Search by Name

Roy Brun

1921 - 2013

Roy Brun obituary, 1921-2013, Virginia Beach, VA

BORN

1921

DIED

2013

Roy Brun Obituary

Roy Brun

Virginia Beach - Roy Walker Brun died in his sleep in his apartment at Westminster-Canterbury overnight Thursday, November 14, 2013. He was 92.

Roy was born February 27, 1921 in Danville, Iowa and lived there through high school. He enlisted in the Seabees in 1942 and served in the Aleutian Islands prior to entering Officer Candidate School. He left the Navy at the end of World War II as an Ensign. He graduated from Iowa State with a degree in Agronomy and went to work for Smith-Douglass Fertilizer in 1949. In 1951 he was recalled into the Navy as a 2nd Lieutenant and served in Japan during the remainder of the Korean War. Upon completion of his service, he returned to Smith Douglass in 1953 where he worked in various positions ultimately becoming President of the company prior to his retirement in 1983.

Roy and his family lived in Monticello, Indiana; Streator, Illinois and Texas City, Texas before moving to Virginia Beach in 1970. They lived in Larkspur until 1994 where Roy eventually served as President of the Larkspur Civic Association.

Roy was an active member of Bayside Presbyterian Church serving multiple terms as Elder. He was named the church's Man of the Year in 2000 and was honored to be listed as the Elder, Emeritus for the last several years. He also served a term as President of the Presbytery.

Prior to moving into Westminster-Canterbury (W-C) with his wife, Audrey in 1994; Roy served on the Board of Trustees of W-C from 1984 -1989 and as Chairman 1987 -1988. Roy and Audrey enjoyed their years at W-C and Roy was renowned as a joke teller and for his comic performances in the Spring Follies.

Roy participated for several years in the VB Senior Games, winning numerous medals in basketball, horse shoes, shuffleboard, checkers and his personal favorite, table tennis.

Roy was an avid golfer and was a charter member of the Virginia Beach Seniors' Golf Group, serving as its President in 1989-90.

In his retirement years, Roy drove cancer patients weekly for Lee's Friends for twenty years. He operated a Hot Line for Angel Flight and he led W-C's United Way campaign for more than ten years. As a result of these and other activities, Roy received the 2000 Volunteer of the Year of the Friends Volunteer Program and the 2006 Jefferson Regional Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service to the Hampton Roads Community. He also received the 2008 Governor's Award for Volunteerism and Community Service as Virginia's Outstanding Senior Volunteer.

He was preceded in death by Audrey, his beloved wife of 60 years and by his brother Kenneth Brun. He is survived by his children Bill Brun, Mary Weaver, Amy McNamara and David Brun; his grandchildren Jodi McNamara, Jake McNamara and Sophia Brun; his daughter-in-law Maria Otalvaro; his sons-in-law Doug Weaver and Chris McNamara; his nieces Cynthia Arnold and Jan Defenbaugh and nephews Wes Brun and Daniel Defenbaugh.

The family thanks all of the staff of W-C for the exceptional care and compassion shown to both our parents over the past 19 years. We also thank the residents of W-C for welcoming us into their community.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on December 7 in the W-C Chapel at 3100 Shore Drive Virginia Beach. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be directed to Bayside Presbyterian Church, the Fellowship Fund of W-C or any of the charities listed above.

Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Nov. 18, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Roy Brun

Not sure what to say?





4 Entries

Mary,
Your dad and I spent many wonderful hours during the United Way season - he was such a warm and wonderful volunteer and leader! We shared stories of our years in Larkspur and he always had recent news about all his children which made him glow as he shared them.

Angie Scott Kellam

December 7, 2013

If it could be said that G. Washington was "first among equals," then Roy Brun was a giant among friends. Paul wrote Timothy that "the house of God is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth." Roy was definitely a pillar and definitely on bedrock. He bent his shoulder in every group effort, standing out while fitting in. Much the same way that ancient "pillars" were used for public notices, we looked to Roy and savored the purity of his understanding. Roy made it easy to follow. Roy made it easier to do. Roy was the real deal. Roy just did it.

Gary Dye

December 7, 2013

Dear Bill, Mary, Amy, and David: your father was such a lovely man, often quiet around all his in-laws (the Defenbaughs are all big talkers), but very funny when given a chance to get a word in. He was kind and thoughtful, a man that we all looked up to.
With much love, Janice Defenbaugh Miller (niece)

November 23, 2013

we are so sorry for your loss . your mom and dad were wonderful people ,and wonderful neighbors. we will see you on the 7th.

ilene &LYN SWARTZ7

November 19, 2013

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

Make a Donation
in Roy Brun's name

Memorial Events
for Roy Brun

Dec

7

Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

W-C Chapel

3100 Shore Drive , Virginia Beach, VA

How to support Roy's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Roy Brun's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more