In Memory Of

Ronald Brand

Jan 9, 1947 - Aug 11, 2023

Service

Saturday, September 9, 2023
1:00 pm
Festival Hall - Red Deer, Alberta

Obituary

It is with sad hearts that we announce the death of Ronald (Ron) Brand who passed away suddenly at his home in Red Deer, Alberta on August 11, 2023 at the age of 76.

Ron was born in Calgary, Alberta on January 9, 1947 to an equestrian family. The members of the Brand family were avid riders, including Ron. He trained horses and was a riding instructor as well as competing at many horse shows, in English and western events. His love of horses extended throughout his life and at one time he owned a harness racehorse.

Ron grew up in Priddis, Midnapore, Haynes, and the Red Deer area. As an adult he lived in a variety of places in Alberta, as well as Vancouver, Winnipeg and Seattle but for over 40 years, he called Red Deer his home. In Red Deer, Ron was best known for his company Brand X Office Supplies. Some of his other business ventures were water softener companies such as Culligan Water/Arrow Water, and The Antique Mall RD. At one time, Ron was the General Manager of the largest Culligan Water dealership in North America. In his later years Ron took over the Antique Mall RD, a business endeavour but also a passion for Ron. He loved going to auctions to find treasures for the Antique Mall RD, for family and friends, and furniture that he would restore to its former grandeur.

Family gatherings were important to Ron. He loved to get together to play cards and games with those he cared about. Making plum pudding and mincemeat from scratch were traditions that he and other family members continued every year. If asked what his favourite birthday cake was, he would reply, “Plum Pudding”. Every Christmas, Ron would make a batch of cranberry sauce for each household he would visit for dinner.

Ron was a diehard Calgary Flames fan, loved scotch, coffee, and enjoyed golf. He was interested in the history of Red Deer, involved in his community and an active member of the Kinsmen Club of Red Deer for many years.

Ron will be sadly missed by his sister, Elaine (Bill), and his brothers, Geoff (Harriet), Keith, Tony (Ruth), Chris, and his many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and numerous friends.

He was predeceased by his father, Geoff (1970), mother, Helena (1997), brother, Eric (2010), and brother, Alan (2021).

An Open House to celebrate Ron’s life will be held at Festival Hall, 4214 58th Street, Red Deer on Saturday, September 9th, 2023 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

Condolences

Shirley Brand:

Was a pleasure to have known you Ron. We shared an enjoyment of antiques, family, friends and horses...God speed my friend. You will be missed by so many.

Christine Cartwright:

I am so very sorry to hear of Ron's passing. I didn't know Ron for a very long time, having first met him when he hired me to work at the Red Deer Antique Mall in 2019, but he became a very important person in my life. He taught me the ropes in the antique world and was full of great stories of his adventures over his antiquing career. He was a great mentor and I had the pleasure of running an antiques market with him just a few months ago. I will really miss him.

Cobralin Brochu:

We are so very heartbroken to hear about the passing of Ron. It is unfortunate that we are unable to attend his celebration.
We meet Ron, back in Nov 2004. We were young, newly married and Ron moved in next door the week we had our first baby. My husband works away, and Ron was quick to notice and didn't hesitate to help out with the shoveling. I am not sure if you all remember that show back in the 90's "Home Improvement" with Tim the tool man Taylor. Well, Ron very quickly became our Wilson!! He always had that tool that we didn't, the advice that we needed for fixing this and that and how to do yard work properly. When my hubby was away, he would take care of that big spider at my front door or fix the swing set that was squeaking too loud and disturbing his football game. We would come home to our yard being filled with giant bags of balls or new hockey sticks, and the biggest Stamps flag he could find to fly over our fence. He spent many days shooting the kids with water guns and brainwashing them. He almost convinced my son that the Stamps were better than the Riders. He gave my son his first job and driving lessons when he got his learners. After 14 years of being neighbors, Ron was family! 6 years ago we out grew our little house on Lancaster Dr. The hardest part about moving on was leaving Ron behind. We did make a verbal agreement with the new owners to please take care of our Ron. And that they did! He then had new little ones to watch over the fence.
We will miss you forever Ron aka: Wilson
With love
Carlis, Cobralin, Tenzen and Rori Brochu

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