11/23/2025
In loving memory of Ronald Brumbaugh: 1933-2025
Ronald Brumbaugh, beloved brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, in Centralia, Washington, at the age of 92.
Ron grew up in Ballard, Washington. He was the son of two musicians, Harold and Pauline Brumbaugh. He studied the clarinet and saxophone at an early age, developing a deep love of music. Music was embedded in the family as Ron would often perform along with his cousins in jazz bands throughout the greater Seattle area. He found a deep connection with jazz music and would perform and appreciate it throughout his life.
While studying music at Central Washington University, Ron met the love of his life, Margery Joyce Lundquist. When he was drafted by the U.S. Army and sent to Fort Sill, they married and Marge joined him in Oklahoma. Their son Brad was born in November of the following year. Two months later, Ron was discharged and they returned to Central to finish his teaching degree. They settled in Centralia, where Ron began his career as Centralia Jr./Sr. High School band instructor and the band director at Centralia College. Daughter Gail arrived in November 1958.
During the Korean conflict, Ron served as an artilleryman. He was part of the first desegregated unit in the U.S. Army.
Ron spent his entire teaching career in the Centralia School District. During that time, he taught thousands of musicians in band and choir, many of them multi-generational. Former students often talk about his passion for music, his desire for excellence and his fun sense of humor and personality. Ron also taught driver’s education and served on the Centralia School Board from 1989 to 2009. His lifelong service to the Centralia School District will be his legacy for generations to come.
Ron lived through the entirety of the Jazz Age. He was a lifelong learner, participant and consumer of all aspects of the jazz art form. He fostered the local professional jazz ensemble, The Sound of Swing, which has served the community for decades, providing scholarship opportunities for local jazz musicians to continue their pursuit of music beyond high school.
After retirement, Ron co-founded the Lewis County Community Band, which still exists today.
Ron was a legend — a kind, loving, talented, funny and caring man. He made a deep impact in the musical development of thousands of students. Ron cared deeply for the community of Centralia. He will be missed by many.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Pauline Brumbaugh; his brother, Brian Brumbaugh; his wife, Margery Brumbaugh; and his beautiful beloved daughter, Gail Marie Brumbaugh Bl**er of Centralia.
He is survived by his sister, Lorraine Keffler; son, Brad Lee Brumbaugh (Yvonne) of Port Angeles; grandchildren, Liesl Brumbaugh Vial (Dustin) of Bellingham, Ryan Brumbaugh (Kim) of Rochester, Kyler Brumbaugh (Erin) of Burlington, Kade Brumbaugh (Rachel) of Boston, Ian Brumbaugh (Justin) of Seattle, Louie Bl**er (Casey) of Centralia, and Andy Bl**er (Erin) of Vashon Island; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers-in-law; two sisters-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews.
As per Ron’s wishes, there will be no public services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the band boosters of Centralia, P.O. Box 614, Centralia, WA 98531.
In loving memory of Ronald Brumbaugh: 1933-2025
Ronald Brumbaugh, beloved brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, in Centralia, Washington, at the age of 92.
Ron grew up in Ballard, Washington. He was the son of two musicians, Harold and Pauline Brumbaugh. He studied the clarinet and saxophone at an early age, developing a deep love of music. Music was embedded in the family as Ron would often perform along with his cousins in jazz bands throughout the greater Seattle area. He found a deep connection with jazz music and would perform and appreciate it throughout his life.
While studying music at Central Washington University, Ron met the love of his life, Margery Joyce Lundquist. When he was drafted by the U.S. Army and sent to Fort Sill, they married and Marge joined him in Oklahoma. Their son Brad was born in November of the following year. Two months later, Ron was discharged and they returned to Central to finish his teaching degree. They settled in Centralia, where Ron began his career as Centralia Jr./Sr. High School band instructor and the band director at Centralia College. Daughter Gail arrived in November 1958.
During the Korean conflict, Ron served as an artilleryman. He was part of the first desegregated unit in the U.S. Army.
Ron spent his entire teaching career in the Centralia School District. During that time, he taught thousands of musicians in band and choir, many of them multi-generational. Former students often talk about his passion for music, his desire for excellence and his fun sense of humor and personality. Ron also taught driver’s education and served on the Centralia School Board from 1989 to 2009. His lifelong service to the Centralia School District will be his legacy for generations to come.
Ron lived through the entirety of the Jazz Age. He was a lifelong learner, participant and consumer of all aspects of the jazz art form. He fostered the local professional jazz ensemble, The Sound of Swing, which has served the community for decades, providing scholarship opportunities for local jazz musicians to continue their pursuit of music beyond high school.
After retirement, Ron co-founded the Lewis County Community Band, which still exists today.
Ron was a legend — a kind, loving, talented, funny and caring man. He made a deep impact in the musical development of thousands of students. Ron cared deeply for the community of Centralia. He will be missed by many.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Pauline Brumbaugh; his brother, Brian Brumbaugh; his wife, Margery Brumbaugh; and his beautiful beloved daughter, Gail Marie Brumbaugh Bl**er of Centralia.
He is survived by his sister, Lorraine Keffler; son, Brad Lee Brumbaugh (Yvonne) of Port Angeles; grandchildren, Liesl Brumbaugh Vial (Dustin) of Bellingham, Ryan Brumbaugh (Kim) of Rochester, Kyler Brumbaugh (Erin) of Burlington, Kade Brumbaugh (Rachel) of Boston, Ian Brumbaugh (Justin) of Seattle, Louie Bl**er (Casey) of Centralia, and Andy Bl**er (Erin) of Vashon Island; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers-in-law; two sisters-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews.
As per Ron’s wishes, there will be no public services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the band boosters of Centralia, P.O. Box 614, Centralia, WA 98531.
