Neal William Brand of Kirkland, WA, passed to his heavenly home on June 23, 2015 after a courageous struggle with Prostate Cancer. He was born on April 26, 1947 in Yakima, WA to Louie & Elsie Brand. Neal graduated from Kennewick High School in 1965. In 1966 he began attending Northwest College where he met his sweetheart, Darlayne Vestal. They married December 30, 1967 and he later returned to graduate with a Bachelor's degree.
Upon being drafted, he joined the Navy where he served as a Medical Corpsman in Japan and then in Vietnam earned Distinguished Service Medal for his outstanding service. After the Navy, Neal worked 40 years for the Bellevue School District as Head Custodian and was known for his friendliness. He was also Shop Steward for the Union effective in retaining fair benefits.
Neal is survived by his wife, Darlayne; parents, Louie & Elsie of Walla Walla; son, Nathan (Heather) Brand; daughter, Natasha (Todd) Cunningham; six grandchildren; sister, Josephine (Kurt) Gantenbein; and brother Jim Brand.
A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, July 2, 7:00 PM, at the Neighborhood Church, 625 140th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98005.
Arrangements under the care of Chapel of the Resurrection Funeral Home, Bothell, WA.
Published in The Seattle Times from June 29 to June 30, 2015