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Brian Sternberg Obituary
June 21, 1943 ~ May 23, 2013
So much for winning awards and breaking world records in pole vaulting. I have lived being quadriplegic for almost fifty years, thanks to these doctors. Dr. Stan Jacobs of Portland, Oregon. He introduced me to D.M.S.O. in 1964 and I have used it everyday for prevention of bed sores and to heal bed sores (from hospitals). Everyone in my family and Catherine's has used it for burns, shingles, sprains, arthritis, cuts, acne, sun burns, mosquito bites, and so much more. It is the juice from a tree and it increases circulation and speeds healing. They use it at Fred Hutchinson, we know because a friend had it used on her as a protocol.
Dr. Harry Goldsmith of Nevada. In 1995 he performed an Omental Transposition Operation on me in Germany which immediately improved my quality of life. My pain almost disappeared ("13" Down To A "3"), I got my voice back, I could eat sitting up, also sit up all day at my computer and eventually I could stand for two to three hours in a standing frame. My friend Sigrid had the same operation in Boston and had even better results, Dr. Goldsmith promises nothing but has had greet results even with Alzheimer's with this same operation (Only putting The Omentum On The Brain Instead of The Spinal Cord) why do other doctors turn a blind eye to this? Thank you to all who donated to my operation; you made life so much better for me, my wife Catherine Thanks you also and I thank my mother for never giving up to find a way to better my life.
Dr. Mitch Peterson, Seattle, WA. My personal physician for at least twenty years, thank you for pleading my case for DMSO to be used on my bed sores in the hospital. As you know it has worked for me. The doctors and nurses refused to use and I ended up bedridden for 15 months when they could have been healed and I would have been in my chair. Oh couldn't do that because my wheelchair was stolen. Well no one would listen to me. Thanks Dr. Peterson, you were also a great friend and ALWAYS listened to me and to Catherine. She always did a great job at keeping me well and comfortable with guiding help.
Dr. J Michael Watts of Seattle, WA thank you for taking such good care of my femur by doing the right thing. No surgery. We applied D.M.S.O. three times a day, healed right up.
Dr. Mark Brakstad of Seattle, WA thank you for the emergency surgery on my perforated colon, from which I could have died but I didn't nor did I have any infection from it. Thank you so much.
To all the other Doctors and nurses who helped at N.W. Hospital, thank you for the Successful CPR. Jane Newton, thank you for caring for my wife and for recognizing her because she was clearly so scared, she hardly knew where she was.
To the Doctors and Nurses of Harborview: Dr. Robert Harrington, Dr. John Keller, Dr. Ken Steinberg, Dr. Alisha Skinner, Dr. Tanya Meyer and also to all the other Doctors who did everything possible to save my life, my mom Thank you as do Catherine and I. You gave me 66 Days that were the best in the last 15 months of my life. I was kept warm which kept me out of pain, thus minimum pain medication which resulted in my being totally awake for my family and friends. Catherine came to work for me in 1992. We fell in love the first day we met. Her name was Catherine Murray and graduated from Shoreline in 1962. We never knew each other in High school but saw each other at sports functions. We were married not too long ago but always knew we were as one from day one. So I hope some Doctors would learn something from my life. I know I would be alive now if I had been able to stay at Harborview last August. I died from my kidney's being shut down. Thank you Harborview to absolutely everyone who works there, even the man who delivers the blood. ~ Brian Sternberg
The bottom picture is of Brian and Catherine. I got to see that great smile everyday. Thank you Dr. Goldsmith for putting it there. All our Love, Catherine and Helen Sternberg.
Brian's Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday 6/22 at 2:00 p.m. at Queen Anne's First Free Methodist Church, 3200 3rd Ave West, Seattle, WA 98119.
Arrangements Entrusted To Butterworth Arthur A. Wright.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Brian Sternberg
Sponsored by Steve English.
Rick Forcier, Shoreline High School, Class of 63'
May 31, 2025
I wish I had stumbled onto this site some years ago. I was two-years behind Brian at Shoreline High School. While I was not officially part of our gymnastic team, I would frequently work out with Brian and several others on the trampoline after school. He was simply amazing to work out with... performing maneuvers the rest of us were too unnerved to try. But he wasn't out to impress anyone, and was very modest concerning his athletic skills and accomplishments. During H.S. track meets, Brian would be in the gym exercising and preparing to "move the bar higher" each time he stepped on to the field. It was usually after all other competing high school pole vaulters were finally eliminated following their unsuccessful attempts at approximately 10-11 feet that Brian begin. While Shoreline had an amazing track and field team, it was Brian that everyone stayed to the end to see. And, he did not disappoint.
