Brandt Timothy Heatherington

Brandt Timothy Heatherington of Burke, Virginia passed away on March 1, 2020 at the age of 56 from complications related to cardiomyopathy. Brandt is survived by his wife, Jennifer; their son, Samuel; and his sister Kimberley Heatherington. He also leaves his aunt Margaret Dodd and cousins Susan Friese, Jan van der Vate (Julie), Liz van der Vate, Gordon Ritter (Andrea), and Sarah van der Vate. Brandt was the son of the late Nancy Lena (Dodd) Heatherington and James Rufus Heatherington. Brandt was a 1981 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, and in 1986 earned a degree in Fine Arts from George Mason University. His 35-year career included the founding and ownership of a graphic design firm, and serving as Marketing Director for several domestic and international cybersecurity companies. Brandt was a student of history, and devoted himself to the hobby of re-enacting. He joined the First Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line—a re-created Revolutionary War unit—when he was sixteen years old. Throughout the decades that followed, he also portrayed other eras and forces, including colonial Hessian, WWII American, WWII German, Irish Volunteers, and most recently WWI British. A stickler for authenticity, he took great care to ensure that uniforms and gear were historically accurate. Several of Brandt’s scholarly articles were published in history and policy magazines, including The National Interest. A lifelong fan of Star Trek, Brandt looked to the future with optimism and the hope that our world would evolve not only technologically, but as a society. He was a member of STARFLEET, the International Star Trek Fan Association, and held roles as Commander, Chief of Personnel, and Public Relations Director. Music fueled Brandt’s soul, and his wide-ranging tastes spanned many genres, from 80’s alternative to classical and almost anything in between. A gifted bass player, Brandt performed with several local bands, including Fear of Man, Group Therapy, and Bent Penny, that appeared at some of DC’s most popular clubs. As a freshman at George Mason University, Brandt became a brother of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. He served as chapter president for two terms as an undergraduate, and continued to serve as an alumnus, taking on the roles of Alumni Board Communications Director, Seuss on the Loose school reading program organizer, and alumni golf tournament planner. Brandt believed his commitment to the fraternity was for life, and he diligently worked to ensure that his brothers were able to continue the relationships that are so often lost after graduation. He was truly the heart and soul of the brotherhood. A talented artist, Brandt never hesitated to apply his skill in service of the causes he supported. His designs were featured on many Sig Ep commemorative shirts, and he painstakingly recreated Revolutionary War flags that included authentic hand-painted details. An amateur herpetologist, he kept over the years a variety of unusual snakes, lizards, and turtles as much-loved pets. But of all of Brandt’s life accomplishments, those who knew him would agree that what he treasured most were those as husband to Jennifer, and father to Sam.