Ronald William Brandt

Ron was born October 12, 1956 in Camden, NJ and grew up in Audubon, NJ. He had many fond memories of attending Haddonfield Friends School. After his mother passed, he graduated from Audubon High School and moved to Texas to attend The University of Texas to study government and pre-law. He graduated from University of Houston with a BS and completed his Executive MBA at Texas A&M University and proudly wore his Aggie graduation ring.

Ron started his banking career as a bank teller in New Jersey and worked in the banking industry in Texas for over 40 years as a Private Banker specializing in lending to law firms. He was skilled in marketing, credit underwriting, negotiating, trust, investments, mortgages and he loved doing it.

Ron had a respect for his community and a soft spot for those in need. He was an active and dedicated member of the Pavilion Partners organization for many years, and was the Pavilion Partners President and a member of the Pavilion Board of Directors at the time of his death. He was a former Board Member of Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County, Texas and chaired numerous committees. He was an Advisory Board Member and Member of Careers Committee for Texas A&M, Mays School of Business MBA Program. Ron was a table leader at Quest, Usher, and former at-large member of the Administrative Board at The Woodlands Methodist Church, former Corporate Trustee for the Houston Grand Opera, and former Board member and Finance Committee member at Crisis Intervention of Houston.

Ron and Cyndi’s home served as a community gathering space year-round. He was an incredible host, seen many times grilling chicken, burgers and ribs by the pool. Shaking a mean martini, pouring wine and making guests and everyone who knew him feel appreciated. And stories! Ron loved to tell stories. Stories about New Jersey, college, clients, friends, where to find the best music venues and restaurant dives in any city he went to.

Ron had a very extensive network of interesting customers, co-workers and acquaintances who truly considered Ron their friend. One special co-worker Cyndi became his best friend and the love of his life. They shared 23 wonderful years together loving their blended family and working on Ron’s bucket list that provided the two of them with amazing adventures that spanned the globe.

Ron was an example of loyalty, dedication and support to all those in his circle of friends. He was a mentor to many in the banking industry, and a lifetime supporter of non-profit organizations and music. Besides Cyndi, one of Ron’s biggest passions was music. He and Cyndi attended too many concerts and performances to count and cruised on The Rock Boat for 15 years, hosting many musicians they met on the cruise when gigs brought them to Houston. Ron is definitely hanging out with the music greats in the “The Rock Boat in the Sky.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents Ronald E. Brandt and Jeanne Mackin Brandt Cooney, and his step-father William “Pete” B. Cooney. When Ron took off for his biggest adventure yet, he left behind his devoted wife, Cynthia Decker Brandt; sons Richard Brandt (Traci), Ryan E. Brandt (Sue), William M. “Matt” Brandt and stepson John Michael Jones. He leaves behind eight grandchildren: Jalen Brandt, Brooklynn Brandt, Trey Martin, Michael Brandt, Jacob Brandt, Ronald Brandt, Kendall Brandt, and Ava Brandt.

Everyone who remembers Ron is asked to celebrate his remarkable life in their own way. Raising a glass of their favorite drink would be quite appropriate. He was an amazing man and will be greatly missed.

In honor of his dedication to helping others, Memorial Donations may be made to: The Woodlands Methodist Church: www.thewoodlandsmethodist.org/Foundation Texas A&M Foundation: www.TXAMFoundation.com The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion: www.woodlandcenter.org Habitat for Humanity Montgomery County: www.habitatmctx.org/donate

A memorial service will be held to celebrate Ron’s amazing life on Friday, January 12 at 2 pm in the Robb Chapel at the Woodlands Methodist Church.