Cloudy, 63° F
Bart Arnold Brinkerhoff, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away unexpectedly while on vacation. Bart was born to Arnold and Marian Brinkerhoff on Aug. 13, 1955 in Lovell, Wyoming. Bart brought joy and laughter to all those who knew him. Bart’s sense of humor was unmatched, and he had a knack for telling captivating stories.
Throughout his life in Powell, Wyoming, Bart was known for his friendly demeanor, caring nature and dedication to service. Raised in a close-knit family, he cherished the strong bonds he shared with his parents and siblings over the years. An accomplished athlete, Bart excelled in basketball and baseball, proudly representing the Powell Panthers during his school years. He also played basketball for Northwest College and continued to enjoy league basketball.
Bart was an enthusiastic supporter of the Powell Panthers, following and cheering on all the teams throughout the years. He also shared his passion for sports with his own children.
After serving a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Florida Tallahassee Mission, Bart returned to Powell, where he met and fell in love with his future wife, Jan Jensen. They were married on Sept. 30, 1978, in the Provo, Utah, Temple. Bart pursued his education at BYU-Provo and earned a bachelor’s degree in education.
Deciding to make Powell their permanent home, Bart spent 40 years working in the Elk Basin oil field where he worked a variety of positions becoming a valued expert and dedicated coworker. Bart and Jan raised six children together: Kary, Aaron, David, Bradley, Christopher and Josie. Bart took immense pride in his children, expressing his love and support whenever he had the chance. His life became even more meaningful when he became a grandfather to 16 grandchildren, a role he cherished. Bart maintained close relationships with all his grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A true outdoorsman, Bart’s love for Wyoming’s beauty was evident in his passion for horse riding, hunting and camping. He liked Missouri Fox Trotters and embarked on numerous horseback trips into the backcountry with his father, sons and friends, savoring the fresh air and scenic landscapes.
Bart was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He held the values and teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ close to his heart. He had a strong testimony of the atonement of Jesus Christ and he loved the scriptures. He had a testimony of tithes and offering and the direct blessings it had brought into his life. He quietly encouraged his children and grandchildren in the building of their own testimonies with his words and actions.
Bart faced the heartache of losing his beloved son, Aaron, in 1990. Bart’s love for Aaron remained a constant source of strength, as they shared a special bond that could never be broken. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Marian Brinkerhoff, sister Kathy Jo, and brothers Bruce Brinkerhoff and Ward (Pep) Brinkerhoff.
Bart leaves behind his devoted wife of almost 45 years, Jan, and their children: Kary (Jeremy) Sprague of Waukee, Iowa, David (Shayla) Brinkerhoff of Vernal, Utah, Brad (Katie) Brinkerhoff of Lehi, Utah, Chris (Susie) Brinkerhoff of Afton, Wyoming, and Josie (Brayden) Feusner of Laramie, Wyoming. He will be deeply missed by his adoring grandchildren: Dallin, Gracie, Jacob, Asher, Tanden, Lucas, Finn, Liam, Capri, Vivian, Lucy, Emma, Isobel, Mia, Eva and Jayden.
Bart is also survived by his sister Bonnie (Robert) Zabel, brothers Gary (Margaret) Brinkerhoff, Mark (Kathy) Brinkerhoff, sister-in-law Chris Brinkerhoff, sister-in-law Karalee Bird, and Brian (Shauna) Brinkerhoff, along with numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
Funeral services, arranged by Thompson Funeral Home of Powell, will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1026 Ave E, Powell, Wyoming, on July 31 at 10 a.m. with a visitation time one hour before services.
A viewing will be held Sunday evening at the funeral home from 6-8 p.m.
In memory of Bart, let us remember his laughter, faith and love he shared with his family and friends. His spirit will forever be with us, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
