Donald Leonard deBruyn

Donald Leonard deBruyn, 94, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2022, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Born April 10, 1928, in Salt Lake City, to Dutch immigrants Leonard and Effie DeBruyn. Don was raised in the Liberty Park neighborhood in Salt Lake City.  He attended West High School as he was drawn to the mechanical trade classes that were offered there.  Don was lovingly called “Bumpy” by his family.  He was known for his gentle kindness, loving nature, and willingness to always lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

He married Nora Kathleen Davies on May 5th, 1950 in the Manti Temple.  Don was a doting and attentive husband to Kathleen for 63 years.  Together, they lovingly raised their two daughters, Dawnette and Pauline, and were active members of their community.  They particularly enjoyed traveling, including countless trips to St. George and Mesquite.  Family was especially important to Don, particularly his strong friendship with each of his grandchildren.  Always up for an adventure, his grandkids looked forward to the next trip off-roading in Canyonlands, fishing at Strawberry, camping in the motorhome, or simply grabbing lunch with grandpa.

A gifted mechanic, Don could fix anything—sometimes even over the telephone.  He often had friends and neighbors calling him from Lake Powell or some other remote location broken-down and in need of his expert help.  During the Korean War, Don served in the Army at Aberdeen Proving Ground as an instructor and tank mechanic.  Employed for more than forty years, he worked at Frank Edwards Company and later for Salt Lake City specializing in small engine repair.

Don gave a lifetime of service and faithful activity in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  He lived and exemplified the highest ideals of a father, father-in-law, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  He served several missions in his later years including as an Employment Specialist and at Welfare Square.  He became a true patriarch of his family, deeply respected by all his posterity.

He is survived by his sister Darlene (George) Wheeler; two daughters, Dawnette (Gary) McCarty, and Pauline (Wayne) Crawford; six grandsons; and eleven great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wife (Nora) Kathleen Davies deBruyn in 2014 and his sister Betty (Max) Robinson.

A viewing will be held on Sunday August 14th from 5:00-6:00 pm at Holbrook Mortuary.  A family graveside service will be held at the Fillmore Cemetery where he will be interred next to his beloved wife Kathleen.