Lemley Chapel
Serving Sedro-Woolley &
All of Skagit County Since 1935
1008 Third Street
Sedro-Woolley, WA
360-855-1288
www.LemleyChapel.com
Frederick “Fred” Anthony Brand, Jr., Memorial
Frederick “Fred” Anthony Brand, Jr., Memorial

Frederick “Fred” Anthony Brand, Jr.,

Frederick “Fred” Anthony Brand, Jr.,

Tuesday, June 3rd, 2014

Brand, Fred graduationFrederick “Fred” Anthony Brand, Jr., 65, of Concrete, Washington, died as a result of a tragic car accident on May 23, 2014, in Sedro-Woolley, WA. Fred was born December 13, 1948, in Auburn, Washington, the son of Fred and Sara (Carr) Brand. He grew up in Auburn where he graduated from Auburn High School in 1967. He attended the University of Washington for five years. In 1969, Fred married his beloved wife Minda (Bancroft) of Portland, Oregon; they would have celebrated their 45th anniversary this September. Fred and Minda moved to Concrete in 1976 where, as devoted parents, they raised their three children. In the Skagit Valley, Fred first worked at a tire center and the shake mills and then was a respected employee of the Anacortes Tesoro Refinery for the past 24 years.
An active community member, Fred retired as a volunteer fireman last year after 36 years in the Birdsview and Grassmere fire departments. He and his family attended the Mt. Baker Presbyterian Church since 1983 where he served as an elder. When their children were young, Fred coached soccer and baseball teams for his two sons and supported his daughter in her 4-H activities. He assisted his wife Minda for many years in her roles as a 4-H leader and superintendent of Skagit County Dog 4-H. Fred enjoyed spending time with and caring for the family’s three dogs.
Among Fred’s many hobbies were photography; computer technology; and outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and camping. In recent years, he and Minda took an avid interest in flying and making kites and attended kite festivals in Long Beach. Fred greatly enjoyed time with family and friends and his role as ‘grandpa’ to his two grandsons. Everyone that knew Fred will greatly miss his quick humor, smile and the twinkle in his eyes. Fred was truly one of a kind; a gifted and brilliant man who was so giving and always thinking of others first. A man of sincere, quiet faith, Fred is at rest with his Lord Jesus Christ.
Fred is survived by his wife Minda Sue (Bancroft) Brand; sons Christopher Michael Brand and Larry Duane Brand; daughter Deborah (Brand) Briggs and her husband Rob; grandsons Ryan Ferguson and Steven Briggs; mother Sara Brand; siblings Sharon (Brand) Surbrook, Ronald Brand, and Carl Brand; sister-in-law Dianne (Bancroft) Guthrie and her husband Dennis; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father Fred Brand Sr.; parents-in-law Keith and May Bancroft, brother-in-law Terry Bancroft and sister-in-law Paula (Bancroft) Swanson.
The memorial service celebrating Fred’s life will be Tuesday, June 10, 2014 at 1:00 P.M., at Trinity United Presbyterian Church in Sedro-Woolley. There will be a potluck and social time after the service. Arrangements are under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro Woolley.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Fred Brand Jr. may be made to the USW Local 12-591 Fallen Workers Memorial Fund or to Mt. Baker Presbyterian Church in Concrete.

Guestbook

  • D. Chris Walker

    I went to school with Fred, we graduated in 1967. Fred was always a very sensitive and caring person. I was very sad to hear of the accident that took his life. When I saw his picture on the news, before I heard his name, I knew it was him, he looked the same as he did 47 years ago, except for the grey. I am so very sorry for his family to have to go through this difficult time. Our prayers are with them.

  • Meryl

    “As the last enemy, death is to be brought to nothing.” (1 Cor. 15:26; Rev, 20:14) Under Jesus’ rule, all the earth will become a paradise; the dead who are in God’s memory will be raised with an opportunity to enjoy perfect life on earth forever. This is the hope for, Mr. Brand, as well. What magnificent foregleams fill our minds as we meditate on these promises! Wondrous provisions are in store for faithful mankind under heaven’s loving government. I am very sorry for your loss. May God’s Word seek to comfort you and your family. Sincerely, Meryl

  • Connie Love ( Poli )

    To the Brand family,
    I want to send prayers your way for the loss of Fred. Hearing the name brought back many childhood memories . Stay strong in your faith and God Bless to you all .

  • Jody and Larry Bogues

    Minda,

    Words cannot express the sorrow that we feel at this time. We so appreciate the dedication that Fred poured into the kids and their projects during the 4-H years we knew him. He had a hand in helping us raise our girl and we will never forget the kindness and patience he put forth towards our family.

    With care,
    Jody, Larry, and Julia

  • Brenda Ashe

    Bud and I were so sorry to hear of Fred’s death. We remember what a wonderful man he was, his dedication to help others and to children in the upper valley. He coached our kids in soccer and baseball and was such a gentle person for them to learn values from. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. May God’s comforting hand be with all of you during this difficult time.

  • Sheryll (Peterson) Robinson

    Dear Sharon, may the love of family and friends, and fond memories of Fred, comfort you at this time. I have such wonderful memories of our “wonder years,” spending a lot of time at your home and, no doubt, chasing off your younger brothers! May God richly bless you and your family today and always!

  • Sheryll (Peterson) Robinson

    My dear friend Sharon, may the love of family and friends, and fond memories of Fred, comfort you at this sad time. God bless you and your family today and always!

  • Gary Thomas

    Minda,
    I want you to know the heart felt sorrow I fee for your loss. It seems such a short period of time from when Fred came to the family until now. I remember the dating, the marriage, and the children. I remember Fred as a brother-in-law. I saw the love you had for each other. I feel nothing but good for having known Fred. Finally, I want to say from my heart that you “got a good one”. Cherish that thought forever. Love always, Gary Thomas.

  • Shirley Stiles

    I am so sad and sorry for your great loss. Fred will be missed by everyone that met him.

  • Amie

    I am just so saddened by this careless loss. What was captured in this rememberance is spot on…I keep thinking about, and will always remember, that twinkle in his eyes!! I love you guys and am so empathetic to what you’re experiencing!

  • John and Mickey Zitkovich

    Minda and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this tragic and difficult time. May you find peace in the wonderful memories you have of Fred and rest in the loving arms of the Lord. You are loved by many.

  • Elizabeth Thomas

    Fred….you will be missed. I will never forget the time you drove a across WA to come rescue my mom on the side if the freeway in a broken down car. You would not accept anything in return.

  • Patty Williams

    MInda,
    i hardly know what to say, after loosing John, i know the pain your going to suffer and there is no getting around it, when the kids all leave, and the numbness starts to wear off, its going to be much worse than now.sorry, but you know i call it as it is. im bringing you a couple of books that helped me. hope they help you. don’t try to read them right now wait a couple months, i cryed gallons through one of them, but felt better and have read it many times. go invest in a stock of kleenex. i don’t know what God holds for either of us, but we will find out, in his timing. if you need to talk call any time, night or day, and i mean that. im here my friend.