Brandon Havreberg

Brandon Havreberg, whose laugh could fill a room and whose heart could fill your soul, left this world far too soon. To know Brandon was to know a laugh so contagious you could feel it in the next room. He had a gift for truly listening not just hearing, but feeling what others were saying and being fully present with them.

Through all of his challenges, Brandon never lost his compassion or his humanity. He found peace and purpose in connection. He loved spending quality time with people, especially one-on-one, where he could listen, understand, and share his thoughts. Deeply interested in psychology and philosophy, Brandon always tried to see life through the eyes of others. As he once said, “There’s a big difference between making everything about you and looking at things through your perspective.” Those words perfectly captured how he lived with empathy, understanding, and a heart open to the experiences of others.

He was a hard worker, a loving son, a loyal brother, uncle, grandson, nephew, and friend. Brandon loved the outdoors riding his skateboard, breathing in nature, and finding freedom in open spaces. Music was his heartbeat; he lived through it, felt through it, and often expressed what words could not. He spent much of his time building, creating, and being a steady, loving presence in his nieces’ lives a protector, a leader, and truly one of a kind.

Those who knew Brandon knew that his presence was once in a lifetime. And those who were lucky enough to know his embrace will forever cherish a Brandon hug the kind he gave because he knew you needed it just as much as he did.

In his memory, we are reminded to have the hard conversations we avoid, to work toward the changes we fear we can’t make, and to reach out with just one call, one text to tell someone they matter. Brandon’s life reminds us to be kind, to be the laughter someone needs, and to live with the same depth and sincerity he carried in his heart.

We will remember the small moments the last trash taken out, the last ride away on his board those quiet, ordinary things that now mean everything. Though he left us too soon, his pain has ended, and his spirit is finally free.

Brandon will forever live on in the music that moves us, in the loud child outbursts that echo his energy, in the angel numbers he loved so much, in the snakes that cross our path, in the favorite show we’ll now have to watch without him (Stranger Things), and in the empty seat that will always remain in our hearts.

Brandon is survived by his Father, Erik Havreberg; sisters, Kierstin Havreberg (Robert Martin) and Allison Havreberg; brothers, Conner Gilpen and Alexander Hodge; nieces, Aaleia, Aaleah and Amirah and nephew Jayse; grandparents, Karen Havreberg, Anita Pryjda, and John Pryjda; uncles, Eiche Havreberg and Chris Havreberg (Kacey Havreberg); cousins, Felix and Adrian; aunt, Rachel Havreberg (Joe Silko) and cousin Marin Havreberg; and aunt, Rebecca Havreberg. Also survived by his best friend, Dillon McCandlish, and many loving chosen family and friends. Predeceased by his mother, Amy Gallagher, and grandfather, Robert Havreberg.

He will be deeply missed by all who loved him.