As the first to ever vault over 16 feet, it was ironic that he would sustain a life-changing injury on the trampoline. That said, Brian was a Born-Again Christian (and an exemplary one) which explains how he could endure all these years as a kind and gracious man to everyone he knew. Can't wait to connect with him again in eternity, "on the soon-coming Day." Blessings to his loving family.
Gordon Beatte
May 21, 2023
My brother, Ray Beatte pole vaulted with Brian at Shoreline High School in what is now The City of Shoreline. It was the early '60s. Back in the day you would have a designated individual that would catch the pole after the jump. I caught Brian's pole. I pole vaulted too, although about 6 feet lower! My father attended Ballard High School and held the bamboo pole record of 12 feet, which held from 1933 until 1962 when Ray Raby finally beat my dad. My family had a connection with Brian up until he died. Good man, great world champian. And I caught his pole.
Mary Dacey
August 4, 2022
I just listened to Chuck Swindoll tell the story about his life as a pole vaulter! I have been fascinated by pole vaulting and always wish l had tried it.
I am thankful you came to Jesus and for your faith. The Apostle Paul "for when l am weak, then l am strong", as your faith also showed you to be strong in weakness. I have MS and foot injuries and this story has encouraged me not to give up. Amen.
Bill Cmaylo
August 4, 2022
I was made aware of Brian Sternberg today, through Chuck Swindoll as well. Reading Brian's obituary, I got a glimpse of the man that he was. He was a very thankful man, and a real man. Now, through Brian's faith in Christ, and by the grace of God, he is, as the Bible says "...with the LORD!"
Avril Sime
August 4, 2022
Just been listening to Charles Swindoll telling Brian´s story (InsightforLiving) every blessing to his wife and family...an inspiration!
James Brown
February 23, 2021
I knew of Brian because of his great pole vaulting feats while in college, a very impressive young man to say the least. I saw him again about1980 or so when a man carried him out in his arms and he witnessed for everyone there about becoming a Christian. I am also a Christian and I have never witnessed such an impressive testimony, it still brings tears to my eyes when I think of him and his life and testimony. It was the most powerful testimony I have ever heard. He truly made God smile every day for his strong faith and character, what a great young man!
Dwight Dowson
January 13, 2017
Brian Sternberg was a great Person and did many things for many People. Besides a Champion he lived a Life any Champion would admire. God Bless his Memory for All.
Marsha Adelseck
July 16, 2013
We're having our 50th Shoreline class reunion in Aug. (class of '63) and some of the classmates have set up a website (www.shoreline1963.com). I just read a profile from Alan Larson and he mentions Brian as having an impact on his life. Though I didn't know him personally, I remember Brian's accident and later, when I became a Christian in 1964, I somehow knew that Brian was a believer as well. A few minutes ago, I decided to google Brian's name and found he just passed away in May. I read his words that you posted here and it chokes me up. On the other hand, this world is not our home if we know Christ ... we're just a passin' through. Won't be too long before all of us from the 1960's who are in Christ, will have a final reunion when all the sorrows and tears of this life will be gone forever. I think of Joni Eareckson Tada and how she will be so thrilled to trash her "chair" forever and I know Brian has already done that. I look forward to meeting you and Brian one day with the Lord in glory!
In His grip,
Marsha Adelseck (formerly Turnbull)
Anita Bisnett
July 9, 2013
Family means a lot to me! I know my Father who was Brian's cousin admired him for his achievements, work, faith and standard and was grieved at the news of Brian's accident years ago and shared in his pain, I am related by blood to Brian and Helen Sternberg as Cousins. My Father's mother's aunt was Helen's mom and I am blessed with this heritage even thou I am young, that's why I say it here. I loved Brian even thou as the miles separated us and circumstance and love Helen too as well dearly. I am privileged to be related by blood to Helen and am proud for all her love to her son. Blessings, Anita Bisnett
Dave Roberts
July 4, 2013
One of the regrets of my athletic life is that I never had the privilege of meeting Brian. He was one of my heroes when I was a young vaulter. He became a greater hero to me as time passed, as I read, over the years, of his life. To me as a physician, Brian's life has been, and shall remain, a call for the greatest compassion and caring for my patients.
Dave Roberts
former WR holder, pole vault
Mike Cotton
July 4, 2013
As a pole vaulter myself I felt a connection to Brian Sternberg.I had the honor to meet him and his mother and the privilege to converse with them at a Pole Vault Summit in Reno, Nevada in 2000. Brian and I discussed pole vault technique and his mom and I talked about Faith. His passing has touched me spiritualy and emotionally and caused me to reflect on the brevity of life and the importance of wisdom and hope. I am reminded that God so loved the world that He gave his only Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. My prayers go out to his family.
