David Mackie Brinkley

Celebrating Life

David “Dave” Mackie Brinkley passed away suddenly on the morning of October 28, 2023 when he was struck by a vehicle while riding his bike. Dave was 66 years old.

Dave Brinkley was born in Burns, Oregon on March 13, 1957. He was the fourth child to Fay Adell Mustard Carroll Brinkley and Lynnzy “Lynn” Mackie Brinkley. He graduated from Burns Union High School in 1975 and then went to work for Edward Hines Lumber Company until it closed.

Dave loved riding his bicycle and the feeling of freedom it gave him. Maybe, it went back to his childhood; when riding his bike was actually his first taste of independence or maybe, it was just the simple pleasure of the wind on his face. Regardless, if you have lived in Burns for any amount of time, you have probably seen Dave riding his bike to Annie’s Bakery for a doughnut, cup of coffee, and time with friends. Dave greatly enjoyed visiting with his family, reading, listening to music, and fishing. He also had a passion for photography and theater and was a participant in the Burns theater club when it was active.

Dave is survived by his brothers Kenny, and Randy (Diane) Brinkley of Burns, multiple nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He is predeceased in death by his mother Fay Brinkley, father Lynn Brinkley, and brother John Brinkley.

A graveside service will be held at the Burns Cemetery on November 10, 2023 at 2:00 PST with Bob Yunker officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in honor of Dave be made to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation, 2393 W Airport Way, Boise, ID 83705, https://wffoundation.org/.

May your trail be long, open, and clear, no matter if it’s made of earth or asphalt.

May your weather be cool and dry, with the wind at your back, beckoning you forward.

May the air you breathe smell ripe with life—early fall sky and sunlight, sparkling joy and resolve.

And should the pavement be cracked or breached by tree roots, may you coast over them as if they are no hindrance.

May you always carry a knowing of the road forward and your route back, and yet may you always dare to veer off-path into the forest undergrowth and make your own way.

May your leg muscles burn and hum, gifting you the momentum to push onward, mile after mile.

May there be a rushing of your heart, a melding of hands and handlebars, feet and pedals, until your machine are one, racing ahead with spirit and freedom as destination.

May you always delight in the journey. Obituary courtesy of LaFollette’s Chapel.

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