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Richard Warren VanBrunt Jr.

1941 - 2020

Richard Warren VanBrunt Jr. obituary, 1941-2020, Charleston, SC

BORN

1941

DIED

2020

Richard VanBrunt Obituary

Richard Warren Van Brunt, Jr. GOOSE CREEK - It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our loved one, Richard Warren Van Brunt, Jr. In 1986, he was diagnosed with cancer and persevered for over three decades. This resulted in complications that led him to enter into Heaven on April 22, 2020 at Roper St. Francis Hospital. Mr. Van Brunt was born September 29, 1941 in Jacksonville, FL, a son of the late Richard and Eugenia Van Brunt. He was a 1960 graduate of Landen High School. He graduated from Georgia Military College, where he played basketball for 2 years, and Georgia Southern University. He also received advanced degrees from the Citadel and served with the National Guard from 1965 to 1973. His passion for the game of basketball and love of children led him to become a coach and educator for 43 years. Mr. Van Brunt was appointed principal of College Park Middle School in 1979 and worked there until he served as the District Office Supervisor of Middle Schools in Berkeley County. His passions included basketball, golf, poker, his grandchildren, and pets. Loved by most and respected by all, especially the students he touched over the course of his career. A loving husband, father, and grandfather that will be missed dearly. Mr. Van Brunt is survived by his wife of 38 years, Linda Van Brunt; four daughters, Karen Van Brunt Murray (Mark) of Hanahan, SC; Kim Van Brunt Pond (Chris) of Goose Creek, SC; Jennifer Bryan Bowen (Scott) of Goose Creek, SC; Amy Bryan Slusser (Donnie) of Goose Creek, SC. Also surviving are eleven grandchildren, Ashley Rowell, Vance Rowell, Jacob Murray, and Payne Murray; Jace Pond and Kylie Pond; Brooke Laney (Kraig) and Drake Bowen; Caitlyn Clauson, Cameron Clauson, and Carter Clauson. Sister, Susan Van Brunt Joseph (Lee); nieces, Christina Joseph Newman (Larry) and Jennifer Thiaville (Patrick). A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. "He never met a child he did not love." In lieu of flowers, you may send donations to MPN Research Foundation. mpnresearchfoundation.org. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Apr. 22 to Apr. 23, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
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Dena Bowers

April 29, 2020

He was probably the only principal that I never had to see. Lol. He was a great man and cared about his students. My prayers to his family and friends for the loss.

Walton Jones

April 27, 2020

My deepest condolences. Mr Van Brunt was my teacher. He was a friend and colleague of my father, Samuel A . Jones. They were a great team. My family appreciated their friendship.

Alice Tinsley Coleman

April 27, 2020

I am saddened to hear about Rick's passing. The world lost a truly great man. I am so very sorry for your loss. He was the absolute best principal that I ever worked for. He was compassionate and kind, and I learned so much from him. He made teaching and learning fun. My prayers are with all of you.

Michael Teal

April 26, 2020

The photo up top is of my grandson Peter and me. I am thinking there are those who do not know or recognize me .

Chloris White-Smith

April 25, 2020

Awesome principal, he was there to greet us every more. SIP Mr. Van Brunt!!!!

April 25, 2020

Prayers and love to Rick's family. We all loved him. God bless you.

Joann Britt

April 25, 2020

My condolences to the VanBrunt family. Not only was Rick was an awesome Principal he was my best friend from the day he gave me a job at CPM. Later Rick moved on to the District Office but still remain my friend. Will miss him.

Patrice

April 25, 2020

My heart and prayers go out to the family, mr Van Brunt had a big smile and was a fun person. I remember having iss and mr Van brunt took to me ,one day he knew that I needed help in as ome subjects and I was struggling as a child to get back on track, during this time Mr Van Brunt got with my teachers to get me help after school. Ty Take your Rest ! Forever in my heart !

Patrice

April 25, 2020

Mr Van Brunt was a good man, he always kept it real with us kids. Outside of school when we would run into him at stores he would always give u the same talks he would as if I was in school.he will be missed ! He had a big heart, this I know and I will always remember u ! S.I.P

CLEVE Hawkins

April 24, 2020

Richard, Rick to me, was a dear friend to me all of these years. We
first met as colleagues at Berkeley Middle School. He later hired me as the assistant principal at College Park Middle School. We both moved on to other endeavors but remained friends even after we both retired. I will miss him, but my memories of him will be with me forever.

To Rick's family, I truly share your grief and may your wonderful memories of Rick get you through this time of sadness.

Jane Pulling

April 24, 2020

I had the pleasure and privilege of working with Rick in the Berkeley County School District. His sense of humor and joy in life were contagious. He really loved students and teachers. You couldn't ask for a better colleague. The educators he mentored are numerous. You are loved and will be missed.

Melissa Wyndham Ballentine

April 24, 2020

Rick was a wonderful headmaster and friend. I have many fond memories of him. The world has lost one of the "good guys."

