Vance Dee Brinkerhoff

Torrey, Utah - Vance Dee Brinkerhoff, 89, passed away peacefully at his home in Torrey, Utah, on March 10, 2026, with his loving wife by his side. Vance was born July 21, 1936, in Bicknell, Utah, to Dennis Jay and Nila Behunin Brinkerhoff.

Vance began his career in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft mechanic and was stationed in Kansas, where he met his first wife, Judith LeBlanc. They were married May 26, 1962, and together had three children: Katherine, Daniel, and Teresa. Judith passed away on December 13, 1974.

In 1979, Vance met his second wife, Vanetta Christensen. They were married June 1, 1979, and through this marriage he gained another son, Doyle.

Vance loved his career in the Air Force and was stationed at many bases during his 22-year military career. He was a veteran of the Vietnam and Korean wars. After retiring from the Air Force and marrying Vanetta, the two spent many summers traveling throughout the United States in their truck and fifth-wheel trailer—from Alaska to Mexico. When his children were young, those trips were family adventures; later they continued traveling with friends. Vance also loved camping and hunting trips in the mountains around Wayne County.

Vance had a remarkable talent for fixing and building things and was skilled in many kinds of electrical and mechanical work. No matter the problem, family and friends knew they could rely on him to figure it out. More importantly, he was always there when his family needed him—no matter how far away he might be.

Vance was a compassionate, loving, and generous man who always put his family first. His kindness, strength, and willingness to help others will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Vance is survived by his loving wife, Vanetta Brinkerhoff of Torrey, Utah; his children, Katherine and Flint Gleave of Richfield, Utah; Daniel Brinkerhoff of Richfield, Utah; Teresa and Durran Brian of Loa, Utah; and Doyle and Tiffany Stock of Roy, Utah; 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Judith Brinkerhoff; his brothers, Richard Brinkerhoff and his wife Zola, and Earl Brinkerhoff and his wife Eunice; and his sister, Dorothy Martin and her husband William.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Teri Meacham, Julie Jeffery, and the rest of the team from Gunnison Home Health for their compassionate care and support of Vance.

Vance will be cremated and graveside services with Military Honors accorded by the Harold Brown American Legion Post #92 and the United States Air Force Honor Guard will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in the Bicknell Cemetery, 900 South 200 East, Bicknell, Utah, under the care of Springer Turner Funeral Homes of Richfield and Salina, Utah.