A Smile That Could Light Up Any Room...
Brandon James Rohde - or as some of us knew him: Rohd-Dog, B-Nasty, Pig Pen, Chippie or BJ was a loyal friend and a fearless enigma, a puzzle that could never be completed. His time with us was cut too short - still so much life to live and so many plans unfulfilled. Recently engaged to Rachelle, Brandon was anxious to get married and start a family with her... and not necessarily in that order. Since the two of them got together, Brandon had never been in higher spirits...or Shelly for that matter. You could just tell they had finally found their partners in life.
A dedicated hard-worker, Brandon was always ready and willing to lend a hand... never asking for anything in return. You could probably charge Brandon with being "too nice" or say he was taken advantage of because of his generosity, but that was just who he was....Genuine. Even if he did somehow manage to make you angry, it was impossible to stay mad when he flashed that smile. He had an infectious laugh that could be heard a mile away and was always felt. While some are content to observe from the sidelines, he had a way of drawing all those around him like a moth to flame. The more excessive or dangerous, the better - that included work AND play.
Taken Too Soon...
At Age 31, Brandon died suddenly of a work related accident on November 28, 2011. He was born January 26, 1980 in Howell, Michigan - the son of Kevin and Cynthia (Frantz) Rohde. Brandon was a 1998 graduate of Pinckney High School and was currently employed as a foreman with Ethical Exteriors. In addition to his parents he is survived by his sister Beth (Nicholas) Jacob, his fiancée Rachelle Starkel, grandmother Jeanette Bronikowski, uncles Ronnie Rohde, Bruce Frantz, Ed Bronikowski, many cousins and numerous friends. He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Dora DeWolfe and William Rohde and maternal grandfathers Donn Frantz and Gerald Bronikowski.
Visit Brandon's Facebook Memorial Leave a Comment“It is a gift I know, a moment of bliss that we hold, a firecracker flash of light then on, to the next plane soul remain, lovely life I thank you, For the reason to see the pain through, don't give up the fight to stay alive and even if you have to find the reason of another's pain if they lose you. If not for yourself then those around who care like I do. One day you'll see the clear blue."
- 311 (Three Eleven), "Beyond the Gray Sky" - watch video »