Homer Alaska - Obituaries

David Vanderbrink, 86, died May 19, 2010, while visiting his much loved niece and her husband, Louise and Bill Tidwell in Kalispell, Mont. He had spent the previous two weeks living his dream to travel the "Charley Russell Trail."

At Dave's request, no formal services will be held. At a later date his ashes will be scattered in the waters of Kachemak Bay in the same place his beloved wife Hazel's ashes were scattered in 2001, his family said.

Mr. Vanderbrink was born Dec. 9, 1923, in Lewistown, Mont., to Marinus and Hallie Vanderbrink. He graduated from high school in Ontario, Ore., and served his country during World War II in the United States Navy as an aviation machinist mate. After the war he visited Alaska and fell in love with the countryside. Dave then returned to Payette, Idaho, to marry Hazel Durham and moved to Homer to raise his family in 1956.

Dave made his livelihood as a commercial salmon seiner, boat carpenter, marine observer, light construction carpenter, longshoreman and assistant guide.

In addition to his work, Dave dedicated his life to the development of the state and local economy as well to the conservation of Alaska's wildlife. Over many years he humbly served multiple organizations in varying capacities including: Port and Harbor Commission, City Council, City Planning Commission, Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association, State of Alaska Water Resources Board, charter member of the Elks Homer Lodge, North Pacific Fisheries Association, Kachemak Ski Club, Fish and Game Advisory Committee and Homer School Advisory Committee.

Dave and Hazel enjoyed many years traveling through Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana prior to Hazel's death. Dave also enjoyed shooting with the Homer Gun Club and woodworking.

"Dave was a man of honor," his family said. They will remember him for his wisdom, his sense of humor and his story-telling ability. One of Dave's short stories "Bear Hunt at Spike One" was recently published in Jim Rearden's book titled "Hunting Alaska's Far Places."

Mr. Vanderbrink is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Dawn Vanderbrink of Homer; daughters Jana and Lee Vanderbrink of Anchorage; granddaughters Nikki and Darla Graham of Anchorage; and great-granddaughter, Kaydence Korevec of Anchorage. Dave also is survived by his sister and her husband, Martha and Marvin Kuest of Coulee Dam, Wash.; sister-in-law and her husband, Allene and Roland Whitely of Mt. Angel, Ore., three nieces and their families.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to a favorite charity, church or organization.