Christopher Brandley

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Christopher Brandley, our beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. Born on November 12, 1981, Christopher's life ended far too soon on June 22, 2024, due to undiagnosed cardiovascular disease, leaving behind an irreplaceable void in the hearts of his loved ones.

He is survived by his mother, Diana Brandley; his father, Brian Brandley; his sister, Jaimie Lanham; his brother-in-law, Kelty Lanham; and his cherished nieces, Margot and Cora Lanham. Chris’ bond with his family was unwavering, and his role as a devoted uncle was one that filled him with joy. His nieces loved him dearly, a testament to his loving and gentle nature. He was a constant source of pride for his parents and sister, who will forever cherish the memories of the time they got to spend together as a family. That time - baking days, board game nights, San Diego adventures, holiday movies, and just the quiet time catching up on each other’s lives - will never be the same.

Chris was born in Sydney, Australia while Brian and Diana lived there as Brian was completing his PhD. Chris would point out that he had dual citizenship until he turned 18. You could count on him to use this as a “fun fact” in any ice breaker he had to take part in. It actually became a sticking point when he was accepted to SFSU and was told he would be required him to take an English language proficiency. Because of his dual citizenship. As though they don’t speak English in Australia.

Chris was a proud 1999 alumnus of William Fremd High School, where he ran track and cross country, and met some of the greatest friends of his life. Some of Diana’s fondest memories are of feeding HUGE volumes of pasta to the track team before a meet. No one ever cheered for that track team louder than she did. Chris loved to be part of a team, and turned to running throughout his life as a way to relax and reset. He ran a half marathon on Coronado on his 42nd birthday.

Chris later completed his BA in interior design from San Diego State University in 2009, and continued there for grad school. That’s when he made San Diego his true home. He remained there for the following 15 years meeting great friends and colleagues along the way. Chris loved his focus on commercial design while working at RBN and later Ideate. He loved San Diego for its nature, finding a love of hiking in the last few years, and its city living, with trivia, distilleries, museums, and art. More than anything, though, he stayed to be with some of his favorite people.

A man of many passions, Chris was first and foremost a Chicago Bears fan. He loved and looked forward to his annual trip with high school friends to see the Bears play somewhere new. While he enjoyed teaching Margot new phrases, hearing her little voice say “Bear Down!” was his favorite. His competitive spirit also found an outlet in local trivia nights. His vast knowledge of the most obscure and ridiculous facts was something he and his father shared. He took his roles in his weekly Dungeons and Dragons games, especially as a dungeon master, very seriously. He loved preparing for new campaigns, 3D printing game pieces, and creating maps. More than just games, these were mediums through which he forged lasting friendships and memories.

Chris loved all holidays. Fourth of July high school shenanigans in Rolling Meadows led to all day beach celebrations on Coronado. Halloween was his all time favorite. He planned his costumes, complete with props, at least a year in advance. Chris loved cooking and baking for Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. From homemade dinner rolls or focaccia to Beef Wellington, it was always delicious. Chris and Jaimie also enjoyed creating beautiful holiday cocktails.

Chris was a supporter of just about every nerdy fan base you can think of. Star Wars question at trivia night? Ask Chris! Want to watch a Doctor Who marathon? He’s there! He once flew all the way to Washington DC to see a new Harry Potter movie with Jaimie, and then took her to Harry Potter World in Orlando to celebrate her med school graduation. Chris was also a fan of British comedy game shows which probably resulted from Monty Python marathons with his father and sister. DC, Marvel, Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, Lord of the Rings. Indiana Jones #4 really let him down. The man loved a franchise.

Christopher's hobbies mirrored his multifaceted personality. From building furniture, baking bread, sketching, painting, and anything else he could think of, he was invariably a creator who found joy in bringing his ideas to life. Every creation was a testimony to his unique experience of the world around him. He loved to learn new ways to create, often unsatisfied by his final products because he already knew how to make them better the next time. He was never without an idea, a solution, or something to tinker with.

Chris loved all kinds of music, Tupac and M.C. Hammer to Mariah Carey to Motown to anything Country to Frank Sinatra to Taylor Swift. He loved it all. Diana’s favorite was a Chris and Jaimie duet singing “Build Me Up Buttercup.”

Those who knew Chris would best describe him as empathetic, loving, thoughtful and kind. A good and trustworthy man. He had an innate ability to comprehend the feelings and thoughts of others, making him an irreplaceable pillar within his social circle and family. He felt what we felt, deeply, and was always there to help find solutions and lend a hand in hard times, and celebrate with joy and pride for his friends’ and family’s successes.

As we mourn the loss of an incredible individual, we remember Chris not for his untimely departure, but for the countless moments of love, joy, and inspiration we shared together. His legacy will live on within every life he touched. He made his family so proud, and it is our deepest hope that he knew just how very, very much we love him.

If you have any cherished photos or memories of Chris, please share them below. For those who would like to donate to a cause and Chris’ name, We feel he would have most appreciated donations to your local chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, or the American Heart Association.