Brant Rex Wilson

Brant Rex Wilson died at home in New Port Richey, FL on August 10, 2024, at age 81, and left this world like he lived his life - on his own terms. He loved music, his family, good scotch, and old movies. Not necessarily in that order. 

Born in Hartford, CT on January 9, 1943, he was raised an only child by a single mom back when that was quite unacceptable. After a brief stop in NYC, he moved to Milford, NH at a young age and had been a proud townie ever since. He enlisted in the US Army after graduating from Milford High School in 1960 but luckily the only action he saw was fox tail in Greenland (the territory, not the town) and giant cactus in Yuma, AZ. 

After that he enrolled in Berklee School of Music in Boston majoring in jazz percussion (but none of us ever actually heard him play, so we’re suspect). After three years, and meeting his future wife, Joyce, he realized he needed a real job to support his family so he quit his dream of being a musician and enrolled in flight school to become an air traffic controller. He worked for the FAA at the Boston ATC Center in Nashua, NH for the next 30+ years retiring in 2002.

Sometime in the late 70s/early 80s, Brant developed a penchant for bodybuilding (too many Schwarzenegger movies most likely) and decided to build his own line of equipment. He opened his members-only gym in the basement of the family home in 1981. (Mr. New Hampshire contestants used to work out there!) Many in Milford still remember Brexon’s Gym Equipment and some of his machines are still around town. 

Brant was a master at crosswords, a savant at trivia (especially the useless kind), a frustrated golfer, and a pretty good cribbage player. He enjoyed summers on the coast of Maine with friends and family where he moonlighted as a boat captain (and only left his family marooned once or twice). An avid skeet and target shooting fan, he was an active member of the Purgatory Gun Club for years and had the flannel shirts to prove it. He continued his love of music being a baritone in the Souhegan Valley Chorus and going to the symphony and jazz clubs whenever he could. He loved humming out loud to the tune in his head, especially as it annoyed his wife. 

Among his greatest achievements was marrying his wife, Joyce, who supported him during his heyday, and lovingly supported him during his last days with us. They were married for over 57 years. Besides Joyce, he is survived by his two only children, Coleman and Amanda, and his favorite daughter-in-law Jennifer. He was especially proud of his two grandchildren, Austin and Taylor, and enjoyed spending as much time with them as possible (particularly to convince them he was a grumpy old man). 

Now other teams have a chance at winning local bar Trivia Nights, while the brands PayDay, Duluth Trading, and Popov Vodka are mourning the loss. A celebration of life will be planned in Milford, NH at a date to be determined. In the meantime, instead of flowers or donations, the family asks for you to raise your glass and toast “fivesies” to Brant with loved ones around you.