It is with great sadness the family of Donald “Don” Bruya announces his passing on Feb. 25, 2021, at the age of 69 years, after contracting COVID-19. He was born March 1, 1951, in Spokane, Washington to William and Marguerite Bruya. Don was the youngest of five children.
Don grew up in Spokane and attended WSU and CWU, graduating with a degree in police science.
Don proudly served his country as a lieutenant in the United States Army and then was hired by the Washington State Patrol. He began his career in 1977 and retired at the rank of sergeant in 2003. In 1987, Don received the Auto Theft Trooper of the year award. In 1996, Don received the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor and the Award of Merit for his actions in an armed hostage confrontation while under fire in 1988. Don retired from the Washington State Patrol in 2003. Don never tired of driving so upon his WSP retirement, he worked part-time for the Elma Post Office.
Don enjoyed life, family and many friends. He was always there to brighten the lives of others with a funny story or joke. Don had a passion for drag racing and was fondly known as “The Donimator.” He was always seeking ways to have the quickest reaction time at the start line and dreaded those red light starts. Don loved to travel with his wife Jackie and often enjoyed leisurely road trips taking random side roads and creating mini adventures together. When Don was not drag racing, he was usually driving Jackie to ski, paddle board or kayak. They played well together and truly lived happily ever after. Don loved cats and was especially fond of his cats Thelma and Louise who provided him with constant laughs.
Don often looked for opportunities to do random acts of kindness. During one road trip with Jackie, they came upon a small country café and decided to eat lunch there. The only server appeared to be overwhelmed and shared the dishwasher did not show for work so she was way behind because she was serving and washing. Don volunteered to wash dishes until she could get caught up. Three hours later, Don and Jackie were done washing dishes!
Don will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 22 years, Jackie, and children: Brian (Tammy), Darren, Julie (Darrel), Mark (Tina), Matthew (Kim) and nine grandchildren: Teegan, Corbin, Nicholas, Makenna, Sydney, Hailey, Kyle, Brandon and Carson. Further survived by his brother Larry and sister Michelle Prosser and numerous nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers William and Robert.
Don was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle who will be missed but never forgotten.
Don was known for his kindness and for extending a helping hand, so the family requests you do a random act of kindness or donate to your local animal shelter in his honor.
