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IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Henry W.
Debruin
May 27, 1923 – February 7, 2014
Obituary
Listen to Obituary
Henry W. DeBruin, known as "Hank", 90, a 36-year resident of Arnold, died peacefully in his sleep February 7.
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 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Barranco& Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Hwy, in Severna Park.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, February 14, 2014 at 11:00 am 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.
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 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Barranco& Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Hwy, in Severna Park.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, February 14, 2014 at 11:00 am 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.
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