Obituary of John Brand

Of Eagles Mere, PA, formally of Elmira, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, June 6, 2014. Skip was born on April 5, 1946, in Elmira, the son of the late Harriet Hoffman and John Brand II. He is survived by his loving wife of forty years, Dorrie Wetzig Brand; children, John H. Brand and wife Betsy of Elmira, and their children, Olivia, Jack and Kate; Laura Brand Harrison and husband Michael of Darien, CT, and their children, Ella and Ava; siblings, and their families, Mary Brand Kemberling, and sons, John and Adam; Nancy and George Barringer; mother-in-law Doreen Wetzig; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, along with several nieces and nephews. Skip graduated from DeVeaux prep school in 1965, where he was voted "most loveable", and then went on to Wagner College. He worked for many years at Brand Insurance, and subsequently for Perry & Carroll. Skip was very committed to the community serving on various boards and organizations. He was the Chairman of the Board of Arnot Realty and long serving Director, and current Chairman of the Board at Elmira Savings Bank. Skip enjoyed skiing, golf, squash, "dancing", tennis and was an avid fan of Formula One Racing. He loved spending time in his beloved Eagles Mere and Palm Beach, FL. Skip had a zest for life and lived every day to its fullest, brightening the lives of everyone who knew him. He had a larger than life personality and was always ready for an adventure. Skip was most passionate about his family and cherished time with his wife, kids and grandkids, who adoringly knew him as "Pop". Skip was well loved by family and friends. His enthusiasm and fun loving spirit will surely be missed by all who knew him, because to know him was to love him. A service to celebrate Skip's life will be held on Friday, June 13, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at The Park Church, 208 W. Gray Street, Elmira. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Skip may do so with a donation to either, the Arnot Art Museum, 235 Lake Street, Elmira NY 14901 or the Eagles Mere Conservancy, P O Box 64, Eagles Mere PA 17731.