Help The Simonds Fam Through a Difficult Time

Hi All,

 

My name is Josh, and I'm Rochelle Simonds' younger brother. Many of her family and friends have asked how they can help in the wake of Brandon's tragic passing. While Chelle and her family covet your prayers more than anything, we wanted to set up something tangible that will go directly to Rochelle and the kids for those who would like to support the family that way. We had no idea what to do with the goal, but landed at $75,000, representing Brandon's financial contribution to his family for one year. Thank you for caring about this family. It's been amazing already to see all the support for them.

 

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Brandon Halsey Simonds (49) of Bend, Oregon, passed away unexpectedly on March 25th, 2022. Brandon — known affectionately by many as simply “B”— was above all else a loving Father, Husband, Son, Brother and Friend.

 

A lifelong denizen of the Redmond/Bend area; Brandon was a proud Oregonian and ardent lover of the rugged nature that surrounded him. Growing up in Central Oregon informed his passions in many ways, all of which he pursued with an unmatched avidness, B never did anything halfway. Whether it be hunting, fishing, or racing BMX bikes as a kid, or hiking, climbing and mountaineering as an adult — the world, for Brandon, never stopped presenting a new adventure to be had and shared with those he loved.

 

After graduating from Redmond High School, Brandon enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and received recognition for serving in both Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm during the Gulf War. It was during his time in the Air Force that Brandon became a Christian, which would prove to be one of the most indelible events of his life. Brandon loved Jesus with all of his heart, and let that love chart the course of his life in innumerable ways. His volunteer work with Climbers For Christ manifested as the perfect combination of two things that he was so passionate about.

 

Once Brandon was discharged from the Air Force he set out to follow a budding interest in coding and IT, and received a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. His interest and education led him first into the IT world at Lancair Aircraft in Bend. Eventually, Brandon was able to merge his technical knowledge with his desire for creative expression when he found his way into the field of video game design. For the last five years Brandon worked for SOMA Games, where he was able to help spread the message of Christ while doing what he was skilled at. It was work that he was immensely proud of.

 

Brandon loved sports (both playing and watching) and took particular joy in seeing his kids play them. His regional patriotism led to loyalties for the Ducks, the Blazers, and the Timbers. If there was a game going, B had it on the TV, and was always ready and willing to drop statistical esoterica about his favorite teams….if you were willing to listen.

 

His presence will be sorely missed by many, but none more than by the people closest to him, who he loved well, and who loved him well in return. Brandon is survived by his wife Rochelle, and their two children Xander and Bella, his mother Susan (Al J.) LaChance, his father Duane (Barbara) Simonds, and his brother Lance (Kelly) Simonds.