Benjamin Brouner Obituary

On the morning of May 7, 2025 in Grand Junction, Colorado, Benjamin Douglas Brouner passed away following a long illness. He was preceded in death by his parents and his eldest sister, JoAnn Sanderfer. Doug, as he was known as, is survived by his wife, Lori Brouner, daughters, Carrie Truitt (Kenny) and Laurie Portillo (Andy), his stepchildren, David Stevens (Jennie) and Jenna Stevens, sister, Jeannie Baulig, cousin, Vicki Zanartu, three grandchildren, Lindsey, Jack, and Reese, and many nieces and nephews who were all very special to him.

Doug was born December 7, 1946 in Montgomery, Alabama to Walter and Doris Brouner. He moved to California with his family in the late 1950s and grew up in Camarillo. Doug graduated from Adolfo Camarillo High School in 1964 and was part of the marching band as a trombone player while going to school. After graduating, he worked for the Forestry Department as a fire fighter and also attended Ventura College. Then in 1965, he enlisted in the United States Army and became a part of the Combat Engineer unit in Vietnam as a crane operator. Doug was a proud veteran!

In 1969, Doug got married in Camarillo, California, and a few years later became a dad to two daughters. He was employed by a trucking company, plastic production company, and then went into construction which remained his passion for the rest of his career life. In the late 1980s, Doug moved to Bayfield, Colorado to fulfill his dream of building a log home and living a slower pace life in the forest. He worked for Fort Lewis College physical plant in Durango for over 20 years. During his leisure time, Doug enjoyed the outdoor life with such activities as fishing, hunting, hiking several 14ers, water skiing, "jeeping"/rock crawling through the San Juans and the Moab area, and being a member of the Mounted Rangers. He also took pleasure in listening to country and rock n roll music and knew how to play the guitar, which he would play when family and friends got together. Last, but not least, he really loved eating ice cream and chocolate in his spare time!

Doug was a friendly, kind, and adventurous man with a good sense of humor. He was dedicated to his family and always willing to lend a helping hand or encourage his family and friends to try something new. Doug was a member of Summit Church and volunteered for an outreach program called Native Hope. He also offered his services at the Methodist Thrift Shop in Durango, where he met his current wife, Lori who he has been married to for 20 years. He attended Bible study with a men's group, Promise Keepers, and held strong to his faith. When visiting his daughters and grandkids in California, he was frequently doing fun activities that many people his age would not attempt to do and finding goofy ways to make them laugh! Doug will be greatly missed by those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Please consider making a memorial donation in Doug's honor to Hopewest Hospice at Ferris Care Center in Grand Junction, CO. Lastly, when you are having dessert, please have an extra scoop of chocolate ice cream in memory of Doug!