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Sidney Burr BRINCKERHOFF

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Princeton University

Sidney BRINCKERHOFF Obituary

BRINCKERHOFF, Sidney Burr 9/27/1933 - 1/5/2017 died peacefully in Bellevue, WA on January 5, 2017 surrounded by family. Sidney's life was marked deeply by his philanthropy, his passion for history, his love of the environment and all animals. Sidney Graduated from Princeton University, with a degree in American History and shortly afterwards made his home in the Southwest. Sidney was former Executive Director at The Arizona Historical Society, served as President of the Community Foundation of Southern AZ, and actively supported a variety of nonprofit organizations including Therapeutic Riding of Tucson and cofounding The Parent Connection. In the mid 1990's Sid moved to the Pacific Northwest and immersed himself in the beauty and conservation needs of this area. He worked vigorously for Barack Obama's campaign and served on the Board for People for Puget Sound. In recent years he devoted his energy to his spiritual home on Orcas Island, WA and in Tucson, to the Presidio San Augustin Del Tucson. Sidney was a friend to many, a lover of good conversation, with a ready smile and an indomitable, generous spirit. And for all this, his greatest pride and joy were his children and grandchildren. We will always feel his presence through the horned toad, the bumble bee and the Orca whale and in the all the places, near and far, where he left his mark! He is survived by his children, William, Laura, Aaron and Ariana and grandsons, William and Alexander. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting The Presidio San Augustin Del Tucson and Therapeutic Riding of Tucson. Please Join us to Celebrate The Life of Sidney, Saturday, March 4, 2017, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at Presidio San Augustin Del Tucson, 196 N. Court St., Tucson, AZ.

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

Published by Arizona Daily Star on Jan. 22, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Sidney BRINCKERHOFF

20 Entries

Robert Eric Dean

January 18, 2022

My father Robert O. Dean, Command Sargent Major, USA was Mr. Brinkerhoff's friend for many years while both served in the Army. They shared a love of art, archaeology, the southwest, family and living life to its fullest. Their last meeting went off very well as the two old warriors shared memories of their life, families and their dreams of a better tomorrow. May they rest in peace.
Robert Eric Dean, CAPT, USN, Retired.

Eric Dean

January 16, 2021

Mr. Brinckerhoff was my father's friend for years since their first encounter at Fort Huachuca, Arizona in 1957. My father, Robert Orel Dean, was on the Staff of the Base Newspaper and met Mr. Brinckerhoff when both of them were on active duty in the Army. My father maintained a relationship even after Mr. Brinckerhoff retired and took a position with the local Museum. In later years, they lost touch when my Dad transferred to Paris, France in 1963-1967. Ultimately, I made contact with Bill Brinkerhoff online and we managed to arrange a get together. It was the highlight of my fathers declining years before he passed away in 2017. I am most grateful they had the time to meet one more time in this world. Many thanks, Bill.
Eric Dean, CAPT, USN, (Ret.)

George Scott (Polka)

January 17, 2018

Adding to my previous comment concerning the 'Lost Dutchman Gold Mine" - - I knew Sid since the early 60's when I would travel throughout
the the mountains and desert of AZ. finding historical artifacts. Sid gave me a "Letter of Authorization" to collect same. Then I would donate 75% to the Society. Sid was a great American/historian who was instrumental in building the Society into a monument for all visiting and dedicated to Sid.
Great Respect,
George Scott (Polka)

George Scott

December 21, 2017

I'll always remember his assistance/knowledge regarding the "Lost Dutchman Gold Mine Documentary on KCUB Radio.
Great Respect,
George Scott (Polka)

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Magda Amado-Kallmeyer

March 4, 2017

Thank you Sid for happy memories of our early days in the Arts in Tucson. My prayers are for you and your family.

Maura Mack

February 28, 2017

My heartfelt condolences to Sidney's family on his passing. I distinctly remember his great smile, and the warmth and enthusiasm he displayed during a conversation we had on a Tucson Historic Homes Tour many years ago when I was a high school student. Sidney was truly inspirational. Que en paz descanse.

