Search by Name

Search by Name

Brandon H. Keiser

1980 - 2016

Brandon H. Keiser obituary, 1980-2016, Oceanside, CA

BORN

1980

DIED

2016

Brandon Keiser Obituary

Brandon H. Keiser December 15, 1980 - March 22, 2016 Oceanside Brandon Keiser, 35, was taken from us on Tuesday, March 22, 2016. Brandon was born and raised in San Pasqual Valley. He is survived by his parents, Arnie and Mary Keiser.Brandon Keiser loved and lived to surf. Family and friends will gather at the north jetty of Oceanside Harbor for a "paddle out" to honor Brandon on Sunday, April 10, 2016 at 10:00 am.

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

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Apr. 8, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Brandon Keiser

Not sure what to say?





Mary Keiser

May 11, 2025

Missing you today more than ever. My heart is broken that you aren't here with me. Your loving spirit is with me always. Some days are harder than most and Mother's Day is one of those tough days. Know that you are loved and missed.

Josephine Abal

March 23, 2024

Always in my Heart
A very very special man
RIP

Mary Keiser

March 22, 2024

Brandon,
You are forever the light of my life. Although I sometimes cry because I miss you and your dad, more often I smile at the many happy memories of your joyful life. Every time I'm in the water I feel your hug. Thank you for being a good person and bringing happiness to my life.
Love always,
Mom

Jody abal

April 2, 2023

Brandon you are loved and will always be
God Bless and you are Surfing in the Angels in Heaven RIP Jody

Jody Abal

March 29, 2022

You always had bright Eyes and a wonderful smile your an Angel in Heaven riding those beautiful Waves

Paula Siedlaczek

March 23, 2022

Brandon will always bring a smile to my face as I remember him.
Thinking of you Mary with prayers for comfort every year at this time.

Mary Keiser

March 22, 2022

This is the saddest day of every year for me. I miss you every day but today is always the worst. I am so proud of you for all the people that you touched in your short but outstanding life. I am doing the best that I can without you & your dad. Some days, I think: What would Brandon do in this situation? And I think of you & it gives me strength to move forward. Know that you are well loved.
Love Always from Your Mom,
[email protected]

Jody Abal

April 4, 2021

Think of you often with love and happiness, always remember your smile when teaching kids to drive
Love RIP Jody AAA

Barb Skerritt

April 2, 2020

Miss you Brandon.

Jody Abal

August 30, 2019

Brandon you were a shining light at AAA office in Escondido we all looked forward to seeing you everyday. Your fun stories about Surfing, we all worried that maybe your job was a scary one being a Driving instructor lol
Miss you think of you often love Jody

Ashley Moses

August 29, 2019

I think about you all the time, Brando, and I'm not sure where else I'm able to put those thoughts but here. You pop into my mind during so many random moments, which might sound crazy given that we lost touch after our Fremont years (something I'll always regret), but it's still true. I told my daughter about you the other day, what a phenomenal/hysterical/good person you were, and how much you guys would have liked each other. I can totally picture you sitting down and trying to have some deep philosophical conversation with her, like you'd do at work!! (Never a dull moment during those shifts together). :) I never knew your mom, but I think about her a lot, too, and have wished I had a way to reach out and let her know what an incredibly important person her son is, and will always be, to me. I hope she sees this someday. I love you, Brando.

Mary Keiser

September 25, 2017

Brando, you were the light of our life. You inherited the best qualities of both of us. You had your dad's good looks, financial savvy, quick wit and sense of humor. You had my optimistic outlook on life and embraced my love of the outdoors, books, and art. You were loved to the max.

How I miss you: the smile on your face, the twinkle in your eye, the song in your heart and forever surfing on your mind.

I was a happy person knowing that you were living your dream of living and surfing by the ocean and working a job that you loved. Being happy where you are and what you are doing makes for a wonderful, inspiring life.

I was thrilled that you found your happy place in life next to the ocean. You found a place that suited your surfing life oh, so well. You were living your dream in Oceanside by the sea, while I was living my dream in the Sierras near my hiking and backpacking destinations.

I am so proud of you for being a good man, and doing the right thing and choosing quality of life over the almighty dollar. Your father and I were proud of you for making those quality of life choices, even back in high school when you chose to step down from football in favor of surfing, and later, basketball so that you could work and rent an apartment for a surfing summer of fun before going to CalPoly. In your professional life, you chose to become a driving instructor over a sales agent to pursue your dream of living the surf life.

