Ronald E. Brandon

BRANDON, RONALD E. Ronald E. Brandon, 76, award winning inventor and turbine engineer, died Friday, June 7 at his home in Denver. Born in Indiana, PA, he served in the Air Force during WWII, and graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1950 with a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering. General Electric employed him in 1951 as a fluid mechanic specialist in Schenectady, NY. In 1957 Brandon was assigned overall responsibility for the efficiency of GE's large steam turbines. After leaving GE in 1980, he joined Power Technology Inc., also in Schenectady. He received a patent for "Retractable Packing" in 1984. The U.S. Department of Energy gave him a grant for research and development of the patent, and an Energy Innovation award in 1987 after successful application. Brandon Retractable Packing are installed in over 600 large steam turbines throughout the world, resulting in significant fuel cost savings and improved efficiency. Over the course of his career he has been awarded 39 patents, several of which are in common use in the power industry today. He was a registered professional engineer in New York State and a senior member of the American Society of Professional Engineers. Ron Brandon enjoyed golf, and was an avid fly-fisherman and bridge player. He is survived by his wife Marjorie; three children Doug and Diane of Denver, and Dave of Binghamton, NY.; and four grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at the Evans Chapel on the DU campus, 2199 S. Vine at 3:30 p.m., on June 28. Donations may be made to Cancer League of Colorado, PO Box 5373, Englewood 80155-5373.