Bennett Brulotte

Bennett Brulotte

December 13, 1944-January 13, 2023

Bennett Guy Brulotte was born on December 13, 1944 in Yakima, Washington, and died January 13, 2023, in Leavenworth, in the loving and supportive presence of his family and his wife Tracy. He was the first born of Oliver John and Doris Ida Brulotte and the older brother to his sister Charlene and brother Arnold. Ben received his early education in Grandview and then Moxee, Washington. His dad, Oliver, died in a farming accident when Ben was only seven. At that young age, Ben felt the responsibility for his younger siblings. He graduated from Marquette Catholic High School in Yakima in1963 and received his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Relations from Saint Martin’s University in 1968.

He was united in marriage to Tracy Alexander on October 19, 1968. In 2018 they celebrated their Golden Anniversary with their children and grandchildren at a place of special meaning, Kauai, Hawaii. They recently celebrated 54 years of marriage. In June 1968, Ben was enlisted into the Army as a PV1, followed by marriage, and then attended Officer Cadet School. He was deployed to Vietnam where he served in Delta 1/12 1st Cavalry. He became ill with malaria, recovered, and then continued his tour of duty. Ben was honorably discharged in the Spring of 1970, returning home to his first child, Renee, born while he was in Vietnam. He was awarded military honors including the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and the Bronze Star. He valued Freedom close to his heart and held steadfast loyalty and gratitude for those with whom he served.

Upon returning, Ben began his life’s work of raising a family and cultivating the family hop farm that was given to him and his brother by his mother, Doris Ida Brulotte. He and his brother partnered and expanded operations of their farm. They focused on growing hops, juice grapes, sweet cherries and apples. Ben was energized by the work of farming; connecting to plants and seeing them grow. He was a pioneer in supplying new hop and apple varieties to market, and he made a commitment to organic farming as the future.  He developed innovative techniques, including implementing the new V-shape apple trellis. He thrived on new opportunities and challenges. Importantly, he treated all employees with kindness and dignity. His generous heart connected to others’ needs.

Ben’s sister, Charlene Seymour, passed away in 1988, leaving three children. Ben and Tracy, his Mother Doris, his brother Arnold and spouse welcomed the children into their families. Ben and Tracy retired to Leavenworth, where they enjoyed working with Leavenworth shops to install and cultivate flower plantings from Spring through Oktoberfest. They cared for Ben’s mom, Doris until her death. You would often see them hiking, swimming in the city pool and riding bikes around Leavenworth.  Ben was preceded in death by his son Paul Brulotte, brother Arnold, sister Charlene, and nephews Joel Seymour and Aaron Seymour. He was very fond of his mother in-law, Mary Alexander, of Frenchtown Montana who passed in March of 2022.

Surviving Ben are his wife Tracy; his daughter Renee Rodriguez (Mark) of Anacortes, and two sons, Oliver (Pam) Brulotte, and Samuel Brulotte of Leavenworth; six grandchildren, Alex Rodriguez (Olivia), David Rodriguez, Evan Rodriguez, Gabrielle Brulotte, Joshua Brulotte, and Elise Brulotte. Also, his nieces Holly Seymour, Katie Parkinson, Jennifer Rathe and Emily Brulotte, Aunt Jeanette Evans, and numerous incredible friends, cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws of the extended Alexander, Brulotte, Charron, Desmarais, and Perry families.

Ben was a wonderful son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. He was generous and committed to his family. He always created time for playing “rat” basketball and for the annual family camping trip (over 35 years) at White River Campground at Mount Rainier. In 1990 he summited Mt. Rainier with Tracy, his children and friends. Ben was interested in the mysteries of life and enjoyed fun and lively discussions. In later years, he nurtured interests inherent to his mind, especially Botany, Astronomy, and Quantum Theory. He was able to experience profound affinity for the essential nature of the integral cosmos. He pinned a picture of the Hubble Deep Field Survey next to his Airdyne stationary bike and contemplated our Universe as he rode his 5 miles. Ben communicated with a unique humor and perspective. He also looked forward to walking the River, live music, good food, the mountains and enjoying the smaller things in life.  The family is respecting Ben’s request of no formal public service and will be honoring his memory privately. Rather than gifts, assist someone with kindness and your smile. Please consider memorial donations to the following organizations:

● Community Foundation of North Central Washington – (cfncw.org)

● Central Washington Hospital Home Care / Hospice Services (confluencehealth.org)

● UNICEF (unicef.org)