Art Brandenburg Obituary

Art Brandenburg
July 13, 1937 - June 29, 2020
Resident of Vancouver, WA
Arthur William Brandenburg, 82, of Vancouver, Washington, passed away June 29, 2020.
He was born July 13, 1937 in Oakland, California, the son of Kathryn and William Brandenburg. Raised by his mother and step-father, Major Rowell, Art had one younger sister, Pamela Sourbeer.
He graduated from San Jose State University in 1959 and later received his Masters from California State University, East Bay. He married Diane Beckley, his high-school sweetheart, on June 28, 1959. Art and Diane celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary the day before he passed away.
Art served in the National Guard after college, and then enjoyed a happy and successful career as a high school art teacher at American High School in Fremont, California. There he was named teacher of the year. He was always an active artist who exhibited his work frequently. After retiring from teaching, Art continued to be an active volunteer in local arts organizations around the Bay Area, and was named volunteer of the year for the city of Hayward. After moving to Vancouver in 2006, Art continued to be active in his church and in singing with a local senior chorus, the Marshallaires.
Art will be lovingly remembered by his wife Diane, his daughters Laurel Fogarty (Ryan) & Betsy Hurst (Brian), his sister Pamela Sourbeer, his bother-in-law Neil Beckley, his 7 grandchildren (Ryan, Christina, Boyd, Jared, Blake, Lilly & Cassidy) and 4 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Todd Brandenburg (Nina).
A private celebration of life will be held by the family. Contributions may be made to the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Vancouver, WA, or Habitat for Humanity.

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Published by East Bay Times on Jul. 10, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Art Brandenburg

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11 Entries

Jeff Schinkel

February 25, 2024

Mr. Brandenburg opened my eyes to so many types of artwork I likely wouldn´t have discovered on my own. He was funny, encouraging, generous, playful. He created Art Service Studio - the in-house "ad agency" for American High, and invited me to join with other students he´d selected to create posters and other materials to promote school plays and other events. He taught us how to silkscreen, how to use big grocery store style lettering, paint glass window murals and more. I spent the majority of my time in the art room. He arranged a small group field trip to take some of us on a tour of local art schools (San Francisco Art Institue, San Francisco Academy of Art, California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland).

I visited him a few times through the years to thank him for all he did to help me find a path forward in the art business. Everyone should have a Mr. Brandenburg in their formative years!

Beverly Esteban

February 20, 2021

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Karen

January 11, 2021

Art was my High School Art Teacher in Fremont California at American in1972. I was a shy kid with low self esteem. He made me feel talented and special. I went on to be a custom jewelry designer working in platinum and gold. He was a wonderful mentor. I will always remember him and be forever great full for his kindness and his beautiful smile. Karen Robertson

Allen Chan

September 6, 2020

He was my favorite art teacher. Kind, funny and caring, I don’t remember him ever having a problem in class with a student. I started doing art again during this shelter in place time and only wished I had thought of searching for him sooner.

Class of 1978

Ken Jones

August 11, 2020

Oh what can I say? Art was a wonderful man and teacher. He was for sure the most creative person I have ever known. His students were very blessed to have him as their instructor. God Bless you Arthur.

Laurel fogarty

August 10, 2020

Thank you all for the loving messages. The family loves to read all of the old stories of my dad. He truly was the most wonderful father and will be missed greatly.

Barbara and Dean

July 12, 2020

Art was talented, sharing man with a delightful personality. His spirit would light up a room. Diane, we will all miss him. TOPS 1119

Toni Furino

July 12, 2020

My heart goes out to all of his family and friends. He was a beloved teacher, and student advocate. Toni Furino- class of 75

Ken Jones

July 11, 2020

Art was always upbeat. He was creative and he had a marvelous sense of humor. He enjoyed his teaching career and enjoyed his students. I have very fond memories him. God Bless your soul my friend.

Mark Bowen

July 9, 2020

RIP to the great, GREAT Art Brandenburg. One of the kindest, most generous and most influential men that I had the pleasure of knowing. It was a joy and an honor to be one of his students at American High School. I had always hoped that our paths would cross again so that I would be able to tell him just how much he had meant to me.

July 7, 2020

Dear family please accept our condolence and take courage, throw all your anxiety and pain on the God of peace, he is near to all those calling upon him. He will grant you all the strength the courage you will need as you face the lonely days without your love ones, but always keep there lovely smiles in your thoughts.

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