Pierce Chamberlain

February 16, 2017

Of the things I think of most about Sid were his love of and enthusiasm for history. I have on many occasions, almost quivered with joy over some artifact or historic site. Sid did the same. He would positively glow at times. Sid possessed the gift of transmitting to others the serene pleasure of discovery, the power of history.

We shared numerous adventures over the years. Once in the 1960s, we found ourselves lost in northern Sonora (Mexico) in the dark after a day of tramping over the Presidio of Santa Cruz de Terrenate. Too exciting! We started home in Sid's Buick. We must have taken a wrong turn because the road turned into a cattle track. I walked ahead of the car to check for boulders by headlight. Up we crept forward. After an indeterminable amount of time, we came upon a better road heading northstill not knowing where we were. We breathed a sigh of relief when we saw the lights of Nogales.

I found Sid's sense of fun particularly appealing. I recall one Christmas when he and his family stopped by our house, and we spent most of the time playing with my son's toy soldiers and cannon, which shot little projectiles . . . much to his amusement.

For years, the auditorium at the Arizona Historical Society (Tucson) served as a tribute to Sid's playfulness. He managed to shoot an Apache arrow (much like the Excalibur in the stone) into the very high ceiling, while little thinking of the consequences. He fired the arrow from an Apache bow as a technical experiment.

Sid will be missed by so many for so many reasons. These are a few of mine.

Pierce A. Chamberlain III

Ann Alden

February 2, 2017

I was saddened to learn of his passing recently. I did't know Sid well, but I did know him some from the horse world and Therapeutic Riding of Tucson. My condolences to Laura and the rest of his family and friends.

Ann Troutner

February 2, 2017

I lit a candle for Sid at San Xavier del Bac Mission to help light the way. A life well lived and shared;'Gracias a usted.'

Alphonso

January 26, 2017

To the family of Sidney Burr Brinckerhoff, I am so sorry for your loss. I'm sure you will miss him dearly. Please find comfort in knowing one day we will see our loved ones again. John 6:40. Matthew 5:5.

Gina Castillo

January 24, 2017

You were great friends of my grandparents, Maria Gallegos Hillary and Frank Hillary of South Tucson...during the 50's and the 60's. We often ran into you and your family around Tucson, my mom, Trini was so fond of you...You brought so much to our community in Tucson! You should know I tried following in your footsteps at the AZ Historical Society...thank you for the inspiration....from Gina Castillo and my Son, Marco Gracia the Hillarys of South Tucson!

Dianne Ferro

January 24, 2017

I am so sorry to hear of Sid's death. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Beth Hicks

January 24, 2017

So sad to hear of Sid's passing. I have many special memories of visits with him in Tucson when I was growing up. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Frank Martinez and Family

January 23, 2017

Our condolences to the family of Sidney. Thanks to him the Assoc. de Charros de Tucson and their families took recognition of their Mexican heritage in the 1976 BiCentential along with the Re-enactment of the De Anza Expedition and Freedom Train. In closing Vaya Con Dios Sidney.

Suprena & Charles Kretchman

January 23, 2017

Charles and I are deeply saddened by your loss. We are keeping all of you in our prayers as you move through this difficult time. We love you and will see you Mar. 4th.

Melody Robidoux

January 23, 2017

Sid introduced me to the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona in 1990. He inspired me to create my own foundation and embark on a fulfilling life as a philanthropist for the last 26 years. I will be forever grateful for his guidance, friendship, and introducing Mick and me to Orcas Island and the Pacific Northwest where we have resided for 20 years. We miss him deeply. With love, Melody Robidoux and Mick Thompson

Tucson Training Team Tucson Training

January 23, 2017

We are sorry for your loss. Please know the 'old' training team at the bank is thinking of you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

January 23, 2017

I am sorry for your loss. May prayer comfort you.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray constantly."

Eric Dean

January 23, 2017

William, On behalf of my Father, Bob Dean, please accept our deepest condolences on your father's passing. As colleagues and Army friends, they made a great team!
Respectfully, Eric Dean CAPT, USN, Ret.

Prebles

January 22, 2017

To the Brinckerhoff family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

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