Brandon K. Hibberd

Lifelong Ventura County resident, Brandon King Hibberd, 25, of Oxnard, passed away on Saturday, July 21, 2012, at UCLA Medical Center in Santa Monica following a lengthy illness. He was born on July 19, 1987 in Ventura to Gene and Karen Hibberd. In 1989, Brandon’s brother Dustin was born and the two became inseparable in their youth. Their close relationship remains even in his absence.

Brandon was diagnosed in 2004 with cancer, and priorities in the family changed to get him well again. Brandon did not behave like this was a very serious, typically incurable disease. At first we thought that he was a naive kid, but as time went on, we found that his strong will was the only way he knew, and giving in to the disease was not an option.

Sandra, MSN, UCLA Hematology-Oncology said. “Brandon was different from many patients; he survived for 8 years because he never let cancer take over his character. He was kind and sweet but fought courageously, like a warrior, always believing the next treatment would beat the disease.”

Brandon made many friends on-line in the gaming tribes and clans. Friends would come over every weekend and the young men would battle it out against each other in the gaming room. Whether computers or sports like long distance running, or volleyball, his competitive nature was evident. Around age seven he began a 10 year path into oriental philosophy and hand to hand combat. Just before becoming diagnosed, he was preparing for entering the Marine Corps.

He is survived by his mother, Karen Collins-Hibberd; father, Gene A. Hibberd (fiancée Tammi Costigan) of Oxnard; brothers, Dustin A. Hibberd of Oxnard and Rick Hibberd of Niles, MI; sister, Rhiannon Smith-Yoder of Goshen, IN; step father, Greg Casparro, of Oxnard; step brother, Tony Casparro of Palo Alto; step sister, Dina Head of Oxnard; grandparents, James and Sue Collins of Buffalo, NY; grandparents, Nick and Sue Germano, of Manassas, Virginia; uncles and aunts, Jim Collins, John Collins, Kathy Ducago, and Susie Collins all of Buffalo, NY.

Brandon reminded us how valuable a person can be to those around them. He wanted to join the military and fight for his country. But God had a different path for him. Brandon would help show the pathway for doctors and patients to better treat and beat this disease.

Contributions to assist family with medical and funeral expenses may be sent to Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Rd, Ventura, CA 93003, (805) 643-9977.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 11th, 2:00 P.M. at Lifeway Baptist Church, 673 West Santa Paula Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060. A reception will follow the service at the church.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home and Crematory.