1916 – 2016

Solano County lost one of its oldest, finest, and most devoted native sons when Richard Brann of Rio Vista passed away Oct. 12, weeks shy of his 100th birthday.
Dick was widely known and beloved by many who knew him as a 4th generation Rio Vista farmer, Solano County Supervisor (1972-1988), and active member of many civic organizations.
Born on the family ranch, he was the youngest of Clyde and Lillie Brann's five children. His parents instilled in their offspring a strong work ethic, a love of family, and a desire to give back to the community. Richard was a kind man, a man of integrity, and a gentleman guided by deeply held values and respect for others.
Richard's education began at the one-room schoolhouse on Canright Road where his mother taught. He advanced through Rio Vista's school system and entered Cal Berkeley at the tender age of 16, relishing campus life as an early member of Barrington Hall Co-op. After graduating in 1938, he was office manager at Poultry Producers of Central California in Orland until being drafted into military service in April, 1941. Richard served in the Pacific Theater, 77th Division Artillery, rising to the rank of 1st Lieutenant.
Following the war, Dick returned to the family farming operation near Rio Vista. In 1951, he married Jo Ellen Purtle and together they spent the next many joyful years raising four daughters. Following Jo's death in 1980, Dick crossed paths with Agnes 'Nicki' Purviance, a high school classmate. They were married from 1983 until Nicki's death in 1995. In later years, he and dear friend Ruth Bodin enjoyed close companionship until her death. The greatest joy of his last years was watching his grandchildren grow and thrive. He often said, "I am the most blessed man in the world."
Richard is survived by four daughters: Lisa Taron (Tim), Laurie Barron (Bill), Julie Merk (Randy), and Margaret Anderson (Ian), and stepchildren Dr. Carlton Purviance and Paralee Purviance. Survivors also include grandchildren Joanna and Dan Taron (Valerie); David, Leslie, and Meg Barron; Katy and Rob Merk; Neil and Maryn Anderson; and great-granddaughter Alice Taron. Many close nieces, nephews, and friends also mourn his passing.
The family particularly wants to thank Lena Brown for her loving and dedicated care of 'Pops', and Dr. Jau Dean Lee for his compassionate medical care over the years.
An outdoor celebratory remembrance of Richard's life will be held Saturday, Nov. 5, from 11-3, at the Anderson ranch, 6269 Birds Landing Road, Birds Landing. In case of rain, check for a change of venue on tinyurl.com/zj2j8cd or access a recorded message at 707.374.5485. Memorial donations may be sent to Rio Vista CARE Counseling and Family Resource Center, PO Box 576; Rio Vista Museum, 16 No. Front St.; or Rio Vista Senior Center, 25 Main St., all in Rio Vista, CA 94571.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Oct. 16 to Oct. 23, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Brann

6 Entries

Fred K Smith

November 3, 2021

I've never had the pleasure of meeting this distinguish gentleman, but what I've read and feel in my heart is that I missed a nice opportunity to meet a wonderful Person. My condolences goes out to all. I know there's no kind of slogan or anything that can take away the tears,but I'll give it a shot. The lives that this Man has touch and work that He had achieved will last and produce fine examples of our Race. Peace and Love.

Barbara Shelton

July 17, 2017

Cousin Dick was an inspiration to me. My Mother Barbara Brann Bagley loved and admired him very much. She and my Dad took us to the ranch often as children and I loved it because even as a young child I wanted to farm. Dick gave me encouragement every time we visited. I still think about him frequently. I did grow up to farm for many years. He came to visit us on occasion and we went to visit the family in Rio Vista too. I still think about Dick often.

Mr. Brann will always hold a special place in my heart and my memory. An individual who represented everything good about Rio Vista

Constance Boulware

November 1, 2016

Becky (Brann) Donhost

October 25, 2016

Cousin Dick was indeed a sweet man - something about the Brann Family! He was instrumental in creating the last Brann Family Reunion held here at our house in August, 1991. He loved and treasured family.

October 24, 2016

I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 119:76.

Norman Silver

October 19, 2016

When Dick served on the Solano County Board of Supervisors I had the chance to work with him. It was a pleasure. He gad a keen interest in those he represented and always was keeping up with what was going on in his District. I admired his loyalty to the agricultural interests and always had time to spend with those needing a good listening ear. Dick will be missed but never forgotten!

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results