Brian Curtis Mencke was born to Everett and Eleanor Mencke in Long Beach, California. He grew up in the 50s in Southern California with no holds barred. He loved horses, rock'n roll and hot rod cars. He had a 1955 Chevy his senior year of high school and joined “The Full House” car club. After high school, he attended college with a degree in engineering to be his goal but joined the Air Force before graduating.
He served four years as a radar specialist and was on the Air Force competition sharpshooters team. After serving, he bought his first GTO and went back to Southern California and back to college.
Brian married Sheryl Werden, from Winlock, Washington, in May 1970 and they had two sons. They decided they wanted to raise their sons in Washington, so they moved to Winlock in July 1977. Brian used his engineering background to build his first fish hatchery in 1980. He developed his own breed of Atlantic salmon and sold them in the U.S. and Canadian markets. He then started selling his special “CAF Gaspe” Atlantic salmon eggs all over the world while his sons were growing up. His sons joined him after high school and college and got involved in all aspects of the business. Together, Brian and his sons built a second aquaculture facility. He felt very blessed to work with his family. They raise and sell fish all over the U.S. and Canada.
Brian was a life member of the Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star. He was passionate about his family, friends, God and country. He enjoyed life in the fast lane as a member of the Classical Glass Corvette Club, driving and racing his Corvette until the day he died. He also loved racing his Eliminator boat all over the West Coast. He will be remembered as honest and fun loving with the greatest laugh. A better friend you could never have.
Brian is survived by his wife Sheryl of 52 years, two sons, Brad (Holly) Mencke and Shannon (Stephanie) Mencke; and five grandchildren, Madison, Makayla, Emma, Austin and Deacon Mencke.
A memorial will be planned in the spring.
