Roy L. Brasfield, 85, passed away on Friday, February 29, 2008 in Richland where he lived for over 61 years. He was born in Vale, OR on August 20, 1922 and lived his early years in Baker County in the lower Powder River region. In 1939 while in high school, Roy enlisted in the Oregon National Guard; his unit was originally mobilized in December 1940 and later deployed to Australia in April of 1942 during World War II.

Roy first met his future bride, Edna, in Rockhampton, Australia as his buddy’s companion on a foursome blind date. Two years later, Edna and Roy were reunited in early 1944 and married in July in Brisbane, Australia. Roy was shipped stateside in the fall of 1945 and honorably discharged from the Army in that year after more than 6-½ years of active military service. Edna sailed for the United States and the family was reunited in May 1946 in Portland, OR.

Roy brought his young family to Richland and began working in the finance area and later in the engineering department for the General Electric Company. In 1965, GE transferred management of the Hanford facilities to other companies and Roy went to work for a subsidiary of United Nuclear Corporation where he worked as a purchasing agent until he retired in 1985. In the years that followed retirement, Roy and Edna traveled extensively throughout Europe, Mexico, Canada, and the United States—and, of course, Australia.

Roy was a sentimental man of high principles and lived his life with honor. He was a great working partner with his wife--what a team they made! Roy was a stickler for details and an all-round great craftsman, which benefited many over the years. He was known for being generous with his time and talents for his friends and family. He enjoyed his puzzles, movies--old and new—and was an avid reader. Roy loved the computer age and was a great ‘email buddy;’ his email list spanned generations and continents.

“My only significant accomplishment, and the joy of my life, has been our children.” Roy is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Edna and his three children: Marilyn Brasfield of Las Vegas, NV, Cindy Ducich of Federal Way, WA, and Scott Brasfield of Pismo Beach, CA. Roy was an involved and active granddad to five grandchildren: Stephanie Owen of Sammamish, WA; Christopher Mulligan of Bonney Lake, WA; Ali and Stefan Ducich of Federal Way, WA; and Michelle Brasfield of Pismo Beach, CA. Roy also had five great-grandchildren: Wesley, Spencer, and Grant Owen of Sammamish, WA; Liam and Rilee Mulligan of Bonney Lake, WA.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, you celebrate Roy’s life by contributing towards a memorial park bench located along the Columbia River. Donations may be sent, in the name of Roy L. Brasfield, to the attention of Dave Bryant, Richland Community Center, 500 Amon Park Dr, Richland, WA 99354, with checks payable to the City of Richland.

The memorial service and luncheon will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2008, at Richland Lutheran Church starting at 11:00 am. A family inurnment ceremony with military honors will follow later Saturday afternoon at Sunset Memorial Gardens. You may also express your thoughts and memories in the online guest book at www.einansfuneralhome.com.

“Say not sadly that he has left us, rather celebrate that he was here.”