Norman King
June 28, 2013
My wife and I send our prayers to Brian's Wife and Family. I lived at the corner of 175th and linden ave in 1960-61 and used to watch Brian swing from a bar between two trees on a bluff across the street. I am also a grad of the Shoreline class of '61'. I will always remember Brian swinging.
June 25, 2013
The Seppa family sends their love and prayers. Brian, and the Sternberg family have been very precious friends throughout the years. Our family prayed for Brian's health, and his peace over a very long period of time. I'm so glad to learn that God brought Brian a very special wife. May you know God's comfort in the days to come.
For Karl and Elaine Seppa,
Kathy Seppa Steele
June 25, 2013
Brian, was a great friend. I was involved with him in many ways, especially through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the University of Washington Athletics Department. I loved him and cared deeply about him!! Mike Lude Retired U. of W. Director of Athletics
Anita Bisnett
June 25, 2013
God love you Brian! Your Cousin, Anita Bisnett
Heather Richards
June 23, 2013
I am so sorry to hear about Brian's passing. My Grandparents (Floyd and Lola Pettengill) lived next to Brian on Barrett and talked about him so much. About his courage and faith. His life was a true testimony about Christ's Love and the strength HE gives.
June 22, 2013
For some reason I have been thinking if Brian all month. we were just talking about his injury the day before his obituary. I too was a Shoreline grad class of 1961. He will be missed all the best to his family. Pat Roberts( Raymond)
Pat Bate Shepley
June 22, 2013
Brian and I were in a class together at Shoreline High School many years ago. He was a wonderful young man back then too. My thoughts and prayers go out to all his family and friends and thank God he had such wonderful folks by his side throughout his journey - he was such a strong man! RIP Brian
Lee Ayers
June 22, 2013
I was a graduate student at the University of Washington, and although I didn't know him at the time, I witnessed Brian's accident while he was working out on the trampoline at Hed Ed.
Years later, I served with Brian on the board for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for the state of Washington. Brian and I exchanged e-mails and always had a great time talking with each other at board meetings and other FCA events.
Brain was always upbeat and never complained about the injury that was to keep him mostly immobile for the remainderof his life. But his accident didn't keep him from expressing and showing his love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
He was truly a great ambassador for Christ, serving his entire life telling others about the "Good News" of Salvation offered by our Heavenly Father through His Son.
Now, Brian's in Heaven, with a new body with no more pain and suffering, and is reunited with Christian Brothers and Sisters.
Brain was an inspiriration to many while living out God's Plan for him on earth, and I'm sure God has Brian serving Him in Heaven.
I look forward to seeing Brian once again when I'm called Home...
Jim Abbott
June 21, 2013
Brian's dad and my dad were in North Central Kiwanis together and so I was privleged to meet Brian before and after his injury. From setting the world's record in the pole vault to being incapaciatated, Brian showed an amazing capacity and strength to deal with the good and the bad in life. I saw him speak several times after his injury and was always astonished at his faith and positive attitude. I pray that you are on a trampoline again Brian, flying high.
Harry Wilson
June 21, 2013
I never knew Brian but feel as though I did. I was 3 years younger but also a pole-vaulter. Brian was my hero and I, too, remember the day of his injury. I have thought of Brian over the years and some things don't change; he is STILL my hero but for a different reason now. He is my hero for how he lived his life and for his courage. The world is a better place because Brian lived and I feel the loss, too. God speed, Brian.
Greg Tutmarc
June 21, 2013
I remember Brian Sternberg coming to my church when I was young and telling his story about the strength of his faith in spite of his tragic accident...it has stuck with me all these years. God bless you Brian.
June 21, 2013
So sorry to see that this courageous man has died. I remember him as a young athlete and after his accident, all his courage -- what an amazing person he was. He leaves quite a legacy.
Linda Day-sakamoto
June 21, 2013
Dear Brian and Family,
I don't know why but I have been thinking of Brian lately and I don't know why. I have lived over here in Japan for almost forty years now, but I remember the day of Brian's accident almost like it was yesterday. I remember all of Seattle was pulling for him, time went by people went on with there lives, new generations were born that never knew about the great Brian Sternberg, but I never forgot him. He wrote in his letter about DMSO. It is used to treat people, mostly women who suffer from Interstitail Cystisis or I.C. I know because I had many instillations into my ladder with DMSO, and know what Brian was trying to say. God love you Brian now you are at peace waiting for the rest of you to join you, but you were never forgotten, even though at times Zi'm sure you thought you were. Linda-Day-Sakamoto Zushi, Japan
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