Obituary of Douglas Brand

Douglas Lee Brand, 55, Lake Park, MN, beloved husband, father, son, brother and grandfather died September 9, 2007, at his home, with his family and Hospice, after a courageous two and a half year battle with pancreatic cancer. Douglas was born July 22, 1952, in Breckenridge, MN, to Bette (Spellerberg) and Elwood Brand. The family later moved to West Fargo, ND, where Doug farmed with his dad and brothers. Doug was blessed to have three daughters, whom he supported without reservation or judgment and took every opportunity to brag about their accomplishments, to anyone who'd listen. In 1979, Doug moved to Denver, CO, and started a career in long haul truck driving at McClane Western, where he was a dedicated driver for 27 years in both the Denver and Minneapolis, MN areas. Over these years, he won several awards for safe driving in addition to being the Truck Rodeo Champion and Driver of the Year three times, for which he was very proud. On June 15, 1991, Doug was united in marriage to Colleen Berry, whom for 16 years was his best friend, most trusted companion and loving caregiver. Doug and Colleen moved to Middle Cormorant Lake, MN, in May of 2002 to get closer to family, most especially their grandchildren, whom they loved to spoil. Doug was a quiet, private man who loved his wife, daughters and grandchildren, all of whom came slightly before the Denver Broncos! He will be remembered for his laugh and the numerous names he made up for those he loved. Douglas is survived by his wife, Colleen, Middle Cormorant Lake; daughters, Heather (Mark) Morris, West Fargo, Heidi (Matt) Swanson, San Diego, CA, Holly (Toby) Schneider, Grand Forks, ND; grandchildren, Brody and Devyn Morris and Espen Schneider; mother, Bette Brand (Jerry Evans), West Fargo; brothers, Jeff (Deb) Brand, Jay (Carey) Brand, Bruce (Mary) Brand, all of Fargo; sisters, Sandy (Rich) Brewer, Castle Rock, CO, Barb (Dale) Simenson, West Fargo, Sue (Steve)Kasowski, Fargo and Nancy (Dave) Thompson, West Fargo and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Doug was preceded in death by his father, Elwood. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Hospice of the Red River Valley, University of Minnesota Cancer Center/Hope Lodge at www.cancer.umn.edu/hopelodgegiving or University of Minnesota Cancer Center for cancer research at www.cancer.umn.edu. Funeral: Wednesday, September 12, 2007 at 2 p.m. in the West Funeral Home Chapel, West Fargo with a visitation beginning a half hour prior to the service. Graveside Services will be Friday, September 14, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. in the Scott County Cemetery, Scott City, KS with the Rev. Robert Nuckolls presiding.