Geoffrey Craig Brandt

1951 - 2020

Geoffrey Craig Brandt
December 20, 1951 - November 29, 2020
Roseville, California - On Sunday, November 29, 2020, in Roseville, CA, Geoff Brandt, Christ-follower, devoted husband, father and papa, was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven, at the age of 68.
Geoff was born December 20, 1951 in Salt Lake City, UT to Jack and Audrey (Powers) Brandt. Shortly after his birth, Geoff's parents relocated to and raised their family in Carmichael, CA. From a very young age, his prodigious athletic skill was abundantly clear. Beginning in youth sports, Geoff went on and excelled as a pitcher at El Camino High School. His talent on the mound earned him a sixth round draft pick with the Washington Senators in 1969. It was on the basketball court though that he found his first love. While at El Camino, he led his team to three straight CVC League championships, was twice selected first team All-City and was chosen for the All-American team. After decades as a star player and coach, in 1999 the Sacramento Bee ranked Geoff as the 28th top prep basketball player in the region's history.
With a basketball scholarship to Fresno State, Geoff continued to play the game that he loved under his long-time coach and life-long friend, Frank Carbajal. Between basketball games, ping-pong tournaments and near-constant games of cribbage, he graduated with honors with a degree in Political Science. Geoff then began his thirty-seven year career in public service in 1975 at the Department of General Services where he held various positions in leadership and management. In 2005, after two years acting in the role, Geoff was appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger as the 38th California State Printer, where he led the State's printing plant into the digital age. After seven years as State Printer and two more as a Deputy Director of the California DMV, in 2010 Geoff retired from the State of CA to accept the position of Assistant Court Executive Officer with Placer County Superior Court. He retired from public service in December 2012 and became a full-time husband, father and papa.
In October 1988, Geoff met his best friend, partner in adventure and the love of his life, Susan Reed. They were married September 3, 1989 and they would soon settle in Roseville where they raised their family and built a life they loved. Geoff and Susan became Christ-followers together in 1999 where they've attended Bayside Church for 21 years. Geoff was passionate about serving at his church where he was an original "Road Warrior", volunteered in Children's Ministry as a Sunday School teacher and Breakaway Security team, and was a core leader for the church's ever-growing men's ministry. Geoff also helped establish two community service and youth mentoring programs, Shoulder to Shoulder and Forging Disciples ministries. He could be found every Saturday for fifteen years around the table of his beloved men's bible study where he learned, prayed and served alongside some of his closest friends. In retirement, Geoff and Susan enjoyed family, their dogs and travel, where highlights include Arizona, Alaska, Hawaii, the California coast and the rivers, lakes and forests of this great state.
Geoff highly valued friendships, both old and new. Those who knew him know he was compassionate, disarming, caring, selfless and determined. He loved studying God's word, music, golfing and fishing, gardening, thunderstorms, his S.F. Giants and a good burger. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Jack and Audrey, brothers Clyde Stearn and Joe Brandt, sister Sandy Wilson, nephew Brian Wilson, and mother-in-law May Reed. He is survived by his beloved bride of 31 years, Susan, daughter Stephanie (Justin) Mariano, son Derek (Sarah) Brandt, son Alexander Brandt, daughter Rebecca (Noah) Reed, grandchildren Isaac, Zariah, Seth and Eisley Brandt and Hazel Reed, a nephew that he helped raise, Chris (Monica) Wilson, father-in-law Buzz Reed, and four additional nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life honoring Geoff will be held on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at 10:30AM, at Bayside Church, Granite Bay Campus, 8191 Sierra College Blvd., Roseville, CA 95661. Social distancing and safety protocols will be in place. If you would like to be notified via email of any changes that may need to take place, please email your contact information to geoffbrandtcelebration@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Geoff's honor to Forging Disciples, Inc., 7082 Cope Ridge Way, Roseville, CA 95747.