Earl Brinkerhoff

Earl Behunin Brinkerhoff,80, passed away at home in Surprise, Ariz., on Oct. 12, 2013, with his wife and daughters at his side.

He requested no services and donated his body to Science Care in Phoenix, Ariz.

Earl was born Jan. 27,1933, in Bicknell, Utah, to Dennis and Nila Brinkerhoff. Earl attended Wasatch Academy in Mt. Pleasant, Utah, where he graduated in 1951.

Earl excelled in basketball, football and track, becoming one of Utah's top athletes. He joined the the Air Force in 1952 and was stationed at Yaak Air Force base in Montana where he met and married Eunice Irene Spalding on July 3, 1954.

After living in Idaho, Colorado and Utah they settled in Anchorage, Alaska, in 1959 with their three young children. Earl drove truck for Sunrise bakery in the early 1960s before starting his own business endeavor with the purchase of Hobart Sales and Service in 1965.

He continued to run Hobart for the next 12 years. In 1977 after many long winters, Earl and Eunice returned to his hometown of Bicknell, Utah, for three years then moved to Phoenix, Ariz., in 1980 to enjoy the beautiful sunshine residing in Sun City Grand.

Earl enjoyed golfing and especially looked forward to his yearly trips up the Alaskan Highway to visit his children and grandchildren in Alaska. He helped his daughter, Charlene, and son-in-law, Bruce, build and run their fishing lodge (Reel-em-inn) in Ninilchik, Alaska, each summer.

Earl will be remembered by his family and friends as a very hard worker, able to fix anything, and his dedication to finishing the job long after quitting time. His favorite activities were golfing, traveling by motorhome and tinkering with gadgets.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis and Nila Brinkerhoff, his brother, Dick Brinkerhoff.

He is survive by his wife, Eunice Brinkerhoff, Ariz.; children, Dennis (Cindy) Brinkerhoff, Alaska, Charlene (Bruce) Mclean, Alaska, Beth Ann Shropshire, Hawaii; grandchildren, Tess and Ross Brinkerhoff, Garrett and Spencer Mclean, Dylan and Julia Shropshire, great grandchildren Cruz and Aliyah Brinkerhoff; brother Vance Brinkerhoff, Utah; and sister Dorothy Martin, Utah.

Remembrances can be sent to Eunice 15744 West Clear Canyon Drive Surprise, Ariz., 85374. In lieu of flowers the family requests you make a contribution to your local Hospice.

"Love is never lost, not even in death"