Kurt Walter Brux, 81, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2025, just two days shy of his 82nd birthday, at his home in Salinas, California. Born on February 26, 1943, in Seattle, Washington, Kurt lived a life dedicated to building community, service, and advocacy.

At just 17, Kurt enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served as a Corporal (E-4) from 1960 to 1966. Following his military service, he built a career in the agriculture industry in Salinas as a forklift driver and mechanic. Seeking a different way of life, he moved with his first wife and children to Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands, where they shared many wonderful years together.

Upon returning to Salinas, Kurt pursued his entrepreneurial spirit and opened his own business, Salinas Tractor and Equipment Repair. In the years that followed, he married Karen Daniels (Smith) and spent time traveling, especially back to Orcas Island, while also engaging in environmental activism with 350.org.

The last 30 years of Kurt’s life were shared with his devoted partner and the love of his life, Patti Fashing. Together, they built a life of mutual support, civic engagement, and deep companionship. During this time, Kurt transitioned careers, becoming a substance abuse counselor. He worked with incarcerated individuals at Soledad Prison, counseling through nonprofit programs before joining Sun Street Centers as a DUI counselor. He later took on a role that was particularly close to his heart—working as a case manager and substance abuse counselor at the Veterans Transition Center, where he led efforts to secure the release of incarcerated veterans serving indeterminate sentences.

Kurt was deeply committed to justice and social change. His activism included:

• Fighting against the war on drugs and its disproportionate impact on marginalized communities.
• Participating in Witness for Peace delegations in Colombia and Honduras.
• Volunteering with the Coalition for Nicaragua to deliver humanitarian aid.
• Advocating for restorative justice.
• Serving as the Political Action Chair of the NAACP and as part of the Charles E. Vaughn Senior Police Practices and Mental Health Task Force.
• Working with the ACLU.
• Co-founding SAL (Salinas Action League).
• Playing a pivotal role in the 24-Hour Emergency Read-In to Save Salinas Libraries.

Beyond his activism, Kurt was a man of joy and passion. He loved sailing, bike riding, dancing, socializing, and engaging with people from all walks of life. His partnership with Patti was one of love, teamwork, and a shared mission to better their community. Whether it was organizing advocacy events, or simply entertaining friends, they were a true team, complementing each other’s strengths in every aspect of life.

Kurt is survived by his loving wife, Patti Fashing; his sons, Kurt Brux (Gwein) and Travis Brux (Fatima); his grandchildren, Jersain Brux, Isahia Brux, Jessica Brux, and Marcus Brux; three great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and many loving friends. He was predeceased by his son, Michael Brux, his parents, Wilfred and Eileen Brux (Harry), his brother, Bob Brux, and his first wife, Linda Brux (Cardin).

A viewing will be held from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at Healey Mortuary on Friday, March 14, 2025. A celebration of Kurt’s life will be planned at a later date.

In honor of his memory, donations can be made to The Village Project, Inc. (www.villageprojectinc.org).