Buell E. Brinks, 74, of Lowell, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2020. He was preceded in death by his brother, Bruce Brinks; brothers-in-law, Art Zaborski, Everett Vandenboss, Fred Wright; sisters-in-law, Lois Couwenhoven, Faye Sanderson. He is survived by his wife, Gloria; children Dan (Karyn) Brinks, Ryan (Keli) Brinks, Alison (Josh) Proctor; brothers, Bryan (Arla) Brinks, Bill (Nadine) Brinks; sister-in-law, Linda (Jerry) Klein; grandchildren, Baylee (Cody) Oppewal, Lennox Brinks, Brodey Brinks, Emma Proctor, Aiden Proctor; great-grandchildren, Avery Oppewal, Jax Oppewal; brother-in-law, Mike Couwenhoven, Dale Sanderson, Randy (Kathy) Tacoma; sisters-in-law, Carole (Virgil) Bopp. Marilyn Vandenboss, Sharon Wright. Buell graduated from Michigan State University then was drafted into the US Marines Corp, serving in the Vietnam War. He was a teacher at Saranac Public Schools. After retiring from teaching, he owned a small painting/construction business and spent many winters in Florida. Under the current circumstances, the Brinks family has made the decision to postpone the visitation and memorial at this time. Memorial contributions may be made to Mission French Africa, 221 Ridgewood Ave, SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 or Flat River Outreach Ministries, 11535 Fulton St E, Lowell Charter Township, MI 49331.
3 Responses
Gloria & family, I am so sorry for your loss of Buell. I worked with him for many years at SHS. He had such a dry humor it was impossible not to like him. He was a favorite of staff & hundreds of students. So many former students have posted he was their favorite teacher (my son & daughter too)! He will be missed. God bless you at this difficult time.
Gloria & family, What a wonderful man! I had the privilege of working with Buell at Saranac Schools & enjoyed his humor every day. He made my day always brighter with his unusual wit & comments. The students would definitely say he was a favorite! God bless you with lots of wonderful memories & comfort.
I went through Marine boot camp with Buell in 1969 and lost touch with him after that. Just happened to think of him today and viewed his obit. When the going got tough, he inspired us all. What a fine man. Condolences to the family.