Brandon H. Armstrong
Brandon H. Armstrong
If you are familiar with Unit 10 in Quail Creek, there sits a corner house that flew the Stars & Stripes on one side of the driveway and the United States Marine Corps flag on the other—from sunrise to sunset almost without fail. That was my dad’s house … Brandon H. Armstrong.
My dad loved living in Quail Creek. He and Sylvia, his second wife, really enjoyed retirement here. They found fast friends to share impromptu meals, books, movies, and even a few road trips—one to Albuquerque to see the Gathering of Nations and another to San Diego where my dad served as tour guide. Sylvia joined the Lady Putters and a book club, while my dad enjoyed hunting rocks and making jewelry with the Lapidary group. He joined the volunteer Fire Corps helping relocate errant rattlesnakes and maintaining residents’ smoke detectors. But probably Brandon’s favorite endeavor was championing the Horseshoe Club. He loved to share his passion and techniques for throwing horseshoes and lobbied to get improved facilities for the club. The pits are located behind the dog park near the Administration building going out the back gate. If you listen closely, you can hear the clink of a shoe hitting the stake as Rick Root and a group of friends carry on the tradition.
Dad and Sylvia enjoyed night swims, stargazing, exploring Madera Canyon, and attending local talks and workshops. They were glad to share the amenities Quail Creek offers whenever friends or family visited. My kids all learn to play Bocce Ball with Papa on the courts next to the pool, always taking advantage of a cool swim afterwards. Sadly, Sylvia started to show signs of dementia; many of their extracurricular activities had to be curtailed.
Here is where Dad’s Marine Corps training really proved helpful. He believed in the unofficial motto “improvise, adapt, and overcome” … he saw it as his new mission to become the best caretaker he could be for his beloved wife. Many friends in Quail Creek were helpful, some giving them a ride home when Sylvia insisted on walking too far, others sharing a meal or stopping by to visit as she became more housebound. Dad said he could not have done it without the help of these Guardian Angels, especially MaryEllen Pruess and the members of Unit 10. The Quail Creek Semper Fi Club was a welcome addition to Dad’s life. He was instrumental in getting embroidered club shirts and covers (caps) with the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor logo. Celebrating the Marine Corps birthday became a favorite event, especially when he was the oldest Marine in attendance—a true honor!
I told my dad he made it easy for me to believe in a good, kind, and loving Heavenly Father. He was so generous with his time and resources and so committed to his loved ones. Brandon buried two wives, our mom Beverly in 2001 and Sylvia in 2020. He passed away on Oct. 30, 2024, at the age of 88. He is survived by my brothers and I, our spouses, nine grandchildren—five of whom are married, and seven-plus great-grandchildren (a new one due this July). We are grateful to the community of Quail Creek for being an extended family to our dad in his later years.
May God bless you all,
Kim A. Byrd