Dean Oscar Brand

Dean O. Brand FRUIT HEIGHTS – On April 29, 2008, Dean O. Brand surrounded by his loving family slipped away from this life after a courageous internal war with Alzheimer’s disease. He lost the good fight but always remained a gentleman. The son of Herman and Minnie Register Brand, he was born on December 15, 1925 on the family farm near Smithfield, Nebraska. He graduated from literally a one room school house but later graduated at age 32 from the University of Utah in Electrical Engineering completing a five year program in only four years. He worked for Sperry Rand, Univac and Hercules. Dean was later president of Brand Electric in Salt Lake City. He was married for 55 years to Betty Davis Brand in Ogden, Utah in 1953. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. She was the love of his life and best friend. Dean felt that everyone should be active in their local city government. He was involved with Fruit Heights for more than 37 years, serving on many committees, elected as mayor for two terms, Davis County Council on Aging for six years, and represented Fruit Heights on the Central Davis Sewer District for more than 27 years where he was chairman of the board. Dean also served as an instructor of his LDS High Priest Group. In 2006, Dean was honored with the Best of State Award in the Public Works category for his many years of service. Dean and his wife have four sons of whom he was extraordinarily proud, and eight of the most perfect, brilliant and wonderful grandchildren on the face of the earth. When Dean’s first granddaughter was born, she was the first girl born in his direct blood line in 108 years!!! His sons are: Elder Mark W. Brand (deceased); Bruce (Karie) Brand, Bountiful; Vance Brand, Salt Lake City; and Ryan (Davina) Brand, Sandy. He is also survived by his brother and his wife, Virgil and Irma Brand of Anderson, South Carolina; and a beloved sister-in-law, LaVilla Brand in Elwood, Nebraska. In addition to his son, he was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Ward and Oliver. Dean won numerous awards for his remarkable resemblance to the famous actor Gregory Peck, and they were both fond of the same saying: An Irish Blessing May you have food, and raiment, And a pillow for your head. And may you spend 40 years in heaven, Before the devil knows you’re dead. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2008 at 11 a.m. at the Fruit Heights Stake Center, 170 No. Mountain Rd. Friends and family may call Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Fruit Heights City Hall, 910 South Mountain Rd. and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the chapel. Interment, Kaysville City Cemetery. Funeral Directors, Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you make a donation in Dean’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association of Utah, 855 East 4800 South, SLC, UT 84107