Donald Eugene Brenard, 66, of Loleta passed away on Saturday, August 19, 2023 surrounded by his family and friends.

Donald, fondly known as Sparky, was born to Donald Smith Brenard and Lois Joyce Rupert on October 7, 1956 in Trinity County. His nickname Sparky came from his birth being directed over the radio at a lumber camp. He grew up splitting his time between Stewart, Carson City, Nevada and travelling the country with his dad, stepmom, brothers, and sister, and his beloved Husky “Shaggy”. Growing up in the wilds of Idaho and Oregon, Sparky taught his younger brothers to read and write and led many an adventure in the wilds of the northern timberlands, including teaching his brothers to play “Red Rumpus,” a game where the boys took turns slapping the red painted backside of grizzly bear cubs in Yellowstone.

Sparky is survived by his former partner, Elayne Andrew, 4 beautiful daughters, Krystal Dawn Brenard, Mariah Spotted Elk, Savannah Brenard, and Stormy Brenard. He is also survived by his sister, Rhonda Gates, and his brothers, George “Hank” Brenard, Barry Lee Brenard, and Jon Anthony Zimmerman, Sr., along with his nephews Lloyd, Alex, and William Brenard, Orlando Cervantes, Jon Jr., James, Joe, and Jerrad Zimmerman, Kenny Thomas Jr., Michael Cain, and Alex Nicon Smith, and his nieces Kendra Thomas, Hope Fuentes, Heather Nielsen, and Danielle Stansbury.

Sparky left behind his most precious treasures, his beloved grandchildren, Maddox, Jo, Mari, Layne (Bubs), Aaniyah (Boo Boo), Eagle Ann (Sissy), Jayden (Bank), Honey, Redtail, and Sequoya (Koya), Lovell, Lewis, Lyra, Orion, and all of the children of the Bear River Community that he loved so dearly.

Sparky was loved and cherished by the entire Bear River Band, for whom he was a spiritual mentor, counselor, advocate, and guiding light. Sparky is survived by numerous dear friends and family, including his Closest friends, his sister in law Joy Brenard, Carol Perry, Dawnetta Carpenter, Tina Carpenter, Jimmy Steuckle, James Newsom, Ilene Cantrell, Otis Bruce, and Valerie Robinson. Sparky was cared for until the end by his family, including his cousins Derek Bowman, April Florio, Alexis Bowman, Josefina Frank, Nachel Mell, Andy Ashley, Cassandra Curr, Jeff and Crystal Bowman, and Steven Martinez.

Sparky was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers clay “Bo” Brenard, Lloyd “Rick” Brenard, and Bruce “Lobo” Smith, and by his grandson Damien Pierce Joseph.

Aside from his love for his family, Sparky was passionate about passing on his culture and traditions. Sparky was one of the last full blood members of his Tribe. He was always first to offer support or volunteer to help anyone. From leading sweats and feeding the homeless to just sitting through the night with a troubled soul, Sparky never stopped caring for others. Sparky positively impacted the community every day and he will be truly missed.

Sparky’s family will host a viewing at his home in Loleta on Thursday August 24, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. A community remembrance will be held at 269 Brenard Road on Saturday August 26, from 2 until 4 p.m. and everyone is welcome to come sober and place a piece of wood on Sparky’s ceremonial fire to honor him.

The family will inter Sparky’s ashes privately at a later date in accordance with his wishes.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Don Brenard’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.