Posted by C. Blane Brinkley III on August 17, 2007:

My father was admitted to Providence Hospital on July 29th having had a fall the prior evening. He hit his head and awoke with changed mental status, weakness, and a bloody eye. The initial diagnosis was subarachnoid bleed not requiring surgery, and a possible pneumonia on chest x-ray. With no improvement, he had a CT scan of the chest on August 3rd. This showed a 3cm x 5cm mass in his left lung with evidence of other chest and upper abdomen lesions. A needle biopsy was done, and the results showed adenocarcinoma of the lung. Oncology met with us saying he may have 2 or 3 months. August 12th, we were told that, due to his continued poor mental status and weakness, with the inability to take in more than 20% of his nutrition by mouth, that this initial projection would only be possible with TPN /NG feedings, etc. Their recommendations, as well as my father’s prior wishes, are to not prolong life by artificial means. On August 13 all IV hydration and TPN was stopped. Hospice team feels that he has between a few days and a couple weeks. On August 15 at 6:35 am, my father and hero left this earthly world to be with God and departed cadets of the Long Gray Line. He died gracefully and without pain or suffering. He will be buried on Tuesday, 21 August, with full military honors, at the Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 40th Street, Kent, Washington 98042-4868, phone 245-413-9614. There is a parking lane at the entrance to the cemetery. Those attending are asked to line up there at 1:30. At 1:45 the procession will go to the point where honors will begin and to the grave site. The National Cemetery will not allow flowers at the funeral, so please don't send any. The Military Academy Class of 1956 at West Point will provide the only flowers allowed. The Army Chaplain will say a few words followed by full military honors (flag, gun salute, etc...). It will be short, approx 45 minutes or less, following which we will travel straight back home to Mukilteo. Please, don't feel that you need to come to the service. I know that your thoughts and prayers will be with us during this very difficult time. Anybody wishing to send flowers, instead please donate to the American Cancer Society in the name of Ltc Charles Blane Brinkley, Jr., that is what my Mom wants. If you wish to send Mom and Sam a note address is 934 3rd Street, Mukilteo, WA 98275. Blane III address at 12428 54th Ave. W. Mukilteo, Wa. 98275. I would also like to note an important last gift to his family that my father gave. In his papers stored at his house was an extensive organized summary of all the phone numbers of who to call, things to do and his final thoughts. As a Civil Engineer, dad was always so organized and had this done at least 8-10 years prior to his passing. Below are some of his final thoughts that I want to share since it radiates of his spirit.: ---“Lastly, my accomplishments in this life must start with my attendance and graduation with the Class of 1956 from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. Being a member of The Long Gray Line provided me with the roadmap for my life. I strongly believed in the Academy’s Motto of “Duty, Honor, Country”, and tried to live my life using it as a guide for all my actions. May God bless and keep you all in His embrace. Until we meet again you have all my love, always and forever.”--- Thank you all for your prayers, C. Blane Brinkley III

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