Robert Orlin Brandow

Robert “Red” Brandow passed away June 22, 2015. Born to Orlin and Ruth, he was one of many children in a small home during the depression. He worked from a young age until he joined the United States Marine Corps at an early age. He met his first wife, Katie, during his service and they had a long marriage until her passing.

His is survived by his widow, Cathy. He outlived his son Gracion who passed away at 8 years old.

Red spent a great many years of his adult life in the United States Marine Corps where he served with distinction. Enlisting in August of 1939, he served all over the world for the next 20 years attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. Many knew how he enlisted at “an early age” like the rest of the country to serve in World War II. Red retired in 1960. For the next 7 years, he worked at the Bank of America in Oceanside as one of their Financial Officers. Then he worked for the City of Oceanside Water Department for almost 20 years before he retired. Red was a hard worker, a great mentor, and a good friend to many. Throughout the years, he became part of the Oceanside Community. He was a member of the Elk’s Lodge for over 48 years, serving one term as Exalted Ruler and 13 years as Secretary. In addition, he was a member of the Sons of St. Patrick and the Moose Lodge. He loved to help setup protocol and loved to teach others how to do things. In the same regard, he also could tell the best of stories, was sharp as a tack and wiser than his years. Always giving and quick with a joke or story, he mentored so many about the right way to do things to include a few shenanigans that he was able to get his friends included in.

Red will be forever loved by his family. He surviving family: Wife Cathy and Sister Julia Vencill (Tacoma WA) and her children and grandchildren.

At Red’s request, we will CELEBRATE his life on Friday, August 14, 2015.

August 14th: Gravesite Service at 12:30 pm at El Camino Memorial, 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, CA 92054.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Elk’s Purple Pig Program (CHEMP).