Presented by Dr. Larry Kelly (long time family friend) at Brandon’s Funeral:

For many years we had a cabin in Prescott across the street from Buddy and Nonny.  They would tell us when they would be arriving and if Brandon was coming with them.  When we knew Brandon was going to be there, the front door was unlocked.  We would listen for the footsteps on the front porch and then --

Knock Knock Knock the door would open and we would hear

"Hello everybody, Brandon's here" as if to say, "You lucky people, here I am."

And you know what, we were lucky.

When Brandon arrived on the scene, everything and everybody lit up.

When he was little, everybody in our family wanted to hold him.

Our son Tim was usually the winner because he would give Brandon rides on his motorcycle.

Brandon's target was Tim.

Brandon was not shy -- I think he felt what was ours was his -- and it was.

Brandon's enthusiasm was contagious.

Brandon had the gift of his smile -- Truly captivating -- disarming -- endearing.

Brandon also had a frown that sent a signal -- He was troubled or he was thinking this one over.

Brandon had the gift of making each and every one of us feel special.

To Brandon, I was "Uncle Larry."  Brandon, by his choice, made me a part of his family -- a relative -- and I chose to accept --

For a while, Brandon was a student in my school.  I was Brandon's private principal.  Occasionally he was sent to office & always got tootsie rolls.

This is an occasion where we all join together to remember a life -- Brandon's and to celebrate a life -- Brandon's.

We will remember all the things that will have been said here today.

For all of us, there are certain events in our lives that will always have a special place in our hearts.  One of those in our lives were the bible studies held on the porch of Buddy and Nonny's cabin in Prescott.

We will always remember a young man that, from the time he was a little boy, always listened intently during our group bible studies.  Brandon was confident and he identified with things that were great.

JOHN 3:16 GOD -- THE GREATEST LOVER; SO LOVED -- THE GREATEST DEGREE; THE WORLD THE GREATEST COMPANY; THAT HE GAVE THE GREATEST ACT; HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON THE GREATEST GIFT; THAT WHOSOEVER THE GREATEST OPPORTUNITY; BELIEVETH THE GREATEST SIMPLICITY; IN HIM THE GREATEST ATTRACTION; SHOULD NOT PERISH THE GREATEST PROMISE; BUT HAVE THE GREATEST CERTAINTY; ETERNAL LIFE. THE GREATEST POSSESSION.

From Jennifer Strichek and read by Dr. Larry Kelly at Brandon's Funeral:

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