Brandon, you lived a life well done, infused with happiness and joy. You were an inspiration to all who knew you. Your spirit lives on in the hearts of your family, friends and neighbors.

Surf on my smiling son. You are forever in my heart. You are with me on every hike, every water adventure and everywhere in between.

There is a hole in my heart as big as the ocean you loved so well. We will meet again sometime, somewhere in the future.

My son, I wish you peace.

Love Mom

Coleen McGrath

May 16, 2016

My daughter took driving lessons and classroom drivers training from Mr. Keiser last year. He was a fantastic teacher and provided wonderful feedback to me after every driving lesson. We are so very sorry for this terrible tragedy and wanted to send our condolences to his family. He will be missed.

Jody Abal

May 11, 2016

I worked with Brandon at AAA he was so sweet and a wonderful person he loved surfing and life When I learned of his passing I couldn't stop crying He just made you so comfortable and happy He was so fun when I saw him we talked about friends we met he was just a wonderful person up lifting He had so much kindness in his heart May God hold you in your sorrow and know that so many People loved him and. Respected him My love to him and I have his picture on my refrigerater To remind me of a special man whoTouched my heartJody Abal

Shana Fellers

April 27, 2016

Cousin Brandon was born when I was 14. We both grew up in Escondido, so I have many fond memories of him. One vivid memory is babysitting him as an infant (at the Oasis). He was fussy that day and I tried everything I could to calm him down. Exhausted, I laid him down on the bed next to me. He sighed, rolled right up against me, and fell fast sleep. I felt a glimmer of motherhood that day that I'll never forget.

Love and peace to you, Aunt Mary and Uncle Arnie.

April 27, 2016

Dear Uncle Arnie and Mary,
My sincere condolences and love are sent to you for your devastating loss. Memories of Cousin Brandon and his good heartedness will live in my heart forever.
Love Always,
Mardi

April 27, 2016

How lucky Brandon was to be loved by you and how lucky everyone was who knew him and cared. Extremely saddened but we have to believe that he is "Gone from our sight but never our memories,
Gone from our touch but never our hearts"
Aunt Ardis and Uncle Mike
Roseville, California

Karen Keiser

April 27, 2016

Brandon was part of our family and we loved him dearly. We all had such wonderful times together during our Christmas and birthday celebrations! David, Marc and Liz looked forward to our vacations because they would see their friend and cousin. Brandon taught David how to "boogie board" at the beach, and they were best friends throughout their early years, then Facebook friends for the last few years. I am so sad at his senseless loss, and hope and pray for justice for Brandon and peace for his family.

Ashley Moses

April 22, 2016

I was lucky enough to work with Brando at the Fremont theater 13 years ago, and was so devestated tonight to hear what happened to him.

Brando was the type of person that could walk into a room and completely change the energy of everyone around him for the better. He was an amazing listener, and, at 17 years old, I always had plenty of dramatic stories to talk his ear off about. Brando had a way of giving incredible advice...and it was always with an even ratio of both honesty and humor, which made talking to him just about the easiest thing ever. Back then Brando called me his "little sis," and he was my "big brother," and I adored that guy like no other.

I'll forever regret losing touch after the Fremont days, I know we would have had just as much fun together now as we did back then, but I'm eternally grateful to have shared that chapter of my life with such an incredible human and friend.

Thanks for always making us smile, Brando, and for teaching us not to take ourselves too seriously. Thank you for limitless advice, your giant hugs, and for apparently teaching me how to "water the garden,"..just gotta work on remembering what that is now. ;)

Sending all my love to you, and your family, Brando. I can promise you with all of my heart that I'll never forget you. ❤

A book I still have from over 13 years ago. This page was titled "coolest guy," and my answer is at the top. ❤

Ashley Moses

April 22, 2016

Brando letting our co-worker trim his hair during the Fremont days. :) Never a dull moment with him around. ❤

Ashley Moses

April 22, 2016

Ryan (Wrisley) Bishop

April 22, 2016

Shocked and deeply saddened about this news I received today. I have known Brandon since I first met him in the 7th grade at the San Pasqual little school. We were best friends. We played basketball, surfed, we were even in a band together for a time. Brandon was the lead guitarist and I was the lead vocals. We played the song by Ozzie Osborne "Iron Man" in front of our school in 7th grade and also played Sunshine of your Love by Cream in 8th grade. He was great at the guitar!

