Thomas Anthony Brand

Thomas Anthony Brand

Tom Brand, the iconic 90 year-old role model passed away this week. Tom embodied the iron laws of family love and duty as a husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, and stepfather. Tom gladly shared his wisdom, experience, accomplishments, and challenges through his great affinity for meaningful dialogue. Family patriarch was Tom's greatest role and accomplishment.

Tom's problem-solving abilities were legendary. Golf, a passion for Tom, did not respond to his exceptional problem-solving skills. Perhaps his Catholic faith reassured Tom that a golf solution was at hand, but none was ever found. Bridge followed golf as another ongoing problem-solving opportunity. He enjoyed hiking the Oregon coast, dusty desert trails, and the Italian coastline.

Along with brothers Fred and John, Tom grew up in Wausau, WI as an avid skier and outdoorsman. Tom graduated with a chemical engineering degree from the University of Notre Dame. He developed a lasting relationship with the University and with classmates that continued throughout the years and the distances.

After graduation, Tom proudly served as an officer in the US Navy. Tom's problem-solving was tested through his leadership with the men in his command as well as the many card games played with other servicemen. When Tom's military service ended, he began working for Dupont in Kentucky while simultaneously earning an MBA. Tom's career took off in Minnesota when he started with Fiberite, then moved west to California, and concluded in Arizona. His commitment to problem-solving helped Tom to advance. He led Fiberite into becoming a multinational corporation.

In Kentucky, Tom discovered the solution to being single. Her name was LaVetra. Tom met LaVetra Armstrong on a blind date. They married on the day of the Kentucky Derby and Tom clearly was the winner that year. Their 44-year marriage included four children: Claire (Mark); Kate (Dan); Steve (Myndi); Tony. And four grandchildren: Bryan; Ruby; Charlotte; John. He made relationships with each child and grandchild a priority. Tom's wife LaVetra passed in 2004, son Steve in 2010.

Now a widower, Tom, ever the problem-solver, met Kathleen Zawadzki while at Mass. This union included her children Leticia (Sean) and Philip. Their marriage led to travels and adventures for almost two decades that continued until Tom's passing.

Tom's commitment to his Catholic faith guided his life. Through Tom's faith, his support and dedication to his family, friends, church, and Fiberite, Thomas Anthony Brand was a role model for all.

(August 28, 1933 to April 9, 2024)