WILLIAM MICHAEL BRUENER
October 8, 1943 ˜ October 13, 2024

William Michael Bruener passed away on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, at 81 years old. He was born on Oct. 8, 1943, in Seattle, WA, to Theodore Bernard Bruener II and Martha (Thomas) Bruener.
Mike was raised in Aberdeen, WA, and attended Weatherwax High School and St. Martin’s College in Olympia, WA. During school, he enjoyed playing basketball in both high school and college. He was even offered an opportunity to play in the American Basketball League (ABL) in Atlanta but declined and decided to finish college and pursue his career.
After completing school, he landed his first job as an English teacher at Hudson’s Bay High School in Vancouver, WA, in 1965, where he also coached basketball. He went on to earn his superintendent credentials in graduate school at Portland State University in 1980, leading to assistant and lead principal roles in the Vancouver School District and as associate superintendent before he retired in 1995.
He married his first wife, Lonna Bruener, in Mountain View, CA, in 1966. They had two daughters.
Mike was actively involved in the Vancouver community, enjoying racquetball at the beloved Oxford Athletic Club, coaching his daughters in youth basketball, and supporting the St. Joseph’s parish and school by volunteering as the co-chair of the famed Vancouver Sausage Fest. Mike also had a passion for cars, taking great pride in their care and ownership. A proud fan of the UW Huskies, he rarely missed a chance to cheer them on. Some of his most memorable trips were with his dear friend, John Ottoson, when they traveled to Australia, the Panama Canal, and Europe, cementing a lifelong friendship.
He met his second wife, Diana Delich-Bruener, in 1991, and they married in 2008. Mike and Diana had a special love for the city of Vancouver, deeply involved in local events and causes. His love for the water led to memorable boating trips, and he and Diana also took many vacations together, including the Oregon Coast, Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, Las Vegas and New York City. His enthusiasm for life and the community he loved will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Mike is survived by his wife, Diana; her son, Drake Delich and wife Jen Delich; daughters, Meg Bruener Hodson and Amy Bruener Westom; seven grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and several close friends, some like family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Martha; and his brothers, Frederick (Fred) Bruener and Theodore (Ted) Bruener.
On Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, at 1 p.m., a private burial will be held at Mother Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Vancouver, WA, followed by a 2 p.m. reception at St. James Church. Arrangements are being made by Evergreen Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers or cards, please consider donating to Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in the name of William Michael Bruener. https://pushpay.com/g/holyredeemer vancouver.
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Published by The Columbian on Nov. 6, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for William Bruener

2 Entries

John Donaldson

November 7, 2024

Mike and I played basketball at AHS, Grays Harbor College and eventually at St Martins College in Lacey. We also lived across the street from each other in Aberdeen. After GHC Mike had registered at Seattle University and decided his basketball playing days were over. I had already played one year at SMU and was convinced Mike could play there. He thought it over and said he would cancel his SU registration and "walk on" to SMU if I would be his roommate. Which I did. He not only made the team but earned a scholarship, set scoring records, entered the schools "hall of Fame" and became a small college ALL AMERICAN! His story became an inspiration to numerous young athletes who would eventually attempt to be part the SMU basketball program. Many coaches throughout the league used his legacy to inspire their teams and individual players. I don´t think Mike ever realized how many people his own journey affected over the years. As basketball season begins again this year some coach or parent somewhere is sharing Mikes motivational journey with an individual or team to provide encouragement about what can happen when tenacity and commitment collide with ability regardless of how lopsided the odds of success are! We roomed together for three years traveling back and forth from the Harbor on Weekends and spending time together just hanging out. As the youngest of three brothers who´s father died when he was about 7 Mike lived in the shadow of very successful athletic brothers. Mike continued to grow well into his college years before reaching his full height and ability. But once he got there he was a force to be reckoned with. We shared a great deal about own unique and very different lives during those years and remained connected through SMU and my work in Oregon over the years. We especially looked forward to spending time together at Coach Vermillion´s annual summer events on Hood Canal. I´m very proud to call him my friend!

Joan Ottosen

November 6, 2024

Diana and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Mike was a wonderful friend and co-worker to both John and myself. As you know, John and Mike took many trips together abroad and boating up in the San Juan´s. Mike was a special friend, a friend you could always depend on. He will be missed. My prayers are with you during this difficult time.

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