I cannot understand how this could happen to such a great guy. I mean he was. He would give you the shirt off his own back. Brandon is the kind of guy that you would want backing you up in any situation. Because when he'd say he was going to do something he would do it. If I could think of one word to describe Brandon, it is "Genuine". You knew what you were going to get with Brandon. He did not beat around the bush he would get staight to the point and if something was wrong he would struggle with it until he found a solution.

Brandon was my surf buddy, party buddy, hang out buddy. I have a lot of memories with my good friend. I am glad that I was lucky enough to have him as a friend in my life.

The one take away from all this that brings me some peace is that he was happy with his life. He always told me that he wanted to live at the beach and surf everyday. Well he has been doing that ever since 2005/2006 when I first visited him in Oceanside after he graduated college.

Rest In Peace Brodie. You will be forever in my thoughts friend.

Joel

April 22, 2016

I just saw on the local news about Brandon Keiser. Brandon was my teenage son's driving instructor at AAA a few months ago. Brandon was extremely patient and was a great teacher. Over the course of ten lessons, my son went from never driving in his life, to being a very safe and confident driver. Brandon seemed to be a very good man and my condolences go out to his family.

Sandie Luehrs

April 21, 2016

I have known Brandon since he was in 3rd grade at San Pasqual. He and my son Brandon became friends. My son always referred to him as Keiser. So Keiser and I both ended up moving to Oceanside, where we would run into each other quite a bit. It took me a few times to get him to call me Sandie instead of Mrs. Luehrs, but he did. I saw him last on March 16, I was getting on the train to go to LA, he was on his way surfing. I will miss seeing his smiling face around Oceanside.

April 20, 2016

I was so surprised to hear the news about Mr Brandon Keiser today. No words can express how I'm feeling . He was such a wonderful and happy go lucky person that's always smiles and make your day.I have a wonderful pleasure working with him 10 years ago at Walgreens .He trained me and always have the patience.You will always be remembered Brandon.My deepest condolence to Mr and Mrs Keiser. Sorry of your lost.Aida Gibbs

Mary Striker

April 20, 2016

Arnie & Mary,
I hope you were able to feel all the love that we have for Brandon, that he was so special to his friends. He can never be replaced on our lives either. I hope knowing so many people cared for him helps bring you some peace.

John Bernard

April 20, 2016

My deepest condolences to Brandon's parents. Brandon was such a great guy, so full of life, always smiling and always a good word. I cannot make sense of this awful tragedy. For someone who was so peaceful and cool with others to have this happen is unthinkable. Godspeed, Brando. I know you're surfing some awesome waves in Heaven, brother.

Melissa Paul

April 19, 2016

Janelle and I were so sorry to learn about the tragic loss of our childhood friend. I will always remember Brandon as an authentic individual who was brave and kind. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Melissa (Fritz) Paul

April 17, 2016

Dear Arnie&Mary,

Please accept our sincere condolences over the loss of your son, Brandon. In this world, one never expects to lose a child, but unfortunately it happens, and one is left to learn to live with the memories and manifestations of their wonderful spirit. Our prayers and good wishes go out to you as you attempt to make this difficult transition.

Love
Joe&Phyllis

April 16, 2016

Arnie and Mary, it is said that time heals
all wounds. We've been on this planet long enough to know that the pain diminishes, but does not go away. You will always have your wonderful memories.
You are to be commended for raising such a fine and outstanding young man.

Our hearts are with you........

Steve and Happi Miller

paddle out for Brandon. We miss you so much!

Stephanie Muldowney

April 12, 2016

Stephanie Muldowney

April 12, 2016

Stephanie Muldowney

April 12, 2016

Stephanie Muldowney

April 12, 2016

Stephanie Muldowney

April 12, 2016

Stephanie Muldowney

April 12, 2016

Stephanie Muldowney

April 12, 2016

Mary McGraw

April 12, 2016

My heart goes out to Brandon's parents for the loss of your beautiful son, Brandon's short visit with us here on this planet was nothing short of miraculous....he touched so many lives, including mine, in such a positive way. I will miss you dearly Brandon..YOU MADE MY HEART SMILE!!

