Brandon James Champion
A life too short
Brandon was many things in his short life. From a US Marine to a volunteer firefighter, a business owner, to a husband, and finally, a father. The video captures Brandon's view on life, how he shared his life with others.
A Father
Brandon was the proud father of two young sons, Tyler and Lucas. Whether coaching on the field, or on a ride at Disneyland, Brandon loved being with his boys. Although they will never be able to hug their father again, there is some comfort in knowing Brandon's sons will witness the helping hand their father's foundation provides to local youth.
Brandon with his eldest son, Tyler. Disneyland - It's a Bugs Life.
A Veteran Honored
Sgt. Brandon James Champion
United States Marine Corps
1999 to 2003
3rd Marine Air Wing
3rd FSSG
Operation Enduring Freedom
A Coach
Words from Brandon's Little League families
- The impact Brandon left on Caleb, I will forever be grateful for. He instilled a passion for baseball and taught them all how to be an excellent teammate
- As the Player Agent and Safety Officer of Westside Little League while Brandon coached, I can attest that he made a huge difference in the lives of the kids he coached. And even their parents and families. Thank you for raising a great guy. Brandon is loved and missed by his Westside Family
- Brandon was the best coach. I will never forget how amazing he always was with Logan
Brandon with his sisters, Kristin and Shannon
Marines fight the battles for those who are unable.
One rainy, cold day I was driving down Hopper Avenue, near Coffey Park. There were two vehicles in front of me, a small sedan, and a box truck. I noticed the box truck slow down and slowly move to the other lane. That’s when I saw a man literally lying on the wet ground, scooting himself across 4 lanes of traffic. The car in front of mine slowed down and also moved aside; I followed suit. Part of me wanted to stop, but I was a bit concerned about being by myself and the mental state of the man. I continued to drive slowly and was going to pull over and call for help. That’s when I noticed the box truck turn around. It was coming back for the man. As the truck got closer, I noticed it belonged to our family business and Brandon was driving. I watched in my rear-view mirror as my brother pulled over, helped the man up and crossed the street safely with him. Brandon then stood by the man in the rain, chatting with him while he waited for an ambulance to arrive.
Later, I mentioned to Brandon that I witnessed what he had done. He told me that the man was intoxicated and homeless and that he couldn’t leave without knowing that he was going to be taken care of. This was the man my brother was. This is how I’ll choose to remember him, kind, compassionate and considerate.
Kristin Champion (sister)
BRANDON'S pASSION
Golfer
Golfer
Of all the fund raising ideas Brandon's foundation could have come up with, none was going to represent Brandon like golfing. Brandon loved to golf. At 6'3" 240lbs, Brandon could drive a golf ball with the best of them. Brandon was known to drive upwards to 300-320 yards. Not only did Brandon love the sport of golf, he bought clubs for both of his boys and was teaching them how to play the game. Many a weekend you would find Brandon and his boys at the fairgrounds driving range.
Brandon at Bodega Bay Golf Course
Coach
Golfer
Joshua was an overweight kid who struggled with self esteem. His baseball skills were not strong, his social skills limited. Joshua was a player on Brandon's 2015 Little League team. I watched Brandon encourage him, and when needed, console Joshua through every practice, every game, every at bat. It was our last game and Joshua had yet to get a base hit. Just as he had done on every at bat prior to this game, Brandon continued to encourage Joshua. On Joshua's last at bat he swung at an outside pitch and hit a clean single to right field. When the inning ended, Joshua ran back to the dugout and was greeted by a huge smile, high fives and verbal congratulations from Brandon. After Brandon's season-ending talk to the team, Joshua, with his grandmother by his side, approached Brandon and gave him a huge hug and thanked him for everything he had done for him. Joshua will remember Coach Brandon the rest of his life. Today, I drove by a baseball field and wondered how many Joshua's will not get to experience what I watched unfold over an entire season. Brandon had the gift; I was proud to witness it.
Ron Champion
Father
Husband
Brandon consoling his son, Tyler after a strikeout. Brandon coached his sons in baseball, soccer and basketball. Brandon had the ability to connect with his players in a way that will leave lifelong memories for each and every one of them. It was a wonder to watch him connect with the kids on his teams. He was loved by both parents and players.
Husband
Husband
All Brandon ever wanted was a family. He married his wife, Nicolina in, 2007. Brandon and Nicolina bought a house, started a family and were starting to see their dreams come true. As painful as it is knowing Brandon will no longer be there for his family, we are comforted knowing that Brandon was able to fulfill his dream of becoming a husband and father, as well as knowing the love and joy that comes with a family.
Veteran
Sgt. Brandon James Champion
3rd Marine Air Wing
3rd FSSG
Operation Enduring Freedom
Friend
If you were Brandon's friend, you were his friend for life. Since Brandon's passing, so many of his friends have spoken about his kindness and generosity towards them. The friendships he shared come straight from the Marine Corps. Just as Marines are brothers for life, if you were Brandon's friend, you were his brother.
Brandon with two of his closest friends from the Marine Corps