Bruning receives state award

Jana Mathia, Whitman County Gazette | Aug 20, 20200

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From left, Craig Corbeill, Bob Warnock and Bailey Mackleit hold the awards received by Bruning Funeral Home as Funeral Home of the Year.

COLFAX-Bruning Funeral Home was awarded the Funeral Home of the Year award Aug. 14.

"Oh wow," said Craig Corbeill, funeral home director and owner upon receiving the news.

The award was presented by seven members of the Death Con committee. Death Con is an annual event bringing together the Washington State Funeral Directors Association and the Washington State Cemetery, Cremation, Funeral Association. While the event was canceled, committee members still made the trek to deliver the award in-person.

"It was a very obvious choice," said Rob Goff at the presentation in the Bruning lobby. He had with him about eight nominations for Bruning to receive the award. He read one which boasted of Bruning, listing off pluses including "phenomenal" friendly staff, accommodating, attention to detail, works well under pressure and sensitive. The nomination also noted Corbeill's other obligations of family, Kimball Funeral home and as Colfax Fire Chief.

"They are 100% for us," the nomination stated.

When given the award and a plaque which will have Bruning's name inscribed and returned to the state office, Corbeill handed them to his team, Bailey Mackleit and Bob Warnock.

"These belong to you," he said.

Corbeill was surprised and emotional over the award.

"I just do what I do. I don't know any different. When people recognize that, I know I'm doing right," he said.

Corbeill and wife Nikki purchased Bruning in 2001 after Corbeill had worked with the previous owner for one year.

He started working in funeral homes in Kellogg, Idaho, in 1991. Corbeill owned an ambulance service before he started working with the funeral home and did both for 10 years. He moved to Moscow and worked at a funeral home there in 1995. After making the move to Bruning Funeral Home, the Corbeills bought Kimball Funeral Home in Pullman in 2006. Corbeill noted Kimball had started as a family-owned funeral and then been purchased by a corporation. When they took it over, it returned to its family-owned roots.

Corbeill's main goal is service.

"It was to help people," he said of his motivation. Helping is his first priority.

"If you can help somebody, it makes it worth it."

Corbeill credited his staff and family for the success.

"When you're in this business, the whole family has to support you," he said. Death doesn't stop for holidays, birthdays or other special dates. He's been called from many family events to attend to others.

"I'm very proud of my staff and family for supporting me."

The Washington State Funeral Directors Association includes more than 170 funeral homes statewide. Bruning is the second oldest funeral home in the state; its 1895 inception date preceding the creation of the association. Bruning Funeral Home is a charter member of the organization; L.L. Bruning was the secretary/treasurer of the new association. With its 125 consecutive years run, Corbeill is the fourth owner.

Warnock has been with the funeral home for 13 years and Mackleit for four.

"I feel truly honored," Corbeill said of the state award.