Countywide : Doctor Eulogized for Dedication, Humor
Mourners filled the Peek Family Colonial Chapel in Westminster on Sunday to say goodby to George Brauel, the UC Irvine doctor who died in a plane crash at Camp Pendleton while en route to Mexico on a humanitarian mission.
Brauel, 37, of Fountain Valley, another physician and two pilots died in the March 3 crash while flying to Los Mochis in a trip organized by LIGA International, also known as the Flying Doctors of Mercy.
From the LA Times Article
Countywide : Doctor Eulogized for Dedication, Humor
BY STEVE SCHEIBAL
Mourners filled the Peek Family Colonial Chapel in Westminster on Sunday to say goodbye to George Brauel, the UC Irvine doctor who died in a plane crash at Camp Pendleton while en route to Mexico on a humanitarian mission.
Brauel, 37, of Fountain Valley, another physician and two pilots died in the March 3 crash while flying to Los Mochis in a trip organized by LIGA International, also known as the Flying Doctors of Mercy.
Dr. Francis Markoe Dugan, also a physician at the UCI Medical Center in Orange and a victim in the crash, was buried Saturday.
The eulogies for Brauel repeatedly touched on his sense of humor, dedication and charity in both his life and his profession.
“He was blessed with an infectious smile, always accompanied with a joke,” said Eric Brauel, his brother. “His laughter was contagious as well.”
Dr. Chris Davies, Brauel’s brother-in-law, said he was “a rising star” who “will be sorely missed by his family and his many friends.” He added that Brauel probably would like to be remembered as a humanitarian more than anything.
“He was always one to live life at high speed, enjoying each day and each new experience,” Davies said. “Georgie always had a calmness, a joyful playfulness.”
Brauel, who expected to complete his residency this year, was “one of the best doctors I’ve ever known,” said Dr. Roger Crumley, chairman of the otolaryngology (department where Brauel worked.
Crumley added that Brauel “truly cared” about each of his patients and maintained a personal relationship with almost everyone in the hospital.
“Many doctors consider themselves humanitarians, but George led the list and set the scale,” Crumley said.
Investigators are still looking into the cause of the crash, although federal officials have said that poor weather might have been a factor.
Last week, National Safety Board investigator George Petterson said the plane carrying the four men was not equipped for instrument flying in inclement weather.
I remember seeing George's story on the news and paper. I recognized his name and went straight to the yearbook. He was a Dr and worked out of UCI I believe. I also think he was engaged to be married according to some reports, tho I am not sure. He was on his way to a mission to help some under privledged people and was killed in the camp pendelton area in a plane crash. I didnt know him personally, but his name rang a bell for sure so he may have been in a class or 2 of mine..
I was friends with George in Jr. HS. We lost touch in HS. He always seemed smart and generous; so I was not surprised to learn that George had become a medical doctor or that he donated his time and services through Liga International.
I was surprised to discover that George died over 10 years ago. I remember another friend of mine tell me in high school that George was the smartest student in his math class. The news of George's death is the only other thing I heard about him after the time that I actually used to hang out with him.
I met George at high school, during my sophomore year. I don't remember the exact details of how we met. We soon started hanging out: Studying, backpacking, fishing, skiing, and surfing together.
After high school, I went directly to college, and lost track of George. I later learned that he had continued his education, become a doctor, and specialized in head and neck trauma/injuries. He was giving back to society, traveling to Mexico/Central America, performing operations for underprivileged children/families. During one of these trips, we lost George in a tragic small plane accident, at such a young age with so much to give.
Sometimes, when I'm doing one of the above activities (except studying now), I'll remember the great time(s) we spent together and mourn his loss. I miss George, but he is never forgotten, and is living in heaven. I hope to see him again one day, when I leave this life/world, and we can catch up and reminisce about the old times.
