Allan "Al" J. Brudwick

Two days following his 96th birthday, Allan J. Brudwick, of Ferndale, WA went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at Whatcom Hospice House in Bellingham. He was born in Bellingham, WA to Ole Johan and Berna (Jensen) Brudwick, on February 17, 1929. He was the youngest of five children, the only son. 

 Allan (Al, to many) grew up on a chicken farm on Brown Road in Ferndale where he learned a strong work ethic and service to others, which he passed on to his children and grandchildren. He attended Grandview, Custer and Ferndale schools. Allan was proud of his Norwegian heritage and loved his Lutefisk and Lefsa! As a youth, some of his fondest memories were hunting for birds, fishing, and catching rides with the milkman and postman on their routes around the county roads. He adored his four older sisters and may have been ‘slightly’ spoiled by them. When he was a teenager, the family sold the farm and moved to a house in town. He found part-time work at a gas station and an automobile dealership. In 1947, Allan joined the U.S. Army, where he served proudly, for 20 years. His first assignment was in Germany during the German Occupation. He served in several states, two more tours in Germany and Thule, Greenland. His service time covered both the Korean and Vietnam wars. During his last tour in Germany, he met a single, young soldier, our ‘Uncle Rob’, brought him home for Thanksgiving dinner, and they remained lifelong friends. 

 While home on leave from the Army in July 1954, he met his future wife, Marlys Pederson. They were married in March 1955 and had 40 years together before her passing. They traveled with the Army, and after his retirement they raised their family in Ferndale. Allan and Marlys had five children, Rick, Ron, Linda, Randy and Rod. 

 Following his retirement from the Army, Allan worked in wholesale plumbing for 24 years, where he met many wonderful people while working in sales. He attended Triumph Lutheran Church where he faithfully served the Lord, for many decades.

 Allan enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports, music and other activities. He never wanted to miss any of it. He had the gift of Helping, never missing an opportunity to help anyone when the opportunity presented itself. He served in his church until age prevented him from physically doing so. There was never a job too small or too large he didn’t want to be involved in, if it meant helping someone else. His greatest joy was in easing someone else’s burden. He made and kept friends easily with his humble, servant’s heart. He loved to tease and be teased. After retirement one of his favorite activities was attending ‘coffee time’ in the back of Jensen’s Floral where he would visit with his nephew Clary and extended family, catching up on all the ‘goings-on’ around the area.

 When daily living became more difficult, at 92, Allan moved to AVISTA (formerly Louisa Place) Assisted Living, where he lived out his final few years. His teasing was constant with the staff. He loved them dearly and always had positive things to say about them. A special “Thank You” to those who cared for him so lovingly. 

 Allan was predeceased in death by his wife, Marlys (1995), and sons Rod (2010) and Rick (2023). As well as sisters, Helen, Anita, Esther and Margaret. He is survived by his daughter Linda (Guy) Watson and daughter-in-law Marianne Brudwick, of Ferndale WA, sons Ron (Dora) Brudwick of Wellton, AZ and Randy (Karen) Brudwick of Snohomish, WA. Grandchildren Jennifer Brudwick; Jeremy (Ariel) Brudwick; Jamie (Brad) Schwisow; Jeff (Elizabeth) Watson; Bo (Hannah) Brudwick; Katie (Conor) Palomarez; Kyler (Taylor) Brudwick; and Cris (Andrea) Benn. Great-grandchildren Dylan and Evan Watson; William, James and Lydia Schwisow; Henry and Charlotte Palomarez; Garrett Benn, and another due (to Bo and Hannah) in July. Along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

 A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, March 3, 2025, at 1:00, Triumph Lutheran Church, 5719 Church Rd., Ferndale, WA. A private family graveside service with Military Honors will be held separately. 

 In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Brudwick Family Memorial Scholarship fund in c/o FGEBC, P.O. Box 575, Ferndale, WA 98248; mark for Brudwick scholarship or to Triumph Lutheran Church.