Our beloved father, grandfather, husband and friend Richard “Skip” Brunhaver passed away suddenly of natural causes on April 28th, 2023 near his home in Snoqualmie, WA at the age of 83.

Richard “Skip” Brunhaver was born in Wapato, WA on February 16th, 1940 and was raised on a farm in the Yakima Valley. He graduated from Wapato High School in 1958 and went on to Washington State University where he studied Physics and Math and was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.

In the Summer of 1961, Skip hitch-hiked to California to enlist in the U.S. Navy. Skip trained as an A-4 Skyhawk pilot and joined Attack Squadron 22. He began flying combat missions in Southeast Asia in April 1965, flying off the aircraft carrier USS Midway.

In August 1965, Skip was forced to eject from his plane over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War (POW). After spending 7 ½ harrowing years in captivity, he was released during Operation Homecoming February 1973. Skip was the recipient of the Purple Heart, POW Medal, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and Legion of Merit for exceptional bravery and service. His tale of survival in the face of extreme adversity inspired many who knew him.

After his service during the Vietnam War, Skip returned to Washington to work in real estate development in the Seattle area, where he was introduced to Janet “Jan” Acarregui, a Pan Am flight attendant. They fell in love and were married in Seattle in 1976, starting a family right away. Skip and Jan settled in the suburb of Bellevue, WA to raise their four children. As father and husband, Skip was forever committed, supportive and always proud of his family and their endeavors.

Skip was an active businessperson and entrepreneur. He owned and operated Speakerlab, a home audio retail and manufacturing business, from 1985 until its sale in 1999. He was also past President and long time member of the Northwest Forum, a Seattle men's club.

Skip was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, target shooting, and crafting handmade cane fly fishing rods.

Nearing 40 years of marriage, Skip lost his wife Jan to breast cancer in 2015. After Jan’s passing, he retired to Snoqualmie, WA. His retirement was spent visiting frequently with his children, grandchildren, and friends. 

Skip was dearly loved, and will be forever remembered for his resilient nature, honorable spirit, and belief in freedom and respect for all.

Skip is survived by his children Kathryn Brunhaver of Eugene, OR, Matthew Brunhaver of Issaquah, WA, Christopher Brunhaver of Boulder, CO and Angela (Brunhaver) Crawford and husband Eric Crawford of Cle Elum, WA along with seven grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife Janet (Acarregui) Brunhaver, parents George Brunhaver and Frieda (Eichler) Brulotte, brother Lew and sisters Tessa and Dora.

We will celebrate Skip’s life on Wednesday May 31st, 2023. A Full Military Honors with Flyover will take place at Tahoma National Cemetery at 1pm, followed by a Celebration of Life and Reception at 2:30pm at the Museum of Flight in Seattle. Ashes to be scattered in Deer Creek, ID this Summer. 

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