Honoring the life of Brandon Reed Smith

My husband, Brandon, was many things. He was a father whose daughter meant everything to him. He was a proud and self-proclaimed “mama’s boy.” He was a huge Cincinnati Reds and Ohio State fan. And Brandon was a hero to others.

On September 6, 2015, Brandon became a tissue and cornea donor after his unexpected passing at the age of 42. Losing my husband at such a young age was something that never crossed my mind. He was too full of life. Too full of love. The thought of him no longer being here with me, his daughter, his family, friends, and his beloved fur-babies felt impossible to comprehend. One of the few comforts I found after his death was knowing he would be helping others.

I knew Brandon wanted to be a donor. Several years before his passing, while his mother was in hospice, Brandon and I talked about donation and how we were both registered donors. More than simply being registered, Brandon was passionate about helping others. That was just the kind of person he was — he truly had a heart of gold.

I often say Brandon was larger than life, and now his legacy is too. Even after his passing, he continues to touch so many lives. His corneas stayed in Ohio and helped two people see again. His heart valves went to Pennsylvania — one to a man and one to a little boy. It has always warmed my heart knowing that the biggest kid I knew was able to help another kid.

Brandon’s tissue donations were sent all over the world — from the United States to Great Britain. He was even able to help people in the “state up north.” I like to think there may be some Michigan fans slowly turning into Buckeye fans without knowing why.

Brandon was a gentle giant with a larger-than-life personality. He genuinely cared about the people who crossed his path and wanted nothing more than to see them succeed and be happy. He had an incredible sense of humor and a quick wit that could make anyone laugh. Brandon never met a stranger, and whether it was through a joke, a sarcastic comment, or simply his larger-than-life presence, he had a way of making people feel comfortable and welcomed.

He was a devoted son, brother, father, and husband who often put the happiness of others before his own, including that of his fur-babies Chloe, Maggie, Abbey, and Raekwon the Chef.

Not a day goes by that Brandon isn’t missed. His absence is still deeply felt by all who knew and loved him, but so is the love, laughter, and kindness he brought into our lives.

The world is a better place because Brandon was in it, and through donation, his kindness and generosity continue to live on.