BICKNELL, UTAH – On April 14, 2011, our Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle and Friend to all, Richard “Dick” Brinkerhoff, age 80, returned home to his Heavenly Father and to his sweetheart, Zola, that he had been a part from for numerous years. He passed away peacefully at his home in Bicknell, surrounded by his loving family.
Dick was born on Christmas Day, Dec. 25,1930, and given his middle name of “Noel”. He was the first born to Dennis Jay and Nila Mansfield Behunin Brinkerhoff. He married the love of his life, Zola McGregor on March 22, 1957 in St. George, Utah. Zola preceded Dick in death on Dec. 23, 2002. Their marriage was solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple of Aug. 21, 2010.
His life was a devotion to service. He served his beloved country in the United States Army for 27 years. He retired as a First Sergeant “Top”, after experiencing tours of duty in Korea and Vietnam. He survived four aircraft crashes and lying on the Alaskan ice for three days awaiting rescue. He received the Bronze Star and Air Metal for his service.
Dick was active in many community events. He served as Bicknell Town Mayor (his nickname was “Boss Hog”), and as a Wayne County Commissioner. He was instrumental in restoring many of the county’s cemeteries. He was a life member of the American Legion and a member of the Wayne Lions Club.
Dick enjoyed serving others, especially the widows. He also found great pleasure in restoring anything with wheels. He would fix up bicycles for children and vehicles for anyone needing one.
Dick is a great father and grandfather. He was proud of his grandchildren and time spent with them.
He is survived by his son, David James and Joan Stevens Brinkerhoff of Bicknell; five grandchildren; brothers: Earl and Eunice Brinkerhoff of Surprise, Ariz.; Vance and Vanetta Brinkerhoff of Torrey; sister: Dorthy Martin of Price.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a sister-in-law: Judith Brinkerhoff and a brother-in-law: William”Bill” Martin.
On behalf of the family, a special thanks to Terri, Trista, Karl and Connie of Gunnison Home Hospice and thanks to Brett, Jeff, Sherry and Julie
Memorial services were held Monday, April 25, 2011 at 1 p.m. in the Thurber LDS Ward Chapel, in Bicknell, where friends visited with the family from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. prior to the services.
Burial with military honors accorded by the Harold Brown American Legion Post #92 and the Utah Honor Guard will be in the Bicknell Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.
On line guest book at: www.springerturner.com
Dick Brinkerhoff
"*Together Again*"