Bruce E. Brand

Bruce Brand was a man of strong character - stubborn and proud of it, he wore many hats in his life; Harlem Reformed Church parishioner, American Legion member, BBI Enterprises employee, golfer, bowler and Red Wings fan. His most important roles in life, however, were by far those of father and husband. Bruce loved his family very much, and they brought much joy and light to his life. Bruce E. Brand came into the world on April 16, 1951. His proud parents were Marian and Edwin Brand. Ed was a foreman at Vanderwall Brothers (cement products)and Marian was a homemaker. He grew up in the Grand Haven area with two sisters and a brother; Patricia, Kathy, and Leslie. Bruce has always loved spending time outdoors - as a child he enjoyed fishing, hunting and playing with his friends. The family lived across the street from a horse stable, so he learned how to ride horses. Bruce's group of friends included Mike Auguystn, George Meyer, Garrett Veihl, and Mark Frien - friendships that he would value for his entire life. Bruce went to high school at Grand Haven, where in addition to academics, he won several ribbons in wrestling. Bruce graduated from Grand Haven High School in 1970. He went on to join the Navy with his friend Garrett. He served for 4 years from 1971 to 1974. Most of the time was spent on the East Coast, but he did get to see parts of Western Europe as well. After his time in the service, Bruce was ready to settle down. In February, 1976, he went on a blind date with a Sue Slager, courtesy of his friend Mike and her cousin Polly. The two hit it off immediately, and often went to the movies or bowling together. Things proceeded smoothly, and within a year Bruce proposed to Sue. She accepted of course and on March 11, 1977, they were delighted to be able to invite friends and family to celebrate their marriage. Bruce enrolled in the Detroit Institute of Aeronautics in 1976 also. After spending 3 years in the Ann Arbor area, they moved back to Grand Haven. After his training at the Institute of Aeronautics, he drew from that and his experience in the Navy to make a career in machine repair and maintenance. He supported his family by working first at Grand Haven Steel Products for 8 years, and then at BBI Enterprises for 18. Bruce was very handy around the house too, and would lend a hand to anyone who needed it. Soon, the Brand family was blessed with the birth of two healthy sons - Benjamin and Jonathan. Bruce always felt the days of his marriage and of the births of his sons were the three greatest days of his life. The marriages of Ben and Jon were probably the second two greatest days He was very happy Ben found Sara and Jon found Heather. As a family, they enjoyed camping up north. Bruce was a great dad - loving, generous and supportive. When Ben and Jon became involved in wrestling and football, Bruce became their most loyal fan. He was in good practice - Bruce also was an avid fan of the University of Michigan football team and the Redwings, always donning the appropriate tee-shirt while watching the games - usually with his brother Les. The Brands were a close family. For instance, Friday nights became known as game night at Les and Carla's. His sisters Kathy and Pat joined in when they could. They always made it for "murder mystery" game nights. When Bruce had free time, he still enjoyed spending time outdoors, fishing and hunting. He never missed the annual deer hunting trip with his friends Mark, Mike, Chuck and Lester - although the hunting was great the real fun was getting together with the guys for a week of "male bonding". Bruce just loved being outdoors and took any chance he got to be there - it was God's country. Bruce also enjoyed golf and bowling - being on leagues with his brother Les as a partner. He enjoyed playing fast-pitch softball too and was on a team with his friends for many years. Bruce Brand was a staunch American, a hard worker and a family man. Many people were proud to call him friend, father, brother or husband, and he will be deeply missed. Bruce E. Brand, age 55, died Sunday, December 31, 2006. His family includes his wife, Sue; 2 sons Benjamin (Sara) Brand of Saline, MI, Jonathan (Heather) Brand of Grand haven; 2 sisters, Patricia (Bryant) Murphy of Cary, IL., Kathy (Dan) Johnson of Muskegon; 1 brother, Leslie (Carla) Brand of Grand Haven; mother-in-law Vivian Slager of West Olive; 2 brothers-in-law, Kenn (Kim) of Hamilton, MI, Timothy (Lisa Beckman) Slager of Holland; sisters-in-law, Linda Moore of VA, Lori (Craig) Horton of CA, Sandy (Ken) Hodgson, and Nancy (Scott) Durfee, both of West Olive, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Mr. Brand was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law Gordon Slager and a brother-in-law Steve Slager. Services will be held on Thursday, January 4, 2007, 11:00 AM at Harlem Reformed Church 6854 144th Ave, Holland with Pastors John Nyitray and Dan Eisnor officiating. A Veteran's service under the auspices of the Grand Haven American Legion post #28 will be held there also. Visitation will be on Wednesday January 3, 2007, 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home, Grand haven. Memorial donations may be made to the Hospice of North Ottawa. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.