Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Hank LeRoy Brace passed away on February 28, 2018 at his home in The Dalles, Oregon. Hank was born July 26, 1948 and was 69-years-old at the time of his passing.
Hank was born in The Dalles, Ore., to Clare and Millie (Pennel) Brace. He was the eldest of five children. He graduated from Wahtonka High School in 1966 and later obtained a Degree in Forestry from Mt. Hood Community College. After working for the forestry department for several years in both Oregon and Washington, he decided he wanted to branch out and start a business of his own. Hank had a towing business, a body and fender shop and eventually switched over to selling vehicles and RV’s. He and his son, Dan, worked together and enjoyed many years as a father and son team until his retirement in 2017.
Hank was a great family man and loving father. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Dan and Jody Brace of The Dalles and two grandchildren, Josie and Brandi Brace. Hank leaves behind Linda Heldstab, who was the love of his life for the past 34 years, and her children, Jeff and Jenny Heldstab of The Dalles; David and Machel Heldstab of Sandy, Oregon; and grandchildren Kaisey, Jordyn and Christian. Surviving siblings are Debbie Kaps and daughter Melody; Gary Brace and daughters Lori and Tiffany; Deena Brace and children Darla, Cassidy and Shane; Paul Brace and son Dakota; and numerous nieces and nephews. Hank is also survived by his former wife and mother of their son, Linda Childrey.
Hank enjoyed the outdoors camping, fishing, sailing the catamaran, walks on the beach, hiking, bicycling, country music, classic cars and attending End of the World Rod Run in Ocean Park, Washington where he had beach property. He was an active member in our community and enjoyed meeting with fellow business men in the morning for coffee. Hank was a generous individual who was always willing to help people in need or who were less fortunate.
Hank was preceded in death by his mother Millie Brace, and his father, Clare “Pet” Brace.
A celebration of life is scheduled for Saturday, April 21 at 2 p.m. at Covenant Christian Community Church, 2630 East 18th Street, The Dalles. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Hank’s life.
Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Shriners Hospital for Children – Portland, or Ronald McDonald House of Oregon and Southwest Washington.
