BRAINARD, Robert 1920-2004

BRAINARD, RICHARDSON, GIESEY

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 10/5/2016 at 11:55:57

Robert "Bob" Brainard, 84, died on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004, at Allen Hospital of congestive heart failure.

He was born on April 9, 1920, son of Clyde and Irma Richardson Brainard. He married Imogene Giesey on Oct. 30, 1943, in Chicago. She died June 6, 2001.

Survivors include three children, Ron (Hiroko "Yoko" Hubbard) Brainard of Cedar Falls, Barbara (Blair) Newport of Waterloo and Sherry Brainard of Independence, Iowa. There are six grandchildren including Bryce, Shawn, Christina, Debbie, Jessa and Dan; and one great-granddaughter.

Bob had a passion for flying. He obtained his pilots license when he was 16 years of age and was a flight instructor at the age of 18. He was a pilot for American Airlines for nine years, returning to the metro area to start B&G Plumbing with his brother-in-law. He returned to flying, becoming the corporate pilot for Waterloo Industries for 10 years. After a heart attack at the age of 45, he had to retire from commercial flying and owned a used car lot until his retirement. His second passion was spending time at the summer cottage in Minnesota. Bob was a very kind-hearted and helpful man who knew a lot about a lot of things. His family could count on him to fix almost anything. He had a delightful sense of humor, much to the dismay of waitresses and nurses. His quick wit continued with him to the very end.

Preceded in death by his parents and wife.

However, there will be no funeral service at Bob's request; a visitation for family and friends will be held today, Aug. 10, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Service at 300 West Ridgeway Avenue in Waterloo.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

--The Courier (www.wcfcourier.com)