Harley Brumbaugh

It is with deep sadness that the Museum must share the passing of retired board member Harley Brumbaugh on July 25, 2021. Harley passed away peacefully, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease . He was surrounded by his family, including his wife of 63 years.

Born in Renton, Washington, Harley moved to the Snoqualmie Valley as a youngster. He is one of the “children of the mill” reared in the mill town of Snoqualmie Falls.

Driven by love of music, he began playing trumpet professionally by age of fourteen. Playing for local families during the services for many of the military funerals at North Bend Cemetery during WWII, he long touched so many hearts. His athletic interests were simultaneously encouraged, primarily due to his 6’4″ frame. He worked his way through college by “choker-setting” in the “woods” during the summers and year-round professional trumpet playing.

Upon graduating from what is now Central Washington State University he played full time as a big-band-on-the-road-musician. After being rescued from ‘the road’ by the army draft he became an educator, combining professional playing and public school music teaching in such places as Ketchikan, Alaska; Port Angeles, Washington, Renton and Bellevue Community College. Notably his college vocal group “Celebration” earned international acclamation through world travel and international television.

Shortly after graduation, he married his life long partner Cathy in June of 1958. Together they raised their son and daughter: Blaine and Heidi.

Harley has sung and played professionally with the likes of The Seattle Opera Association, The Seattle Symphony; and scores of “name” show-biz personalities.

Honors bestowed upon Harley include: International Who’s Who In Music; “National Outstanding Educator” and “Lifetime Achievement Awards.”

Throughout his boyhood and career, “the Valley of the Moon” has been his haven. A place to reconnect, to gather a seed of a poem, plant it, nurture the thought, allow it to grow and bloom then simply “pick the promise”!

His poetry has appeared in regional publications, as well as “World of Poetry Anthology and Treasured Poems of America”. Riverside Reflections was his first published volume of poetry!

Harley was continuously active in serving the community, whether through his music, sharing history or participation in his church. He will be greatly missed.

The family is holding a public memorial on Saturday, August 21, from 2pm to 6:30pm at the Snoqualmie Valley Alliance Church. They ask that you RSVP using this link:

https://www.evite.com/event/0385TNXJE2QPVINEYEPL7YYPDEDNXI/?utm_campaign=send_sharable_link&utm_medium=sharable_invite&utm_source=evitelink