Brandon Esbaugh

Taken from his loved ones much too soon, Brandon C. Esbaugh was a gift to his family and friends. He was exceptionally bright and full of so much promise, yet he was also humble and generous with all who were within his reach. Brandon was loving and nurturing, and his devotion to his family was unmatched. A stranger to none, he was outgoing, which drew others near with ease. Talented in many ways, Brandon loved nothing more than using his gifts and talents to enrich the lives of others. Life will never be the same without him here, but he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

The 1990s were an exciting time in America as this was the age of technology. The World Wide Web came onto the scene in 1992, and with it our lives were forever changed in countless ways including how we shop, how we communicate, and how we keep up with the latest news. We were entertained by Nirvana and Hootie & the Blowfish while Beverly Hills, 90210 redefined the way we saw the typical American high school atmosphere. It was during this eventful time that Lisa Esbaugh was blessed with the birth of the baby boy she named Brandon C. on May 29, 1998, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Raised by his single mother, Brandon experienced so many amazing things throughout his short life. He and his mother vacationed together on a regular basis. They traveled to Orlando and Naples, Florida, every year to see his Great-Grandma Esbaugh and the Baker family. Summers were usually spent visiting his Grandpa and Grandma Delaney in New York where they went sailing and swimming and visited both museums and zoos. Brandon and his mom also traveled to Rivera Maya with Grandma and Grandpa Esbaugh. Holidays were spent with Grandma and Grandpa Delaney and with the Delaney family in New York and at Candlewood Lake in Connecticut. One year Brandon spent a Christmas vacation in California visiting the Baker family. His life was greatly enriched by his father, Carlos Rodriguez, and his three half-siblings, Salarro, Carlo, and Airamay Rodriguez.

Throughout his life Brandon was a bustle of activity. He attended Orchard View Elementary, Forest Hills Eastern Middle School, and was currently a senior at Forest Hills High School. A talented athlete, Brandon played lacrosse in fourth, fifth, and sixth grades, and he enjoyed swimming, skateboarding, fishing, and sailing all around New England as well. Later on Brandon got into kickboxing, and he had recently been volunteering at Blue’s Gym where he helped younger kids train and learn the skill of kickboxing. For years he spent summers at Camp Manitou-Lin in Middleville. Brandon always wanted to go somewhere and do something, even if it was just hanging out with his friends.

As he was growing up Brandon was a young man with many interests. He loved playing video games and was a Michigan State University fan. Brandon was baptized and attended CCD classes at Assumption Church in Belmont, and he was so caring when it came to everyone he was around, especially his great-grandmothers and young children. He had a very diverse taste in music as he really liked all genres, but Brandon really leaned toward hip hop, techno, rap, 50s doo-wop, and anything with a good beat. He was not only a talented athlete, but Brandon was also a gifted artist when it came to drawing. Some of his favorite foods were pizza, chicken, steak, and seafood, yet he also liked the traditional Thanksgiving meal of turkey and all the trimmings. To help maintain a healthy lifestyle, Brandon made smoothies and decker (dagwood) sandwiches. He wasn’t picky when it came to clothing, but he was partial to NYAC (New York Athletic Club).

Charming, funny, and outgoing, there was no one who met Brandon Esbaugh and left unchanged. He was intelligent far beyond his years, and he didn't shy away from trying new things. Brandon was deeply devoted to his family, and he was a beloved son, brother, and friend to all who were near. Deeply loved he will be forever missed.

ESBAUGH, Brandon C., Grand Rapids, MI, Passed away suddenly at his home on September 24, 2016. Brandon was born in Grand Rapids on May 29, 1998. He was the loving son of Lisa Esbaugh and Carlos Rodriguez. He attended Forest Hills Eastern High School. He had a great love of music, skateboarding, kick boxing, lacrosse & art. Brandon was an amazing young man...super charming and intelligent. He is survived by his mother and father; his grandparents, Linda Baker-Delaney and Thomas Delaney, and Victor & Marie Rodriguez; step grandmother Linda Esbaugh; great-grandparents, Lyle and Norma Baker; as well as three half-siblings and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Brandon was preceded in death by his grandfather William Esbaugh and great grandparents Marian and Francis Esbaugh. Friends may visit with his family on Thursday from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at Van Strien Creston Chapel -1833 Plainfield Ave NE. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 11:00 AM at Holy Name of Jesus Parish – 1630 Godfrey Ave SE. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery. Please visit Brandon's personal web page to leave a memory or a condolence at www.lifestorynet.com