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Clair Brubaker Obituary
He was born in Duncans-ville, Pa. on January 15, 1914 to Daniel Brubaker and Mary Hoover Brubaker. As a young man, he moved to Akron Ohio where he met and married Ruth Kieffaber. He was drafted into the Army and served on the Italian front in World War II in the 337th Combat Team of the 85th Infantry.
After the war, he attended the Akron Bible Institute and became pastor of a young congregation meeting in the Hillwood Homes Administration Building. He was Hillwood Chapel's spiritual leader for more than 30 years. He loved the Lord above all else.
Clair was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Ruth and his children, John and Marion. He is survived by his three daughters, Evelyn Teykaerts of Cameron Park, Calif., Martha Friesen of Fairfax, Calif. and Nadine Howell of Fresno, Calif.; seven grandchildren, and one great-grandson.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, 1 p.m., at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Road, Akron, with Rev. Walter Malick officiating. Private interment at Hillside Memorial Park. Friends may call Wednesday, from 11 a.m. until service time. (Hopkins Lawver, Akron, 330-733-6271)
www.hopkinslawver.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Clair Brubaker
Sponsored by Marty Friesen, daughter.
Martha
December 8, 2021
Dear Daddy,
You have been gone so long. I still miss you and remember you with love. I hope you were right in your faith and are happy with Mother, Evelyn and Marion. That would be wonderful, but I doubt it.
Nadine and I are all that is left of our family and we treasure each other.
It has been a bad two years for our country and I think it's about to get worse. Bad people are in charge of our country and they have little love of it.
You have 6 great grandchildren now and they are all wonderful. I think it is sad that you don't have a son to carry on the Brubaker name. Jeremy made a wonderful genealogy for me showing where all the Nrubakers came from. We had ancestors settling this country in all 13 original colonies. We have been here from the very beginning. When new people ask me where I come from, I say that I'm American all the way back.
Thank you for your love and strength. I wish you could come back.
Birthday 91
Martha Brubaker Friesen
December 6, 2020
Dear Daddy, I'm thinking of you today as I begin Christmas decorating and I really miss you. I think often of all the things I wish I could do over and do better with you. Getting older myself, I have a new perspective on how your life must have been once Mother died. I'm sorry to say that I have not lived up by half to the person you were and I admire you for your compassion to all kinds of folks, your non-judgmental love and your sturdy can-do attitude. I wish I had asked you more about WWII and what you saw and did. I wish I had asked you more about your childhood. I wish I had asked you more about the early days at the greenhouse. I was so wrapped up in my own life that it never occurred to me. Now everyone who might know is gone and my children are old enough to start asking me questions, so many of which I can't answer. I love and miss you. You are always in my heart.
Joy Manda
December 31, 2014
This is several years late but someone just posted something about Marion on facebook and it made me think of Rev. Brubaker. I am the daughter of Jack Manda (he passed in May of 2000) and I remember talking with Rev. Brubaker when he would come to the bait store. I remember his boat parked over at the house and that in the later years he needed someone to go fishing with him because he couldn't handle the boat alone. Sometimes even when he wasn't able to go fishing he would just come in the store and talk about fishing. He was such a delightful man. (I am currently in the Philippines as a missionary teacher.)
July 3, 2012
Dear Daddy,
The 4th of July is almost here. Aunt Rosalie died June 22 - the last of your generation in our family is gone. I certainly miss talking to you and puttering around in the yard with you. I have found some lakes in the east bay where we could have gone fishing. I wish I had known about them when you were here. I will take your great-grandsons there to fish. Lorien is having her first boy in August.
Love
Martha
Martha Friesen
September 3, 2011
Dear Daddy,
Summer is almost over. Next week you house is set to sell. That's the last "thing" gone. But, here we are: 3 daughters, 7 grandchildren and 1 great grandson to carry on for you. I miss you a lot. I think about you when ever I see water and the possibility of fish. You are forever my Daddy.
Love,
Martha
February 6, 2011
Dear Daddy,
Your 97th birthday has come and gone. The days are getting longer and it is warm and sunny out. I am pruning and spraying fruit trees and missing your comforting presence and cheerful help out in the yard. You left in a hurry. I guess it was best for you. You wouldn't have liked the rehab facility they were talking about for you.
