Bertel “Bert” Skabo Brun

October 24, 1932 - October 3, 2020

Bertel “Bert” Skabo Brun, 87, a resident of Lee County, FL for the past five years, formerly of Fairhope, AL, passed away Saturday, October 3, 2020 in Cape Coral, FL. He was born October 24, 1932 in Brooklyn, NY to immigrant Norwegians, Edwin and Oddny Brun, now deceased.

Bertel Skabo Brun (Bert) was a kind, intelligent, gentle, and empathetic man who loved maps and traveling the world. He brought his family to his favorite country, New Zealand, where he was the Chief Fisheries Management Officer for several years. He was a middle school science teacher, rubber plantation inspector in Sumatra, Indonesia, Biologist for both the Corps of Engineers in Seattle, WA and the Fish and Wildlife Service in Annapolis, MD.

He also worked for the Naval Oceanographic Department where he spent time in Japan and other countries. He loved to read and write, and when he retired he fulfilled his dream of becoming an Author, finishing 12 books and 3 plays, even producing live performances. He also lectured on various cruise ships, sharing his knowledge of the ocean and topography while enjoying his love of traveling. He spent time exploring throughout Europe with his then wife, Mary Ann, mother of his children. He loved to dance, hike, play cribbage and watch classic movies. He was an advocate for the under-privileged, mentoring prison inmates, sponsoring children, and volunteering overseas with his church group. His love for animals was well- known, and he contributed to many rescue organizations. He especially loved to say hello to his beloved burrowing owls that lived along his daily walks in the neighborhood. He was an encouraging, humble and wise patriarch to his family, who adore him and will never forget his love and care. He will be missed tremendously but will be forever in the hearts of those that loved and knew him.

He is survived by three loving children, Jenny Cline of Spotsylvania, VA, Kirsten Medlock (Mark) of Volga, WV, and Lesley Brun (Runnels) of Cape Coral; former wife, Mary Ann Floden; three nephews and two nieces, Ed Aites (Lorna), Kristina Bailey (Dave), Nina Lavoy (Ken), Paul Greening (Sue), and John Greening; best friend, Hermann Gusinski; 17 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; as well as a large and loving extended family.

Bertel was preceded in death by a daughter, Laura Brun; two sisters, Ruth Aites and Helen Greening; as well as a nephew, Larry Aites.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. Details to be announced via www.MullinsMemorial.com

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions in memory of Bert Brun are suggested to your favorite Animal Rescue Organization.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

Guestbook

  1. starr martin Oct 7, 2020 at 6:16 pm

    God-bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I see the that your father was an amazing, and adventurous man. You are blessed to have such a person to call dad.

  2. John K Hawkes Oct 7, 2020 at 7:13 pm

    Beautiful memorial to a wonderful man what a life he shared with you all. God bless you and your family Lesley. Thank you for sharing your dad with us.

  3. Rebecca Dewinter Oct 7, 2020 at 11:08 pm

    I met Bert a few years ago when he and his family moved in next to me. Everyone was (and is) wonderful. Bert was cordial, engaging, and extremely knowledgeable. We shared a deep love of animals and advocating for them. He truly was one of the nicest and kindest people I have ever met. His daughter and granddaughters inherited his unique and wonderful persona along with abundant kindness. He loved his kitty Tater so much and I loved him too. I know God has a very special angel now, though those left behind will miss his vibrancy, warmth and gentle demeanor. It was a privilege knowing you Bert❣

  4. Kirsten Medlock Oct 8, 2020 at 12:07 am

    Lived and loved his life to the fullest ❤always positive and encouraging to everyone’s dreams….best dad

  5. Kirsten Medlock Oct 8, 2020 at 12:17 am

    Loved him miss him 💔

  6. Cheryl Hood Oct 8, 2020 at 11:00 am

    Bert…..
    My heart is sad that I won’t get to sit at the breakfast table and listen to your wise words anymore. You touched my heart every time I got to see you. Thank you for your kind, gentle love to everyone.
    We will all miss you. 💔

    Chery Hood – Canyon Lake TX

  7. Hermann Gucinski Oct 8, 2020 at 7:06 pm

    Bert and I became friends when we met working at the US Naval Oceanographic Office in 1967, and went on some oceanographic research cruises together in the North Pacific, from near the equator almost to the Aleutian Islands.
    But it was our connection that allowed us to exchange ideas, our willingness to learn from one another, and our shared interest in science research, travel, teaching, and love of books that created a special bond. Our families connected well and we all liked each other from the outset. We stayed in touch until very recently, and he will live on in my memories. Thank you, Bert, for all we shared and learned from! Bert had the guts to come fly in a tiny little plane with me when I became a pilot late in life-and I was still quite raw! Hermann

  8. Patty and John Cunningham Oct 8, 2020 at 8:07 pm

    Lesley,
    We’re sorry to hear about your loss. You were certainly blessed to have him as a father.

  9. Hermann Gucinski Oct 10, 2020 at 1:38 pm

    Bert and I met in 1967. We exchanged ideas, shared interest in science, travel, teaching, and love of books. Our families all liked each other from the outset. He will live on in my memories. Thank you, Bert, for all we shared and learned from! Hermann

  10. Ken LaVoy Oct 24, 2020 at 12:28 pm

    Remembering Bert today.
    I knew Nina’s Uncle Bert from visits to family in Seattle. We also saw him here in Santa Barbara. Over the years we exchanged cards, emails and a few phone calls. To me, he was the tall “little” brother of Ruth and Helen. Son of Oddny, who I knew as MorMor. Adventurer, writer, scientist, man who loved his family. I’m glad I knew him. May you all have good memories. Be well.

  11. Nina Lavoy Oct 24, 2020 at 1:56 pm

    I am happy to share a memory about Bert Skabo Brun, or Uncle Bert as I called him, today, on what would have been his 88th birthday.

    I will always remember my mom’s ‘little’ brother as a gentle giant. Bert always struck me as kind, warm-hearted, and loving and engaged with his family and friends. An intrepid, adventurous traveler. An avid writer. And very interested in and fired up about current events, politics, and animal welfare. I could always count on having a lively conversation with him.

    One memory stands out for me. When his first-born daughter, Laura, was going through a challenging time in her life, Bert stepped up in a big way to help her out. He moved across the country to Seattle to support Laura with her recent relocation there. I believe he encouraged the move, and shared an apartment with her for a time. I remember thinking ‘Wow! That is a big commitment and demonstration of his love for his daughter. Not every father would be be so engaged and supportive. Laura is very lucky.’

    Though I don’t know the particulars, I know Bert was close to his other daughters and grandchildren as well. He always spoke so highly and proudly of his family.

    I think what I will remember and treasure most about Bert was his ability to engage in family life, while also pursuing his avocations and civic life. This to me is purposeful living. And a life well-lived. Kudos Uncle Bert! Rest In Peace Dear Uncle.

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