Andrew Paul Brakora's Obituary
Andrew Paul Brakora, age 65, passed away Thursday, May 17, 2018 at his home in Bend, Oregon with his family by his side. He was born November 10, 1952 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Frederick Paul Brakora and Mary Ann Jaracz. He was the first of six children. The family moved quite a bit due to his father's employment with General Electric. While living in Phoenix, AZ, Andy graduated from Brophy Preparatory School, continuing on to Arizona State University. He graduated with a BS in Aeronautical Technology Management, and later from Embry Riddle-Aeronautical University with a MS in Aviation Management. Upon graduation from ASU in 1974 Andy received his commission as a second lieutenant in the Air Force. His first assignment was as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer at Laughlin AFB where he would enter a delayed pilot entry program due to a "reduction in force" RIF. Upon graduation from pilot training he was assigned the F-4C at Luke AFB, Az. At the 11 year point in his Air Force career, Andy transitioned to the Oregon Air National Guard, Kingsley Field, Klamath Falls, Oregon where he continued as a crewmember and instructor pilot flying the F-4 and F-16 aircraft. He retired in 1994 with 20 years of good service to his county.
While stationed at Kingsley Field, Andy became a reserve deputy for the Klamath County Sheriff's Office, volunteering over six years. He later moved to the MVP program in the Sheriff's Office as he continued to serve his community of 30 years. He supported the AFJROTC program at Henley High School as well as the Boy Scouts of America.
During his time with the Air National Guard, Andy applied at American Airlines and was hired as a commercial pilot, flying first the CE-500, then F100, B757, B767, B737-800. He was based in Chicago for 17 years adding international flights to his career. He retired in 2011 from the LAX hub with 24 years of service.
Andy was a loving father devoted to his family. His wife and children meant the world to him. He enjoyed helping with their activities, going to school programs and taking them on camping trips. Many summer vacations were spent in Spring Lake at the family cottage. He enjoyed fishing from the dock, taking them out for boat rides to the Big Lake, going to the zoo and attending large family reunions. Andy was a dedicated elk hunter enjoying Fall trips each year to eastern Oregon to hunt and camp with his friends.
Andy was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years Ann; children; Katherine (Steve) Champion, and Paul (special friend Sierra and son Riot). He is survived by his brother, Mathew (Maryvic), sister Elizabeth (Doug), brother Philip (Linda), brother Peter (Denise), sister Kara (Rick); and 16 nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 29, 2018, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 406 E Savidge St, Spring Lake, MI 49456, with Reverend David Gross presiding. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service at church. Andy will be laid to rest with military honors by the Charles A. Conklin American Legion Post # 28 Honor Guard at Spring Lake Cemetery following the Mass. Andy's family wishes to thank the very caring staff of Heart and Home Hospice, 745 Northwest Mount Washington Drive, Ste 205, Bend, OR 97703, Bend, Oregon especially nurses Ann F, RN, Kathleen, RN, Valerie, RN, CNA Amber and CNA Lori. Many thanks to the staff at Right at Home In Home Care Director Julie Burkett, evening caregivers, Chloe and Tina, and special friend and day time caregiver Cheryl Donovan. Memorial donations may be made Heart and Home Hospice or to Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon, 8880 SW Nimbus Ave, Ste B, Beaverton, OR 97008 in Andy’s memory. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com.
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