Wow! is all I could say when I saw at are 20th reunion that George had passed. I ask some what had happen no one knew at the time. I real felt empty. I had hope to see Georeg at the reuion knowing that was realy not George style to hang at reunions. George was a "Master Mind" of thinking. I meet George in gymnastic since I worked out with the BOY"s team. George and the Barrnett brothers became the gang to practice, flip, and tuck. "YES and the IRON CROSS" with George would alway challenge me to do one of those crazy mother every work out Just so they could have a good laugh. That laugh of George's still "HANGS" with me today. Me and George also loved math and science to so we took are classes toghter and George would help me by phone on those MAth problems for hour's I so appreciate his patience, good humor and knowlege that he gave me to succeed and to help other with. Iam glad he went on to be a DOC and to spread that insane Doc Jerkle & MR.Hide laughter, not to mention that look George could give you with those Eye brow's CRAZY GEORGE I would call Him!!! I think of George often since my DAD and brother name is George it makes it easy! Whats funy sometime I caught myself looking for those George Brauel trates in them. George Keep on Laughing For I know by the look in your eyes from the first time i meet you You could see way further then most!!!. Love ya Miss Ya Mahalo Autumn
I've seen this news about George before on this site but it popped up again today in my email. Time is a weird thing. As I sit here at home less than 1/2 mile from HBHS I can flash back 40+ years with clarity and remember George.
I remember a very nice person who I know is missed. It's a tribute to his character and kindness that he is still in peoples hearts and memories.
Shari Repecko (Augustin)
I remember seeing George's story on the news and paper. I recognized his name and went straight to the yearbook. He was a Dr and worked out of UCI I believe. I also think he was engaged to be married according to some reports, tho I am not sure. He was on his way to a mission to help some under privledged people and was killed in the camp pendelton area in a plane crash. I didnt know him personally, but his name rang a bell for sure so he may have been in a class or 2 of mine..Doug White (Paris-White)
I was friends with George in Jr. HS. We lost touch in HS. He always seemed smart and generous; so I was not surprised to learn that George had become a medical doctor or that he donated his time and services through Liga International.I was surprised to discover that George died over 10 years ago. I remember another friend of mine tell me in high school that George was the smartest student in his math class. The news of George's death is the only other thing I heard about him after the time that I actually used to hang out with him.
I'm glad for the time I knew George.
Stephen Thomas
I met George at high school, during my sophomore year. I don't remember the exact details of how we met. We soon started hanging out: Studying, backpacking, fishing, skiing, and surfing together.After high school, I went directly to college, and lost track of George. I later learned that he had continued his education, become a doctor, and specialized in head and neck trauma/injuries. He was giving back to society, traveling to Mexico/Central America, performing operations for underprivileged children/families. During one of these trips, we lost George in a tragic small plane accident, at such a young age with so much to give.
Sometimes, when I'm doing one of the above activities (except studying now), I'll remember the great time(s) we spent together and mourn his loss. I miss George, but he is never forgotten, and is living in heaven. I hope to see him again one day, when I leave this life/world, and we can catch up and reminisce about the old times.
God bless George!
Autumn Bateson (Johnson)
Wow! is all I could say when I saw at are 20th reunion that George had passed. I ask some what had happen no one knew at the time. I real felt empty. I had hope to see Georeg at the reuion knowing that was realy not George style to hang at reunions. George was a "Master Mind" of thinking. I meet George in gymnastic since I worked out with the BOY"s team. George and the Barrnett brothers became the gang to practice, flip, and tuck. "YES and the IRON CROSS" with George would alway challenge me to do one of those crazy mother every work out Just so they could have a good laugh. That laugh of George's still "HANGS" with me today. Me and George also loved math and science to so we took are classes toghter and George would help me by phone on those MAth problems for hour's I so appreciate his patience, good humor and knowlege that he gave me to succeed and to help other with. Iam glad he went on to be a DOC and to spread that insane Doc Jerkle & MR.Hide laughter, not to mention that look George could give you with those Eye brow's CRAZY GEORGE I would call Him!!! I think of George often since my DAD and brother name is George it makes it easy! Whats funy sometime I caught myself looking for those George Brauel trates in them. George Keep on Laughing For I know by the look in your eyes from the first time i meet you You could see way further then most!!!. Love ya Miss Ya Mahalo Autumn
Rex Strother
George Gregory Brauel
Born December 19, 1960 in Orange County, California
Died March 3, 1995 at Camp Pendleton, San Diego County, California
Don Kennedy
I've seen this news about George before on this site but it popped up again today in my email. Time is a weird thing. As I sit here at home less than 1/2 mile from HBHS I can flash back 40+ years with clarity and remember George.
I remember a very nice person who I know is missed. It's a tribute to his character and kindness that he is still in peoples hearts and memories.
Be well Class off 79