Marvin George Brant

Marvin George Brant passed away January 8, 2014 in Portland at the age of 91. He was born, the second of four boys, to George and Elizabeth (Minsky) Brant on May 7, 1922. Marvin attended Grant High School and graduated with the Class of 1940. There his avid fondness for baseball began where he played catcher and third base for the Grant Generals. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during WWII where he served for four years and later in the Oregon Air National Guard where he served as Chief of Aircraft Maintenance for the 142nd Fighter Squadron. He met his future wife Janice Cohen at the Jewish Community Center in Portland and they were married December 2, 1951. Together they raised three children. Sports was his passion, whether it be watching or playing, coaching his sons' Little League Baseball teams, refereeing college basketball, or umpiring girls high school and college softball. He played on a mens city league softball team for many years ending his sports career at the Men's Senior City League National Championship in Palm Springs on his 80th birthday. He was a dedicated hard working family man who could fix just about anything, and would readily come to a neighbors aid if something needed repair. He was a dedicated caregiver for both his mother and youngest brother for many years. He was a staunch supporter of his family and community, leading and serving on numerous committees and organizations such as the Boy Scouts and the David Douglas High School Dad's Club. Marv had a great sense of humor and enjoyed visiting with friends and family at his home especially around his swimming pool which was a great source of pride to him. He was loved and respected by so many who knew him. Working his way up the military ladder, Marvin retired from the Air National Guard after 33 years of service at the rank of Lt. Colonel. At the young retirement age of 55, he spent his free time as a Real Estate Broker for his own company, vacationing with his family, fishing, boating and playing softball, of course. He was proud of his family and wanted only the best for his children, hoping not to leave his children just a bigger car or a bigger bank account. His hope was to give them a sense of what it means to be a loyal friend, a loving parent, a citizen who leaves his home, his neighborhood and his town better than he found it. He taught by his example and will be dearly loved and missed. He is survived by his children and their spouses George (Ellen) Brant DMD, Ann (Frank) Caingcoy, Robert (Stephanie) Brant DMD; grandchildren Andrew, Olivia, Krysta, Lauren, Marissa, Emily and Gabrielle. He is preceded in death by his parents George and Elizabeth Brant; wife, Janice; brothers Charles, David and Herbert. In honoring his wishes, no memorial service is planned. A private family graveside service will be held with full Military Honor Guard at Willamette National Cemetery where he will be interned next to his wife. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the nurses, caregivers and staff of Golden Age Center for the loving care our Dad received in the final months of his life. Arrangements by Gateway Little Chapel of the Chimes. Remembrances may be made in his name to Golden Age Center, Portland, Oregon.