Book of Memories for Raymond G Brandes

Story shared: A community man

Mon, 28 Nov 2016 13:20:40 EST

I first met Mr. Bee as a Cub Scout in the early '80s. He came to a meeting with a memory game he had made, and was so engaging that I recall the event 35 years later. The man epitomized community, Scouting, and character. He befriended my father, and took me for my driving test at age 17 when my own father was terminally ill. I remember him hiking the AT in retirement, his old green Dodge Dart, and working next to him at paper drives--discovering, in his words, "muscles I didn't know I had". Perhaps my favorite memories of him are at Sabattis, where he was in his patient element building the skills of young men.

I thought to email Ray in late September this year, and he quickly returned my email, just a few weeks before his passing. I am so glad I connected with him one last time.

Walt Schaeffler (jr.), former Scout, Troop 59

Condolence From mike and laura pesce

Mon, 24 Oct 2016 07:32:10 EDT

We are so sorry to hear of the death of Mr. B. Our sons Marko and Eric were privileged to be mentored by Mr. B while in Boy Scouts in Stirling. He was such a role model for them, and a positive inspiration to all around him. He will be very missed. Mike and Laura

Story shared: Always a Boy Scout, Mr. Bee

Fri, 21 Oct 2016 18:23:09 EDT

I had the great pleasure of meeting Ray at Sabattis Adventure Camp in the mid 1990's. All trekkers at Sabattis receive a hand carved paddle with some type of adirondack or camp scene handprinted on each. Ray tirelessly made these paddles so each scout would have a unique memory of their Sabattis experience. Each year Ray would reach out to offer to make to next years batch, as the camp trekking program began growing I felt a little guilty asking Ray to make so many paddles. Ray would never hesitate and each years delivery was greatly anticipated to see the design Ray painted. The best part was the "extras" Ray would include with the paddles, sometimes an extra large paddle then came carved anvils for the winner of the camp's ironman competition to various neckerchief slides. Ray eventually went on to make neckerchief slides and other keepsakes for many of us at camp. I have many artifacts from my years working at camp, but none of them compare to the feeling of gratitude I get from each of the gifts Ray gave me. My favorite part of each correspondence with Ray was how he signed his letters and eventually emails, "Always a Boy Scout" Mr. Bee. Ray, as I would say at the campfires, please accept this last salute from me as a sign of respect from myself all the staff of SAC and all of the scouts you impacted during your years in the BSA. May God Bless you and your family. Glenn Runyon Camp Director Sabattis Adventure Camp 1997-2011

Condolence From Carl Mazeika

Fri, 21 Oct 2016 15:31:25 EDT

To Family, Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. I worked at Bell Labs and knew Ray since the early 1960's. He was one of the nicest persons anyone could work with and always had a smile. He will be in my prayers. Carl Mazeika Langhorne, PA

Condolence From Ray and Ruby Brandes

Fri, 21 Oct 2016 08:49:55 EDT

We love you Pop and will miss you so much! All our love! Ray and Ruby

Condolence From Bob Morris

Fri, 21 Oct 2016 07:50:31 EDT

The Patriots' Path Council Boy Scouts of America and Sabattis Adventure Camp scouters offer our prayers for one of our finest. We will miss you Mr. Bee.

Condolence From Linda San Giovanni

Thu, 20 Oct 2016 18:38:14 EDT

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Brandes family. Mr. Brandes was always so very kind to me and I will always remember him warmly in my heart. May he rest in peace.

Condolence From Michael & Ji Ying San Giovanni

Thu, 20 Oct 2016 17:41:05 EDT

Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Mr. Brandes may he rest in peace forever.

Condolence From A Blount

Thu, 20 Oct 2016 17:13:29 EDT

To the Family of Raymond Brandes I am sorry for your loss. Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and Raymond today. 2 Corinthians 1:3,4 reminds us that God is always there to comfort us. I pray this helps you to find solace.