Michael "Mike" Brandt

Mike and I use to dress up as mad scientist for Halloween in Syracuse. We would have the dry ice in the pumpkin and liquid nitrogen smoking. Kids would have to reach into glass beakers to get the candy. We would give out so much candy and have so much fun. He was so good with kids and everyone. How will we ever live fully without him? Remember him always.

Mike bailed a lot of us out when we needed something fixed or fabricated during graduate school years. Kind, helpful, smart and talented. He was a wonderful person and I think everyone that knew him greatly appreciated his kind and helpful spirit.

I played music with Mike for a few years with Colleen Kattau's band. It is a cherished experience to play with a truly intuitive musician. Mike was definitely that. I will miss hearing those warm fills on his fretless bass. Mike was also the guy who helped get me into electronics. He was generous with his time as he patiently went over introductory concepts with me. He repaired my amplifier without being asked. It's all indicative of what a genuinely good guy Mike was. He was a bright light...

I played music with Mike for a few years with Colleen Kattau's band. It is a cherished experience to play with a truly intuitive musician. Mike was definitely that. I will miss hearing those warm fills on his fretless bass. Mike was also the guy who helped get me into electronics. He was generous with his time as he patiently went over introductory concepts with me. He repaired my amplifier without being asked. It's all indicative of what a genuinely good guy Mike was. He was a bright light...

I chilled with my pal Mike for over 30 years in the Syracuse University Chemistry Department. He did a lot of things for me over the years with his electronic genius; fixing my son's Hess trucks, Christmas tree ornaments, flashlights, etc. He was one smart dude. We were complete opposite characters that got along great. Will miss his cooking advice, computer skills, and overall presence.

I did not know Mike well, but he attended open houses at my home, and I met him at music and other occasions through Sally Prasch. They shared lunches, with each cooking on alternated days and Mike was a huge support when Sally was going through work related issues. He was the definition of a kind and gentle soul- and it does not get better than that.

Mr. and Mrs. Brandt, Richard and Ellie and families, I am so sad to hear of Michael’s passing. He is present for so many of my cherished childhood memories spent in your home. I remember so clearly the awe I always felt when he would play the baby grand in your living room. Most of all, I will remember his curious spirit and the playful twinkle in his eye. I’m so glad I got to see him a few years ago when you were cleaning out the Goodrich St. house. It brought back so many great...

Completely stunned! No words can express how I feel about seeing this. Although he was older, he was always very nice to me growing up and always willing to impart whatever knowledge he had. Mike's ability to be so personable is typical of his entire family.

I had the privilege of hearing and watching Mike play electric bass at various gigs where my son Ben played lead guitar with Colleen Kattau's musical group. Mike was a solid, low profile, very talented contributor to that group. He displayed no need or desire for the spotlight. Later I learned of Mike's towering intellect and positive human traits which aided so many individuals with whom he interacted. I am so sorry that he had to face an impossible health challenge at such a young age. The...