Duncan Wayne Braithwaite

My father, Duncan Wayne Braithwaite, a lifelong resident of South Cle Elum, passed away on Monday, March 25, 2024 at the age of 76. He was born on June 15, 1947 in Olympia, WA to Issac and Iola (Bruner) Braithwaite. He is preceded in death by my mother Cindy, and survived by me, his daughter Sheila Gallagher (Braithwaite), sister Zoa Shumway (Braithwaite), and brother Clayton Braithwaite along with a loving number of nephews and friends. My father rests beside my mother Cindy at the Laurel Hill Cemetery in Cle Elum.

My mother and father were married on July 26, 1965. Along comes December of 1965 and Sheila (me), their daughter, arrives to add to the family. Around this time, my father found his love for the woods. He started with the basics, then moved up to driving for other companies before he finally purchased his logging truck and became self-employed. He loved logging and it was so inspiring to see my father come home with a big smile after a long day of work.

My father also was a Volunteer Fire Fighter for the town of South Cle Elum for over 30 years. He so enjoyed fire department meetings, fire Musters, and participating (annoying people) during the 4th of July parades. There is more I could discuss about these shenanigans, but I will keep it to myself and those who know. I am happy to say that my father cared for everyone he came across and would give (as they say) the shirt off his back.

When my father decided to end his logging career, he worked for Ellensburg Cement Products. It is here that he met a whole new family. He had a great time working at ECP and I know he was thankful to his co-workers and enjoyed the time he spent with them. Sadly, my parents' lives were significantly impacted by my mother's stroke in November 2010. Unsurprisingly, my father stepped up and decided to take care of her; the rest is history.

My father lived a short life but a good one! There is not enough space in a paper article that I could utilize to express my love for my father. As I write this with a tear in my eye, I think of all of you that also impacted my life and I hope to see you soon.

My father was loved by many people, had many friends, and will be missed. A Celebration of Life for both of my parents will be held at the Ronald School House on June 15 (Duncan's Birthday) beginning around 11:30 am. Drinks and food will be provided. I sincerely hope to see all of those who shared time in the life of my parents at this celebration.