Obituary of Henry Eugene Brehmeyer

Henry Eugene Brehmeyer was born in Shelton, WA on November 28, 1945 to Dorothy and Herbert Brehmeyer. He spent his childhood on the family dairy farm in Matlock,WA graduating from Mary M Knight HS in 1963. He joined the Marine Corp directly after high school doing 2 tours of duty in Vietnam. He returned home to Matlock and married Barbara Owen in 1968. Together they had 6 children, Fred, Rob(Dutch), Jeff(Erin). Sheila, Charlie and Ben. His children have made us grandparents many times. Gene was employed by Simpson Timber company for 18 years, first as a rigger and then as a cutter at Camp Grisdale. When the camp closed Gene found employment with the State of WA, Dept. of Labor & Industries as a Safety Compliance Inspector. He was with L&I for over 20 years, still employed at the time of his passing. He met his wife Phyllis at L&I in 1988. They married Dec. 26th, 1992. Along with Phyllis he gained two step children, Thor (Misa) and Maria (Samuel) and step grandchildren Teddie, Alan & Casy and great grandchildren Kayden and Kingston. Gene never met a stranger, he was outgoing and a truly unique personality. He made a difference in so many lives following his belief in Safety for all Workers. He loved his job at L&I and felt he could be instrumental in preventing workplace injury and deaths. He first worked in the Port Angeles L&I office, then in Tacoma, Seattle and Tukwila offices. Gene was a dog lover and had a special friend in his Rottweiler Beau. After losing Beau to cancer he acquired 2 female Rottweiler’s Rose & Lily, the Brehmeyer Blossoms. Also surviving at the family home besides his wife is Emma, the other woman in his life. Emma is his cat who decided from the day she moved in that Gene was her human and always made it clear to everyone around that he belonged to her. Predeceasing him are his parents, brothers Bill and Herb. Surviving brothers Mike(Cyndi) and Brian(Sue) and sisters Phyllis, Dot (Breck) and Masie (Paul) and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on April 27, 2008 at the Matlock Grange Hall at 1:00 PM. E-mail PJBrehmeyer@aol.com for driving directions to the Grange. Arrangements by Edwards Memorial Center 253-566-1008