Isaac Brand, 34

It is with the heaviest of hearts, the family of Isaac John Brand grieve the sudden loss of their son and brother on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at the age of 34.

Isaac was born on April 16, 1990, to David and Lynn Brand. He was a bundle of joy from the very beginning. Among his most prominent features were his ‘happy’ hair and his ‘Buddha’ belly. He learned to ride a two-wheeler bike when he was only four. He was the only second-grader who could climb the rope in the gym all the way to the top. At the age of eight, he was performing magic shows for family and friends in the front yard of Happy Landing, the family cottage on Klinger Lake. By 10, he was playing roller hockey with kids older than he was. And winning. When he was 17, he played lead guitar in a band he formed with friends, performing in the high school talent show.

Although the band didn’t win, this may have been the start of his love affair with, and appreciation for, music, which he came to share with his parents, especially his dad. They were always astounded at what he heard and how he heard the music. He listened to it differently, picking out melodies, rifts and passages it seemed only he could hear. Isaac would travel to various locations to attend concerts. He always appreciated new genres of music and a cool new venue. He had an ability to predict the success of new, and sometimes obscure, artists. Music brought happiness and enjoyment into Isaac’s life, filling his heart and energizing his soul.

When he was in high school, Isaac won multiple awards for his CAD (Computer Aided Design) work. Inspired by his fascination with Frank Lloyd Wright, (visiting Falling Water in Western Pennsylvania was a goal he fulfilled) he designed a window that was produced and installed in the door of the high school CAD lab. This talent served him well. His design work, particularly with material handling, was cutting edge. His most recent project was designing, implementing and leading the installation of the conveyer system for the new General Motors Electric Hummer plant in Hamtramck, Michigan. His design became the model for future GM plants in Mexico, Kentucky, and additional locations in the Detroit area.

To say Isaac was a bright light in this world would be an understatement. He had a beautifully infectious smile and the most sincere eyes. He was quick to nurture and the first to say I’m sorry. He was a beautiful soul, a loyal brother, and a tender and loving son. He will forever be in the hearts of those who loved him, carrying the memories of the unique, fun, gracious and utterly unforgettable Isaac Brand. Thank you to all who loved him well.

Isaac is survived by his parents, David and Lynn Brand, sister Anna (Riley Wentzel) Brand, aunt and uncle Laurie (Brand) and Steve Stroup, uncle Andy Brand, aunt Mary Bogart, uncle and aunt Tim and Cindy Caywood, great aunt Jeanene Lewis, girlfriend Val Abbgy, as well as many cousins and friends.

The family plans on a celebration of life in the spring, when the skies are blue, the trees turn to green, and the earth is coming back to life.

The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.

To honor Isaac’s love of music, design and everything and anything creative, donations may be made in his name to the Sturgis Area Community Foundation, 214 W. Chicago Rd, Sturgis, MI, 49091, so that his love of the arts may be shared with others.

We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.