Late into our 8th grade, Brandon, our friend Damien, and I worked on creating a stirling engine as part of an open-ended science project. Most of the other groups in the class created rather linear projects, but Brandon decided that he wanted to do something different, which we ended up doing. We went into the project with pretty high standards and expected to finish with a satisfying, effective product, but as our deadline got closer and closer, the three of us had to actually start working instead of spending our time watching videos or playing browser games in class. It's funny to watch the video because I'm genuinely impressed at how far we got given the amount of effort that we put into the project, but I couldn't expect anything less from Brandon in Middle School.

I'll never forget how defensive Brandon used to get when Mr. Rohrs challenged something that he said in class, or how he'd whip out the, "Actually...." every now and then.

I was lucky enough to get to know and become close with Brandon through Math and Science in 8th grade, and I've yet to encounter a Science class that I've enjoyed more than that one. 

Attached is a video of us explaining how our project works. If you're interested in our 8th grader description, you're very welcome to watch the video, but it's more entertaining to view how much we changed from 8th grade to 9th grade, and onward. 

Since you've passed, I've reflected and learnt so much about myself and the people around me. For that, I am eternally grateful. Yet, there's barely a day that goes by that I don't think about how I wish you were still around. Be it a boring class, or a quiet lunch, an eerie weekend night, or a sunny Saturday afternoon, you'll always be on my mind. 

Love and miss you always, 
Alexander Achcar 

To all Brandon's friends,

Brandon's ashes are resting at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Colma/South SF.   His monument took a year to make and ship to US but it is finally in place.  

Regards,

Brandon's Mom 

For Brandon's friends and family who did not attend the US service and have been enquiring, Brandon's ashes are resting in peace next to his grandpa in South San Francisco.    We are having an angel marble headstone built which will likely be completed after the summer.   If anybody would like to visit at some later date feel free to contact me.

Rgds,  

Alice

P.S.   To Brandon's beloved cousins, I'm sure Brandon is smiling from heaven watching you wearing his volleyball and track uniforms.  And thank you for bringing him his favorite drink.   

The one time you all came as one big family to nyc in 2005. logistics of seating all of us to eat - was something. you guys had walkie talkies. your sons and my boys went to the Pokemon store and they were such gentlemens when we had to accompany the girls to the American Girl store. here at the Waldorf Astoria where your whole family stayed. Thank you for taking the time to see us. During that visit Brando and two brothers were so sweet to my boys - they were so caring that they would not be left out with the games. - That visit warmed my heart - to see childhood friend with her kids with mine together. 

 

One of my favourite memories of Brandon was in October of 2015. After long day, I had an entire night in which nothing was planned. It was then that I texted Brandon, and arranged for us to have dinner together.

Brandon suggested Chinese food in Stanley, but I really wanted to stay home, so I proposed that instead of going out to buy food, we could instead go back to my apartment and make it ourselves.

We then walked to the supermarket, bought a gigantic steak, a few cans of sprite, some potatoes, and walked back home. Though I can't remember exactly what Brandon and I spoke about on our walk, I can remember that I've never had an uninteresting conversation with him!

As soon as we got home, we heated up some oil on a skillet, seasoned the monstrous piece of meat that we had purchased, and, smoking up the entire apartment in the process, cooked the meat perfectly! At this point, Brandon reached into our bag of groceries, and we realized that we hadn't made our potatoes yet!

Still, we didn't want our creation to go to waste and get cold, so after putting the potatoes in the oven (which we had only just turned on), we ate our steak as slow as possible, hoping to consume a morsel or two with our side dish once it was cooked. When the potatoes were finally ready (or so we thought), they werent cooked all the way through! Having to cut through our nearly raw potatoes made us eat even slower. That was no problem, however, because it only prolonged our chat.

Even though the extent of our activity that night was conversation and cooking, it was a really good time. I wish that Brandon and I could have spent more time together, but when I think of him and the precious memories that we have shared, they make me smile.

To Brandon-

I'll remember you forever. After all, I think of you every night when I set my alarm- you always said I sleep too much!

All of my love

Nick