Brandt Kim Morrell
September 22, 1951 - May 23, 2015
- Share:
Brandt Kim Morrell
September 22, 1951 - May 23, 2015
Obituary
Brandt Kim Morrell, 63, passed away on May 23, 2015. He was born on Sept. 22, 1951, in San Francisco, to Clarence Ray Morrell and Donna Marie Klingler (née Meyer).
After spending his early childhood in Burlingame, Calif., Brandt graduated in 1969 from Del Oro High School in Loomis, Calif. He then earned a BS degree in human resources management from California State University, Sacramento, and later attended executive management programs at Northwestern University in Chicago. He was a member of the Phi Beta Lambda organization and edited his college newspaper.
Brandt married Barbara Ellen Reed in 1973, right before college graduation, in Sacramento. Together, they happily brought three daughters into their family between 1977 and 1989; Brandt devoted much of his life to lavishing time, energy and love on his tribe.
Brandt was an executive for 22 years at Moore Corporation in the Fresno, Chicago and San Francisco areas, most recently as vice president of western area sales and executive sponsor of Moore’s sales automation project. In 1995, Brandt was honored with the Moore Chairman’s World Class Award as Top Senior Executive in the U.S. in front of an audience of thousands. He joined Altec Inc in May 1996 as chief operating officer, president, and partner; he remained dedicated to the company’s success until his passing.
In his free time, Brandt had passions for cars, interior decorating, and spending time with his friends and family. He prided himself on the lifelong friendships he built and did his best to maintain them with frequent calls, letters and visits. Looking for ways to enrich the lives of others, Brandt directed fundraiser call campaigns for SchoolPower in Laguna Beach and volunteered extensively at Mercy House in Santa Ana, Calif., receiving a Santa Ana 2004 Community Building Award. He also volunteered for many an overnight shift at homeless shelters during his years in Illinois.
Brandt was preceded in death by his parents, Donna Marie Klingler and Clarence Ray Morrell. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Morrell, and his companion, Jeff Quinn; his daughters Kara (Ed) Malley, Kate (Tom) Patterson and Kelly Morrell; his sisters Kelly (Gary) Kuntz and Karin Morrell; his grandchildren Angela, Scott, Joseph, Dalton, Ethan, Julia and Madison; and his dogs Parker and Penny.
A memorial service will be held at O’Connor Mortuary, 25301 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92653, at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 5. Should friends desire, contributions may be sent to http://mercyhouse.net/donate/.
16 responses to Brandt Kim Morrell
Peg Shannon says:
June 1, 2015
Brandt, as evidenced by your very wonderful family, friends and coworkers, you touched them and so many others in such positive ways. You were charismatic, diplomatic and visionary., a rare combination for sure. I fondly recall the story of your name, that you added the “d” and your Mom just went with it. What an inspirational woman. You’re blessed in many, many ways and so are we who got a chance to meet and know you. May your legacy live on. Hugs all around, Peg (Mink) Shannon
Joan Colvin says:
June 3, 2015
Brandt, I will always cherish the friendship we had and I am so thankful that our journeys coincided and paths intertwined for so many years. I am a better person for having your guidance throughout my life.
Here is a copy of a poem I gave to you several years ago. It was how I thought of you then, and how I will always remember you.
Success
The pathway to success lies in believing in the dreams
Seeing them, not as far-off wishes,
But as today’s possibilities
It’s being willing to take risks in order to grow,
And being able to accept mistakes in order to learn.
It’s trusting your heart to know
When to seek direction
And when to follow your instinct,
When to purse, when to persist,
And when to just be patient.
The quality of success
Lies in sharing your vision
Encouraging others and setting an example,
Giving praise, advice and credit where it is due.
It’s never being too focused on your own goals
To lend a helping hand
Or offer a friendly smile to others.
The true measure of success
Lies not so much in what you have achieved,
But in whether you have made a difference
It knows you have touched the lives of others,
And have some way made the world
A little bit brighter, a little bit better.
My world is a WHOLE LOT brighter and a WHOLE LOT better because of you. You taught me so much, made such a difference to me and touched my life in countless ways. I am going to miss you more than words can express. Love you Brandt!
Mark Daggett says:
June 4, 2015
Brandt, you were a dear friend and exceptional mentor. There are not enough words to express how much I appreciated your help and support early on in my career. You are smart, funny and kind. May you rest in eternal peace. Mark D.
Thomas and Keaton Lillard says:
June 4, 2015
Lit a candle in memory of Brandt Kim Morrell
Marty Morse says:
June 5, 2015
Brandt and I met in college with Phi Beta Lambda WE BECAME CLOSE FRIENDS when I moved to Fremont in 1971 he would visit me almost every weekend and we would spend time in the city. GREAT TIMES He will be missed.