William (Bill) Martin Brunkow, 83, surrounded by loving family, died on January 28, 2016 in Portland, Oregon. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth; children David (Sue), Mary (Ross), and Paul (Alana); granddaughters Lauren, Devon, and Kennedy; and sister Peg VanHoomissen. Bill was born on August 3, 1932 to Clarence and Evelyn Brunkow in Portland; he is predeceased by his sister Catherine Brunkow.

Bill grew up in Portland and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1950. He attended Santa Clara University, graduating in 1955 with a BA in Civil Engineering. He served in the US Army Corps of Engineers until 1957, spending most of that time stationed in Stephenville, Newfoundland. He married Elizabeth Lowell in 1957, and continued working in Newfoundland for an additional 2 years as a civilian with the Corps of Engineers.

Back in Portland in 1959, Bill began his building career working for Douglas Lowell Inc., and continued in home building and light commercial construction for nearly 40 years.

Bill enjoyed family activities, golfing, playing volleyball, and travels to the Oregon Coast. He had a particular fondness for his dogs Curly, Maggie, Tucker, and Sage and always had a treat in his pocket for any dog he encountered. He was known for his outstanding memory (college sports trivia a particular strength) and knack for wordplay and puns.

Bill valued his membership of nearly 50 years in St. John Fisher Parish and his friends there. He participated for many years in the Head and Neck Cancer Support Group at Good Samaritan Hospital, where he received and contributed mutual understanding and camaraderie. Bill's family expresses their gratitude to the Internal Medicine doctors and nurses at Emanuel Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Holy Cross Church St. Vincent de Paul (5227 N. Bowdoin St., Portland, OR 97203), or Central Catholic High School in Portland.