Branden James Atherton

As a woodwind in the Chi-Hi marching band i was lucky enough to have gotten to know Branden well. He was without a doubt one of the sweetest, hardest working, and most loved people I have ever known. I considered him a mentor and his death has left an ache deep within me, but even with that I cannot know how you must feel. Please know that he will forever be a guiding light to me and many others even as he was in life. I hope that i can make him proud and wish you the most sincere apologies...

To Branden's family and the Chi-Hi family...
I am currently a student teacher in the Richmond, VA, area and your loss hits close to home since he, too, was completing his student teaching when the accident took place. I cannot imagine your grief -- my prayers are with you and everyone in the Chi-Hi area! May you find peace and comfort during this troubled time.

Atherton Family:
My thoughts and prayers go out to you in this time of grief. As a fellow saxophone player and Waukesha West alum, I remember the music and laughs we shared in both jazz band and wind ensemble. Branden was a good friend and he will be greatly missed.

May our thoughts and prayers be with you in your time of loss. Only imagin the band that heaven will now have.

Jess & Jillian Beasley
("97")

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Your son was a wonderful person and I feel truly blessed that I was able to have him in my life.

Atherton Family,
I am a student at Chi-Hi.I play the flute and trombone. Whether it was in Marching Band or Jazz Band I enjoyed being taught by Mr.Atherton. He would have made an awesome teacher.He made a difference in my life. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
Erica Wilczek

Dear Mr. and Mrs Atherton: We did not know your son but my daughters Megen and Kristin are both Alumni of the Chi Hi Marching Cardinals. My wife Kathy and I are Music Dept alumni of UW Eau Claire. Kathy teaches band at Cadott. I taught band at Arkansaw, WI and New Auburn WI. Our best wishes are with you during this most difficult time. We can assure you that Brandon was well respected both at UW Eau Claire and at Chi HI. God Bless

all my sympothy goes out to all of you guys. i could not imagine what would have happened if it had happend to us at eisenhower... all of us wear a braclet in honor of all of you.

Mr.and Mrs. Atherton,
Branden was so well respected as a dedicated student teacher and friend to our Chippewa Falls marching band members. Our son, Ben is a 10th grade alto sax player and came home often this fall talking of Mr. Atherton. Our sincere wishes are that you can find peace in knowing that your son made a positive difference in so many young people's lives.
Peace.
Lyria Palas and Rick Magyar