April Malden

April 24, 2020

Oh my, this is a hard one to take. He had a good life. You will be missed! So many talks riding on the golf cart at McElveen. The one time I got into trouble in middle school. Lots of fond memories!

Pam Thomas

April 24, 2020

Mr. Van Brunt was a fun teacher. I had him for Social Studies in 8th grade. Then, when I was in high school, I worked at the First Baptist Church Day care (Moncks Corner) after school. There I had the pleasure of working with two of his children. He was a good man. May the God of peace and comfort touch this family in His miraculous way.

Elizabeth Grantham

April 24, 2020

Rick was a man among men. Although he was in Middle school and I was Elementary, I always respected and enjoyed learning from him.

April 24, 2020

I have such fond memories of middle school and am blessed to have had the opportunity to know Mr. VanBrunt and the entire family. A great mentor, teacher, and friend. Blessings and Prayers for you all. Darcy (Birdwhistell) Turner

Amanda Hutchison

April 24, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. He was my principal at CPM, wonderful man.

Nancy Crain

April 24, 2020

I tried to think of one word to describe Rick and the one I choose is Fun. I loved him and send my sympathies to his family. He was very special. My favorite principal, ever!

Bruce & Cinda Reiter

April 23, 2020

So sorry to hear about Rick's passing. May we all be together again one day with all our loved ones. We know if we live our lives as Jesus tells us, this will be realized. Please know your whole family is in our thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Bruce (Cousin)

Angel Thornsberry

April 23, 2020

Mr. Van Brunt was always kind and funny. He principal when I went to CPMS and I'll always remember how he treated us with respect and kindness. My prayes go out to you Van Brunt Family, I'm sorry for your loss!

Melissa Pinckney

April 23, 2020

I was a student at College Park Middle School between '82-'85. Mr. Van Brunt was always an understanding principal. His love for children showed in everyone he came in contact with. He was truly wonderful person. I will never forget him Rest in paradise Mr. V. You earned yours wings.

April 23, 2020

I student taught at college Park Middle in the fall of 1990. It was a great experience. He then hired me in the fall of 1991. I have nothing but respect and love for him. Cannot think of a better mentor to start my now 30 years of teaching with. I also loved getting off and going golfing at Crowfield with him. He will be missed by all. Prayers and sympathy to the family.
Kenny Van Nice

Stoney

April 23, 2020

A great man that I remember as my principal at college park middle school. College park middle school legend Rip!

Michael and Irena Teal

April 23, 2020

As principal of CPMS, Rick led the faculty and staff to greater heights. His leadership style involved those who worked with him, not necessarily for him. It is my belief that his leadership style is unsurpassed. We consider him to be of the highest caliber, will always honor as well as miss him.

Hope McIntosh

April 23, 2020

Mr. Van Brunt hired me for my first teaching position at St. Paul's Country Day in 2003. I am forever grateful to him for the opportunity. He was gruff on the outside at times, but truly had a kind heart! He was a blessing to education in the lowcountry! My condolences to his sweet family.

L. palmer

April 23, 2020

Fond memories of Coach Vanbrunt. Was a coach and teacher that everyone who came in contact with him left better than they came. RIP Coach.

Will Mms

April 23, 2020

Our hearts and prayers and love go out to Mr. VanBrunt's family! Karen, hugs from your old classmate!

Will (and Becky) Mims

Okil hunte

April 23, 2020

Great man learned alot and never will forget him. I'll always be thankful for his phrase : reach for them books son

Vernon Defee

April 23, 2020

Rick, you were a true friend for all these years! I surly will miss you and your family. Save me a seat at your table in the sky! Hope we can play golf up there!!! Rest In Peace, see you later!

Michael Teal

April 23, 2020

Kim McLaren

April 23, 2020

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.

Lynn Foes

April 23, 2020

My favorite memory of Rick is his delight in telling a good story, most of which involved sweet, funny, or proud parent moments. His love for you all is deep and abiding. May God heal you with good memories and sustain you with His perfect peace.

Lane

April 23, 2020

So very sad to hear of Ricks passing. He had a huge impact on our family. He was principal to both our kids, Heather and Josh, and friend and colleague to Ray and me. His love for kids and his humor stand out in my mind. We have always had the utmost respect for Rick and he will be truly missed. Love to his special family and may our Good Lord bring peace to you all in the days to come.

Joyce Runion

April 23, 2020

It's hard to believe such a strong person as Rick is no longer with us. He was such a wonderful principal who cared so much about his teachers as well as his students. He dearly loved his family. He always came in the teacher's lounge with someone funny or entertaining to say. That would be a bright spot in every one's day. Lots of good memories at CPMS with him as my principal. Never regretted one day working for him. He was just a natural leader that brought out the best in most people. He had a true gift as an administrator. My memories are nothing but fond of my time at CPMS because of him. My condolences to his family as I know he was the rock in their lives. He will truly be missed by so many.

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