Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
HENRY DeBRUIN Obituary
HENRY W. DeBRUIN
Henry W. DeBruin, known as "Hank", 90, a 36-year resident of Arnold, died peacefully in his sleep February 7, 2014. Born on May 27, 1923 in Grand Haven, Michigan to the late John and Ruth DeBruin, Hank lived the true American dream. He proudly joined the Navy at the age of 18 and served in WWII. Following the war, he went on to graduate from the University of Michigan with a degree in Forestry. In 1948, Hank went to work for the United States Forest Service (USFS/USDA) in Oregon with the desire to "ride a horse across the wilderness". Through many moves and promotions he served as a Forest Ranger and Forest Supervisor. As Director of Information and Education he was responsible for the Smokey Bear program. After 30 years of faithful service he retired, in Washington D.C., as Director of Fire Management and Aviation of the USFS/USDA. Hank was preceded in death first by his two daughters, Mary Martha and Dawn Ellen; his three sisters, Esther Miles, Virginia Whitman and Rosemary Austin; and two sons-in-law, Ronnie Bragg and Bob DeAngelis. He is survived by his beloved wife of 67-years, Martha DeBruin of Arnold; four children, Pat Bragg of Centreville, MD, Kathy (Bill) Bieckert of Newport News, VA, Dan (Kathryn) DeBruin of Victor, NY and Kim DeAngelis of Churchton, MD; 14 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. Even though he never lost his love of the sea, the most important things in his life were his love of God and his family. This included extended family as well as the many others welcomed into his heart and his home. He left a legacy of faith and love and will be missed and remembered by everyone who knew him. Family and friends may visit on Wednesday, February 12, 2014 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Barranco & Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Hwy, in Severna Park. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2014 at 11 a.m. in the College Parkway Baptist Church, 301 College Parkway, Arnold, MD 21012. Interment will follow in MD Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to College Parkway Baptist Church, 301 College Pkwy, Arnold, MD 21012. Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for HENRY DeBRUIN
Max and Jan Peterson
March 9, 2014
We have great memories of Hsmk and will keep the family in our prayers .
Max Peterson
February 18, 2014
The many great messages sent by others reflect the words I would like to add. Hank was a great FS professional, faymily man atd friend I knew and worked with for many years. Rest in peace. Max Peterson, FS Chief, retired
John Poppino
February 13, 2014
I met Hank when I was at Oregon State College and he visited one of my classes when he was Ranger at Sisters. He really impressed me and I immediately wanted to work for that Ranger. I never got the chance, but I did follow his foot steps a few years later when I became Ranger at Sisters RD on the Deschutes NF.
February 12, 2014
I'm sorry to hear of Hank's passing. I fondly remember our conversations at Church. He will be missed by many.
Richard & Glenda Rochna
February 12, 2014
you will be greatly missed always remember the welcome you and your wife gave us a College Parkway Rest in Peace and rejoice with the Lord and your other family members who have preceded your death
Deborah Finn
February 11, 2014
MY deepest sympathies to all of you. My fondest memory of Mr Debruin was when I was a little girl and he visited my Dad ( Bill Tikkala). He had the most glorious shiny forehead. I thought it was so wonderful, I went into the bathroom and scrubbed my forehead raw so I could have a shiny forehead too. We still to this day talk about that. Praying for God;s mercy and peace to be with you in the upcoming days. Deborah (Tikkala) Finn
Dwight Fielder
February 11, 2014
The world will miss this man, who touched so many lives in a positive way, including mine. My heartfelt sympathy goes to the DeBruin family for their loss.
George Leonard
February 11, 2014
To a friend who truly lived the Forest Service motto of Caring for the Land and Serving People.
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Make a Donation
in HENRY DeBRUIN's name
Memorial Events
for HENRY DeBRUIN
Funeral services provided by:
Barranco Severna Park Funeral Home & Cremation Care, P.A.495 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park, MD 21146
How to support HENRY's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor HENRY DeBRUIN's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