You would have approved of your funeral service, I think. Walt Malick gave the message and it was one of salvation and eternal life. He used Matthew 4:18 "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men." Also Psalm 90:9-12, Hebrews 9:24-27 and Romans 6:20-23. So even in death, your life was a call to others to join Jesus in eternal life. You were always a wonderful fisherman - of fish and of men.
We sang and the organist played some of your favorite hymns: The Solid Rock, Abide With Me, My Faith Looks Up to Thee, Rock of Ages, God Will Take Care of You, Nearer My God to You and Blessed Assurance. We ended with "O God Our Help In Ages Past."
I could use some help, but I can't say I ever noticed God providing it. You did, though, and I thank you for that.
Love
Martha
Family man 1995
Clair Brubaker
January 19, 2011
Forever sweethearts
Clair Brubaker
January 19, 2011
Wedding Day September 21, 1940
Clair Brubaker
January 19, 2011
Lake Erie Walleye
Clair Brubaker
January 19, 2011
Private Brubaker, U.S. Army, WWII, 85th Infantry
Clair Brubaker
January 19, 2011
2009
Clair Brubaker
January 19, 2011
December 17, 2010
We have known Rev. Brubakers daughter for many years. His daughter, Marty, has been a most trusted, valuable and dependable soprano soloist and section leader in our church choir at St. Hilary Church in Tibruon, Ca.
We met Rev Brubaker on many occasions, what a fine, gentle and spiritual man he was. We will miss his visits to our church and choir rehearsals.
God bless his soul.
Vince Stadlin, Music Director and Ken Graham
December 17, 2010
I have the honor of singing in the choir with Marty at St. Hilary Church. On many occasions she would bring her father to choir practice and Mass when he was visiting. What a sweet and humble man. There was a gentleness and goodness in his personality. No doubt he will be missed by his family and friends. Wishing him peace and joy now that he is with the Lord.
God bless,
Bill & Dina Tiedje
Hudgins Family
December 16, 2010
My family has had the pleasure of having Mr. Brubaker for nearly 30 years. Clair was affectionately known as "Brubie" by my Dad. Some of my earliest memories were of Mr. and Mrs. Brubaker coming over to bring my siblings and me Halloween candy or other treats. Mr. Brubaker was a wonderful neighbor and friend.
My Dad wanted me to mention that he has never had, nor will probably ever have a better neighbor. Brubie was there to help with anything you could ever imagine, but most of the time it was fixing my Dad's tractor. He was kind to anyone in need and kept up with his own house (including gardening and roof work!!) well into his 90's!!
He was amazing and inspirational and my family and I were blessed to have known him. I am happy that he got to spend time with his daughters before he went to be with Ruth!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time, as we will deeply miss your father!
Richard & Christina McKinley
December 16, 2010
I've known and sung with Rev. Brubaker's daughter Marty in the San Francisco Bay Area for over six years now, and if she is anyone to judge by, he was an extraordinary man. Our best wishes to his friends and family.
Bill Hoehler
December 16, 2010
I knew Rev. Brubaker briefly,and liked him, but I know his daughter Marti well. If people live on in their children, he was a good man. It is no surprise to read these wonderful tributes.
Nancy Christman
December 15, 2010
I know my father Evan Weible was happy to welcome Clair to heaven. They have so many happy fishing memories. I remember staying over at your house and swimming at the nearby beach. We had to finish cleaning up the apples before we could go swimming!! Nancy Weible Christman.
J Starc
December 15, 2010
Nadine,
It's been a difficult year for CHS graduates. We have lost brothers, friends, and fathers (Greg, Kris, Mr. Goodyear, and Mr. Harstine) in the past six months. It's been almost 31 years to the day since our father passed away. We thank you again for your sympathy and support at that time and extend ours to you and your family at this time at the passing of your father.
The Starc Family
Naomi Davis
December 14, 2010
Evelyn, Martha and Nadine,
So many precious memories I have of your family. Those hundreds of hours of piano lessons and your beautiful family were always so gracious and kind. And Marion was one of my exceptional students, just a little angel. Much love...
