Richard John Brennan

Richard John Brennan peacefully left us on Wednesday, April 14, 2021. He was born to John Joseph and Lucile Elvira (Doebler) Brennan on November 14, 1921, Lansing, Michigan. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife Elizabeth Keith Brennan; his eldest son Ross Lee Brennan; his two sisters Patricia Alice (Brennan) Townsend and Nancy Lu Brennan; his brother James Delore Brennan; and three nephews. He is survived by two sons, Judson Joel [Emily] Brennan and Caleb Keith Brennan, 13 grandchildren: Andrew [Katrina] Brennan, Noah [Cate] Brennan; Jacob Brennan, Elizabeth Childs, Joel [Trisha] Brennan, Jesse Brennan, Hannah [Russell] Hollembaek, Abigail [Jeff] Zavala, Seth Brennan, David Brennan; Michelle [Michael] Wingard, Emily [Eric Braeutigam] Brennan, Zachary Brennan; and 19 great grandchildren, three nieces and one nephew.

Richard was expecting to be drafted into World War Two but received an exemption (4D rating) because he was pursuing pastoral studies at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, eventually graduating in 1945. He was grateful for this opportunity that became a bedrock for a lifetime of Biblical studies and theological inquiry. After graduation he was asked to be part of an outreach program that involved traveling from town to town in New York and Vermont showing Moody films. It was in a small town in Vermont that he was smitten by a young Bible school teacher from North Carolina, Elizabeth Keith.

Richard and Elizabeth were married in Fuquay Springs Baptist Church in 1950. They returned to the Lansing area where Richard pursued graduate studies at Michigan State University and began a teaching career. Their three sons were born while they lived in the Lansing area. Both Richard and Elizabeth worked with parents who were seeking an alternative to the public school system to establish Lansing Christian School.

Richard went on to teach in schools in White Hall, Michigan, Bean Station, Tennessee, and Holbrook, Arizona. When the family settled in Phoenix, Richard left his teaching career to pursue his biblical studies. Richard sought out various jobs that would allow him maximum time in his study. Over the years he amassed an extensive library, wrote several drafts of bible study guides and a draft commentary on the Gospel of John.

In 1969, the family moved back to Michigan and lived on a farm near Onondaga. A few years later, Richard returned to Arizona to assist his ailing mother. Elizabeth stayed with the boys in Michigan so they could continue in the Christian school. Elizabeth joined Richard a couple years later when Caleb, the youngest son, was finishing high school. They remained in Tucson and were planning to move to Alaska near Judson, the middle son, when it was discovered that Elizabeth had cancer. In 1996, Richard suffered a heavy blow when he lost his wife that was only eased by his Christian faith.

In time Richard returned to Lansing, living in a small log cabin that his father had built in the 1930s for income property. Richard became a fixture in the neighborhood, known as the man who went on long walks. When his health began to decline, he moved to Grand Rapids with his son Caleb. Richard developed friendships with the caregivers, nurses, and aides that would come to the home and was happy to have them visit. “You are welcomed to stay,” was his response when they needed to go to their next appointment.

Throughout his nearly one hundred years, Richard was known for his wit and humor. Most questions were answered with a clever twist. “How are you feeling today?” “With my fingers.” Stories were often interrupted with an absurd interpretation of various statements. His heart was big. Richard was always willing to help anyone who may be in need. He had a specific soft spot for children. “Uncle Dick” was popular with children, most recently the children of his great nieces and nephews had a special bond and a special place in his heart.

Perhaps Richard’s long life could be contributed to his commitment to healthy living. An early proponent of vitamins and health food, he also believed in exercise. Going for long walks and runs were a part of his weekly routine. In his fifties he would go on ten mile runs once a week. Up until about a year ago, he would walk around the block and through the neighborhood in Grand Rapids.

Although Richard wanted to live to one hundred years of age, he clearly stated that he was prepared to go. He continued to pray and give thanks for the life that he had lived and for the care that he was receiving.

Services for Richard will be held at

East Lawn Palms

5801 E. Grant Rd.

Tucson, Arizona

Funeral Service at

East Lawn Palms Mortuary

Friday

May 28, 2021

at 2:00 PM

Graveside Service at

East Lawn Palm Cemetery

Friday

May 28, 2021

at 3:00 PM