Issue 9.14
Our BeeHive Cottages family was shocked & saddened at the sudden passing of one of our most beloved residents. Harold Brandt was a man who lived his life with such gusto that it all seems so impossible that he is gone. His passing has suspended reality for many of us.
So many images & memories come to mind, but above all else, Hal was profoundly devoted to and deeply in love with his wife, Marge, and his entire family. They meant more to him than anything else in the world. Playing golf with his sons or grandchildren was guaranteed to put the biggest smile on his face. I remember the first day he moved into the Cottages, when he got out of his car after his long trip from SLC, his grandchildren were yelling “Grandpa, Grandpa!” as they ran across the street to give him the biggest bear hug. I thought to myself at the time – what a wonderful, loving family this must be!
Ever since that first day, nearly five years ago, I found Hal to be one of the most generous and caring people I have ever met. He was a benevolent & kind soul whose big smile, wonderful laugh, and childlike spirit will not be forgotten.
Hal loved to “yank your chain”, as we would say in New York, and relished being the instigator of pranks among our residents and staff. One especially memorable prank involved our Executive Chef Dan & “oatmeal” – suffice it to say that everyone involved had a great laugh about it for years.
If you were Hal’s friend, you always knew that he had your back. He and his best friend, Boyd, were definitely “partners in crime”. One of my fondest memories was watching Hal & Boyd driving away in Hal’s red convertible Mustang – off for another afternoon of adventure & mischief. He was also instrumental in organizing our weekly poker games, where our residents are known to play some serious poker!
I can honestly say that Hal made an indelible mark on everyone he met here at the Cottages. And that included our employees – he took many of our staff under his wing & mentored them about everything from school decisions to golf swings. He spent several afternoons coaching a couple of our servers on the intricacies of golf. He took a genuine interest in their lives and their life challenges, becoming close friends with many of us.
The day that God called Hal home – he didn’t go alone — a part of us went with him. “God has you safely in his keeping, but we have you forever in our hearts.” Harold Brandt – I just know that there is a special place in Heaven for you — Rest in peace my friend until we all meet again!