In Loving Memory of Kirk William Brandt

Dear Family and Friends,

We are reaching out with truly heartbreaking and tragic news regarding Kirk Brandt, our beloved 38 year-old son, step-son, brother, nephew, cousin and uncle. We are heartbroken to share that Kirk was in a car accident in Northern California on Tuesday, October 18th, and passed away on Saturday, October 29th.

As a faint silver-lining to this tragedy, we learned that we could choose to have Kirk serve as an organ and tissue donor – and decided to donate his “gifts” to others in need. We believe that he would have wanted to do this as a final act of service and a way to honor his generous spirit as a lasting legacy. This would build on Kirk’s grandest act of kindness – a 4-month long countywide "Teens Dressing Teens" clothing drive he organized as a junior in high school to benefit local homeless teens in need. This project helped him to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, which is the highest achievement level in the Boy Scouts of America – an honor only 4% of Scouts earn. His efforts were celebrated in a local newspaper article, as well as published nationally in a self-authored essay in “Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul 2.”

At UC Davis Medical Center, the amazing health providers recognize organ donors as heroes with a “Walk of Honor.” As we held hands and walked behind Kirk’s bed to the Operating Room, we turned the corner to view a heartwarming sight – more than 60 medical providers lining both sides of a 50-yard corridor to say thank you to Kirk and our family. To the tune of a bagpipe rendition of ‘Amazing Grace,’ Kirk’s hospital bed was pushed down the corridor. Directly behind him was his mother Maureen holding hands with his siblings Jason and Alexa, while sister Mariah placed both of her hands on her mom’s shoulders for extra support. Following were his Aunts Marge, Lin, and Kathleen, Cousin Connor, Stepmom Jackie, and Brother-in-Law David. Only a video would do this walk justice, viewable at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAQwIkoSBkk&feature=youtu.be.

We hope to continue Kirk’s spirit of giving by donating funds to support organizations that played a meaningful role in his life: 1) a student scholarship to a runner at his high school Cardinal Newman, 2) the Resurrection Youth Ministry he participated in, and 3) Sierra Donor Services, the incredible nonprofit that made Kirk's organ donations possible.

Thank you for your love, support and contributions during this difficult time.

A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor on Wednesday, December 28th from 12-3pm at Resurrection Catholic Church, 303 Stony Point Road, Santa Rosa. We kindly request guests RSVP using this link: https://pp.events/a8k3YLwp

With love,

The Brandt, Minto and Hazelton Families