Brandon Christopher Irlmeier

Brandon Christopher Irlmeier was born May 9, 1997. Raised by his grandmother Nancy Furlow, Brandon grew into a curious, compassionate young man who loved the outdoors and small acts of kindness. From an early age he showed empathy for others — in grade school he gave away lunches to families in need and volunteered to serve meals to children experiencing homelessness. He delighted in exploring the world: whether sliding down muddy hills, longboarding, hiking around Eagle River, or taking part in a school trip to London, Brandon’s energy and appetite for life were clear to those who knew him.

Family remembered Brandon as smart, funny, and deeply curious. He went by “G-Mom” for the special bond he shared with his grandmother, who both raised and cared for him. In messages to family in the months before his passing he expressed gratitude for their support and a wish to get back on track. He had been working toward recovery and was planning to enter a residential program to continue that journey.

Brandon passed away on December 2, 2017. Family and friends gathered to honor his life at a funeral service held at St. Andrew Catholic Church on December 20, 2017, followed by a reception where loved ones shared memories and stories of his warmth and curiosity. His life is also commemorated in memorials in Anchorage and through the work of survivor-support organizations that have stood with his family.

Those who loved Brandon remember a young man who cared for others, who found joy outdoors, and who carried a lively, searching mind. His family continues to hold his memory tenderly — recalling small, telling moments like the time two-year-old Brandon remarked about the moon and the sun, an early sign of the quiet wonder that defined him. Brandon’s life mattered deeply to those who raised him and to the community that remembers him; his kindness and the affection of his family endure in the stories they share.