Georgina A. Ansell
December 14, 2010
All our love to Evelyn, Martha, and Nadine, We have loved Clair and learned God's Word through his patient teaching. We celebrate his life and honor the Lord he introduced into our life.
The James Ansell Family, Jean, Dan, and Cathy Hood.
Claudia Goodyear Fett
December 13, 2010
Nadine and Marti,
I am so very sorry to hear of your dad's passing. The loss of a parent is such a difficult time in life. I remember fondly, attending slumber parties at your house. Your mom and dad were always so kind to all of us goofy girls.
December 13, 2010
The world has lost a very dear pastor and friend.All my children found the Lord under his ministry at Hillwood.Thank you for always being there .The Shaffer family, John ,Barb,John Ray,Vicki,Cheryl and Julie
December 13, 2010
I remember Clair well from 1953-59 when I was pastor at The Montrose Church and he was at the Hillwood Chapel. He was a good man and a fine Christian pastor. I believe he had a twin brother Blair who attened Montrose Church. The Risen Christ is still our hope and comfort. Dr. Blake Wagner, Masfield, OH
Denise Longstreth
December 13, 2010
Brubaker Family:
I am sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your families. Denise Longstreth
Elinor Hopkins
December 13, 2010
Rev Brubaker & wife, Ruth and their loving girls were the most wonderful people I have ever known. Their children helped me gather apples under the trees and Clair helped me with yard work at my home after he retired.
My children and I will always remember their beautiful family!
Al & Patty Brubaker
December 13, 2010
Uncle Clair had a positive influence on everyone. We loved him. He will be dearly missed.
Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home
December 13, 2010
Our thoughts are with the family and friends at this time.
Cindy Bates-Groff
December 12, 2010
To the Brubaker Family, Very sorry for your loss. I attended Hillwood Chapel for many years when I we lived in the Hillwood Homes. He was a very kind and gentle man. I have never forgot him or his family. He lived a very long life and he will be missed.
Janyce Leaver
December 12, 2010
Reverend Brubaker was one of the most wonderful men I know. He will truly be missed.Our sympathy to the family, you will be in our prayers.
Sam, Jan, and Vida Leaver
Jeannette (Rork) Scullion
December 12, 2010
There are very few of my childhood memories that don't include Hillwood Chapel and Rev. Brubaker. I believe he probably taught us all how to swim when we attended summer camp. I remember how if I knew Rev. Brubaker would not be preaching on Sunday, I didn't want to go to Church. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families Evenly, Martha and Nadine. God Bless you Rev. Brubaker you have touched so many lives.
Brooksy (Beaver) St.Clair
December 12, 2010
The Rev. Brubaker Family was our neighor for many years. (We lived on Lakeway St.). They've always been in our prayers and they are now too. Our hearts and sympathies go to you all in your time of sorrow.
Mike W. Barr
December 12, 2010
Pastor Brubaker was the finest man I have ever known. He gave endlessly of himself during his years at the Hillwood Chapel, despite great personal tragedy, providing a wonderful Christian example not only by his words, but by his actions. We shall not see his like again.
Norman and Patricia Biltz
December 12, 2010
December 12, 2010
Clair and Ruth visited my parents home many times. From those viits we have very special memories. Our sympathy, prayers and love are with you all.
Pat Oakes
December 12, 2010
I grew up in the Hillwood Homes and attended the Hillwood Church. Your Father was my favorite pastor of all time and that was my favorite Church. Marion was one of my best friends. God has a greater need for your Father now. I pray for all of you to find comfort in his memories.
Juli Horvath-Trumphour
December 12, 2010
I attended Hillwood Chapel as a child and remember Marion was in my sunday school class. My sympathy to the girls .Your Father was a wonderful man. I was there when he gave the eulogy for Patty Leaver Nichols in 2006.
Becky Black VanBuskirk
December 12, 2010
As a child I went to Hillwood Church. I have fond memories of the church and all of the activies there.Rev. Brubaker was a very caring and good man. My thoughts and sympathy are with the family. God Bless.
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