April 12, 2016

Always happy and kind! I enjoyed my time in training with Brandon. He talked about surfing often.

Tamra

Sarah Jordan

April 12, 2016

There is a saying that life brings tears,smiles and memories. The tears dry, the smile fades but the memories live on forever. Brando, you are a bright light that will never be forgotten.

April 12, 2016

We were very shocked to see Mr. Keiser's obituary in the paper. My son just recently took the Auto club safe teenage driving class and Brandon was his teacher for both classroom and on street driving. He was very much liked and my son looked forward to each session with him. We are so sorry about his passing and send our condolences to his family and friends.
Scott, Viki and Russell Neumann

Leonor Rodriguez

April 10, 2016

Leonor Rodriguez

April 10, 2016

Leonor Rodriguez

April 10, 2016

Leonor Rodriguez

April 10, 2016

Leonor Rodriguez

April 10, 2016

Leonor Rodriguez

April 10, 2016

Leonor Rodriguez

April 10, 2016

Your spark of life lives on . . . .

Patrick McDonald

April 10, 2016

Brandon -

I am so sorry that my Paramedic partners & I could not have been there for you in your moments of need.

Please know you have left us all with some terrific memories of you and your ocean adventures. And rumor has it . . . you were a pretty darn good driving instructor, too. So rest assured your spark of life lives on in the hearts of us all.

Be well, my friend.

Patrick McDonald

Chris Manzanares

April 10, 2016

Brandon.....Forever a true example of someone actually living life. I remember a number of years ago him telling me that he wanted to transition from a sales position into the driver instructor job so that he could make a difference in other people's lives AND do what he loved doing for himself which was surfing! I have always admired his authenticity....and very happy that he lived his life doing exactly what made him happy!
Love you Brandon. God has another awesome angel in his camp :)

Barbara Williams

April 9, 2016

I was happy to hike with Brandon & his Mom last year after hearing so many good things about him. Such a good time we had! Mom was very proud of Brandon & loved him very much. They shared a love of the outdoors. God grant peace to Brandon & his loved ones.

Stephanie Morningstar

April 9, 2016

I have never met a nicer,kinder and more full of life person. Brandon is the definition of "to know him is to love him". He made everyone smile with joy in their hearts. His love of life will live on within all who know him. We are all better people for knowing Brandon.

Stephanie McDowell

April 9, 2016

Your smile will be missed. You were kind and genuine always. Rest in peace.

April 9, 2016

Brandon taught my daughters how to drive. He told my oldest he did it "because he wanted to make a difference". He made a huge positive difference and we will be forever grateful.

April 8, 2016

While we have never met, you will forever be in my heart for the joy you brought my daughter.

Jauna Popoff

April 8, 2016

Rest in paradise Brandon.

Cindy McCormick

April 8, 2016

We will miss your smiling face Brandon!

Melissa Vega

April 8, 2016

We miss you Brandon. Your students miss you. Our corporate family will never be the same. Heaven gained the coolest surfing angel ever.

Brandon's AAA Sales Training Graduation

Matthew Hooven

April 8, 2016

Brandon, you were like a little brother to me. My comforting thoughts and prayers are with you, your friends and your parents.
"You and I will meet again
When we're least expecting it
One day in some far off place
I will recognize your face
I won't say goodbye my friend
For you and I will meet again"

Sher Cardone

April 8, 2016

Brandon will truly be missed... his smile, the way he knew everyone's name. Brandon was a perfect example of "live life" the way you want. He worked hard, and played hard. We will look at the ocean and smile, knowing that the ocean was a big part of his life!... We here and AAA Oceanside (just one of your many places you called home) Miss you already!

Paula Siedlaczek

April 8, 2016

Prayers for comfort and peace for Brandon's parents and family. May you all gain strength for this time of sorrow knowing that Brandon was very much loved and admired for his positive spirit and winning smile!! Seeing Brandon in our office was like having a ray of sunshine permeate our hearts.

Love and Prayers
Paula

Showing 1 - 63 of 63 results

Make a Donation
in Brandon Keiser's name

Memorial Events
for Brandon Keiser

Apr

10

Memorial Gathering

10:00 a.m.

north jetty of Oceanside Harbor, "paddle out"

CA

How to support Brandon's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Brandon Keiser's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more