hot rods, riding quads, cross-training, running 10ks and tearing it up at his most favorite pastime - wakeboarding.
Rich was a devoted and fun loving husband, in love with his best friend Kathy from the day they met. He was her champion, clown and buddy. Always ready for a late night ride, to sing a song or to laugh at her crazy ways, Rich was Kathy's unwavering partner. They faced life's challenges and opportunities together with laughs and love all along the way. Many marriages, including those of his children, are stronger and better because of the example he and Kathy set.
He is remembered by the brothers he laughed with and loved, Bob Brunk of Lake Havasu City, AZ and David Brunk of Crestline, CA. His dad, Keith and mom, Evie and his brothers shared a passion for adventure and family that he has shared over the years with so many.
Rich was the world's best dad, grandpa and uncle. He is remembered by his three very lucky grandsons, Michael Brunk and Riley and Everett Olmstead who will grow into men influenced by his love and attention. One of Rich's most important and fulfilling relationships was with Tyler Granger. They adopted one another and enjoyed a very special bond that Rich was very proud of. He is also remembered and loved by nieces and nephews, Lindsay, Stephen and Matthew Baptiste, Melissa Brunk, Jennifer Brunk, Carolen, Maddie, and Emmie Vanderpoel, Taylor Foster, and Stephen, Cole and Naomi Brunk. We will always remember him for telling perfect bedtime stories, teaching us to wakeboard and ride quads in the dunes, to love life, and to make friends into family.
He is also remembered by his loving sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, mother and father-in-law, and so many good friends.
Rich had many friends who he cherished like family and appreciated their love and support while he was healthy, and even more so through his and Kathy's long fight with his melanoma. Steve and Diane Spence of Aptos provided especially critical support and unyielding friendship during this time.
A memorial will be held to honor Rich's life at Rio del Mar State Beach in Aptos on Oct 26th at 5pm. Dress warm and comfortably and join us to remember and share stories of this amazing husband, dad, grandpa, uncle, brother and friend.

Published by Santa Cruz Sentinel on Oct. 19, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Brunk

Not sure what to say?





Hi Rich,
Life has not been the same here without you. We love & miss you dearly.

Kathy Baptiste

Family

October 13, 2023

My dearest sweetheart,

There isn't a day or minute that goes by that
I don't think of you. I am so thankful that we
shared so many memories. You will always be the
love of my life. I know you watch over me each
and everyday. I can't wait until we're
together again. I love you

kathy brunk

Spouse

October 13, 2020

So easily the tears still flow. You are missed beyond measure and loved more than you could know.
Hope you are having a blast up there in heaven and making memories to share when we meet again.
RIP dearest friend.❤

Kathy Baptiste

Family

October 13, 2020

Hi Rich,
So much time has passed since you went away. I want to let you know you are thought about daily and are part of so many funny conversations & memories.
We love & miss you so much it hurts.
Until we meet again Uncle Fritch!!!❤

Kathy Baptiste

Family

October 13, 2019

Dearest Rich,
I cannot believe it's been a year most the time, other times the sense of loss is so overwhelming it feels like it has surely been a lifetime.
You are missed EVERY day in so many ways by so many people.
This beautiful page is set to come down. The page may come down but you are FOREVER in our hearts.
Hit It!!!!
Kathy Baptiste

October 14, 2014

So sad to see this news about Richard... it was long time ago that he regularly fixed my VW... and, his ex-wife Judy became my best friend... I loved them both. My fondest wishes go out to the family... especially Joel and Holly.

Juniper Wiley

August 2, 2014

As I lay here with tears rolling down my face thinking about him, I smile too just feeling so blessed and happy to have known Rich. A friendship started from just a "return my boat when you're finished!!!" statement/joke between us. He was one of the good ones and I will miss my friend. I know I will honor his life with the best memories and share them with anyone that wants to know about one of the nicest guys to walk this planet!!! I know that he loved his family sooo much. Can't believe this is the last time I'm gonna say this, but "Thank you Rich". You tought me so much in so little time. I hope you're one of the ones there to greet me when come through!!!

Your friend,
Michael Stokes

Mike Stokes

October 27, 2013

Thanks for sharing the tao of Brunk with me. You were an amazing human being and are the reason I have such a wonderful husband in your son Joel. I'll miss you. Rest in peace.

Tiffany Brunk

October 25, 2013

Dear Kath, I am sorry to read that Rich passed. Although I didn't know him well, I truly appreciated him as a wonderful neighbor and mechanic. He was always very kind and helpful. My support will always be right next door for you. Please feel free to drop by or call me. With sympathy, Sue

Sue Raney

October 24, 2013

Rich will always be remembered by my family for the loving care he shared with his good friend Steve deGiere in his time of need. We could not have made it through Steve's illness without Kathy and Rich's amazing help. You both will be forever remembered in our hearts.
With love, Cecelia, Paul, Marc, and brother Bill

Cecelia deGiere

October 24, 2013

Ron Thompson

October 20, 2013

We became neighbors when I moved up the street in 1986, but when I inherited a '64 Porsche 356 in need of love, we became fast friends. He kept driving by looking at it in the driveway and finally came up to the door and we started our true friendship there. Yes, he brought it back to life and it was a joy to drive and I'd always think of him when I was behind the wheel. It didn't take long to become pals with Kath and before long I was involved with the Tiger restoration, doing the total rewiring on it. It was a joy although a bit of a squeeze for a big guy like me climbing around that little car(with a BIG motor!) Just one of many good times together...I miss him, Mr. Upbeat, always good to see him. Bye Rich, be seeing you.

Ron Thompson

October 20, 2013

I had the pleasure of knowing rich for many years, but what I have learned about rich is mostly through what my brother Tyler has taught me and continues to teach me! Rich took Ty under his wing during the most needed time in a young boys life and always treated him as his own son as Ty always referred to him as his God father. The impact he made on my brothers life is like a once in a lifetime gift. Rich, I can't thank you and Kathy enough for raising my brother through the miles and making him the man he is today. I love you. Love Jacob Granger

There

Jacob Granger

October 20, 2013

Rich and I worked together at Hayward Fire Dept. He always had a pleasant smile on his face and willing to help anyone and everyone...He also loved his VWs, Great Guy.
thoughts and prayers to you Kathy and the family

john boykin

October 19, 2013

Dear Kathy
I am so sorry to hear about the death of Richard. We were so blessed with the time we shared together. He was very special. I will be praying for your comfort and peace. OO's

Kathi Howard

October 19, 2013

My wonderful brother in law and most amazing uncle to my kids. You are a one in a million guy, loved fiercely and forever in our hearts!

Kathy Baptiste

October 19, 2013

Rich was a terrific neighbor and friend. Always ready to help anyway he could. My thoughts are with you Kathy. Sincerely, Mary Sims

Mary J. Sims

October 19, 2013

I wish you and your Family well.. Kathy take care of yourself.

Ken Lombardi

October 19, 2013

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