Obituary of Donald W. Brugge

Donald Warn Brugge, 93, of 177 Hillview Dr. Sinclairville, NY, passed away at 4:05 pm Sunday, July 28, 2019, in UPMC Chautauqua, surrounded by his loving family. He had formerly lived on Winchester Road in Lakewood, NY for more than 30 years. A lifelong area resident, he was born June 28, 1926 in Jamestown, NY, a son of the late Evar Burdette and Ina Morse Brugge. Don was a 1944 graduate of Jamestown High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy on October 13, 1944. During his tour of duty he served on the destroyer, the USS Goodrich. As a plank owner, he was on the ship when it was commissioned and put into service in April of 1945. He was in the Asiatic Pacific Theater and the Occupation of Japan, after the war. He was a radar operator and had the rank of Radar Man 3rd Class when he was honorably discharged in June of 1946. Following his discharge he remained serving in the U.S. Naval Reserves for eight years until December of 1954. One of his proudest moments in later years was participating in the 2016 Honor Flight to Washington DC, with fellow veterans. He received his Masters Degree from the Brockport State teacher's College in June of 1952 and began his career teaching health and physical education for the Jamestown Public School System in September of 1952. This was the beginning of this 34 years teaching until his retirement in 1986. He first taught in the elementary schools and then in 1956 became the Director of Physical Education and Coach of all sports at Jefferson Jr. High School where he remained until his retirement. He also coached Girl's tennis at Jamestown High School for several years. Don was a lifetime member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars, a member of the Lakewood Memorial Post 1286, American Legion, the National Education Association and the New York State United Teachers. He was also a member of the Chautauqua County Coaches Association, the Jefferson School PTA, 80 plus Ski Club and was a former member of the Ingjald Lodge # 65 Independent Order of the Vikings and the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club. He enjoyed all sports, especially tennis and downhill skiing and racing NASTAR. He rode his motorcycle until the age of 90. Don enjoyed going to his sons sporting events and later his grandchildren's many track meets, tennis matches and soccer games from the time of pre-school through competition at JCC. He was a devoted husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather, a true friend and confidant to his thousands of students and athletes during his 34 years of dedication to teaching. Coach Brugge and his wife Doreen moved to Independent Living at the Homestead Campus in Gerry in 2011. Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Doreen Hagstrom Brugge whom he married December 27, 1952 in the Buffalo St. United Methodist Church, two sons; Marshall W. (Amy) Brugge of Jamestown, NY, David (devoted friend Joyce Parker) of Frewsburg, NY, two grandchildren; Dr. Sarah M. Brugge of West Seneca, NY, Matthew W. Brugge of Fraser, CO, a brother; Robert M. (Olive) Brugge of Seattle, WA and their three sons, Lawrence, Allan, Wayne and their families of grand nieces and grand nephews all of the Seattle area. In keeping with Don's wishes, there will be no funeral service or visitation observed. A private celebration of Don's life will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in the Sunset Hill Cemetery. The family suggests that memorials be made to a charity of one's choice.