VERGENNES — Rodney “Buck” Brinkman, 75, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, in Vergennes with two of his daughters by his side.
He was born on Oct. 28, 1944, the son of Henry “Jake” Brinkman and Gladys McCabe Brinkman, in Springfield, Mass. In December of 1965 he married his wife Charlene Bronson Brinkman and together they had three daughters.
He grew up in Vergennes, Vt., and spent many enjoyable hours hunting and fishing with his six brothers. He spent over 25 years working in the Apple Orchard industry and was an avid organic gardener. More than anything, he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his parents and two brothers, Thomas Brinkman and James Brinkman and his wife Charlene. He is survived by his daughters Lisa (Thomas) Brande, Robin (Richard) Eddy and Candace Brinkman; four brothers, Richard Brinkman, Henry “Bobby” Brinkman, Michael Brinkman and Stanley Brinkman; eight grandchildren, Joshua, Eden, Samantha, Lauren, Linnea, Caitlyn, Cody and Shayleigh; and seven great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Sophia, Hannah, Noah, Geoffrey, Gweneth and Olivia.
Buck wishes to spend eternity in the mountains that he loved and his ashes will be spread by family.
The family will be holding a small celebration of life at his daughter Robin’s house in Vergennes on Friday, March 20, from 5-8 p.m. His mom’s baked beans will be featured along with a variety of Buck’s favorite food and drink. For those that don’t feel comfortable attending due to the potential of illness, we hope to have another memorial service this summer.
The world lost the best Dad, Papa, brother and friend. He will be missed forever. ◊