David John Brand

David John Brand, 46 of North Olmsted passed away after a short but courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday, August 5 surrounded by his family.

Dave grew up as the middle child of three boys but learned early on he was a leader. He evolved his knack for leadership into a lifelong career coaching and teaching children and guiding staff to meet their full potential. Dave believed in tough love both with his own family and those who were lucky enough to be on one of his teams. When one of his girls would fall or stumble, he helped them to literally get back up on the horse. He saw potential in everyone and demanded they saw it too. He wanted others to find success and wasn’t shy about what it took to get them there.

Dave was a beloved educator and administrator throughout Ohio spending time in the following school districts; Firelands, Chagrin Falls, Cardinal, South Central, New Philadelphia, and North Olmsted.

For the last year Dave served as the director of North Coast Therapy Associates (NCTA). Dave’s time with NCTA was far more than a career, it was a mission he embraced with his whole heart. Dave believed every child deserved access to high-quality therapy, and every school district deserved a trusted partner. Dave led with humility, compassion, and unwavering integrity, always placing relationships first and encouraging those around him to grow.

Dave and his wife Amanda were a rare couple who were able to claim a love at first sight romance. Meeting through mutual family friends, they met at a campfire and immediately began to plan their happily ever after. Eventually building their family with two girls, Brooke and Cheyenne who both excelled academically and competitively in horse shows. With education serving as a guidepost in his life, Dave’s greatest hope was for both girls to earn their college degree. This school year, both girls will earn their bachelor’s degree.

Dave was preceded in death by his grandparents Florence and Paul Brand and Reta and Wallace Brant, mother Mona Brand, mother-in-law Glendola Zickefoose, infant niece Maranda Seeley, infant niece Rebecca Brand, as well as three of his own unnamed unborn children.

Dave is survived by his wife Amanda of 22 years, and daughters Brooke and Cheyenne. Additional survivors include his father Tom Brand, father-in-law Walter Zickefoose, brothers Michael (Jessica) and Steven (Diana) Brand, sisters-in-law Jennifer (Charles) Seeley and Mariah (Brian) Deitz, and a number of beloved nieces and nephews.

As requested by Dave, a party will be held to truly celebrate his life. Our Dave requested to be sent out in style with beer and BBQ chips. Family and friends are invited to join us on Saturday, September 5 at the Kipton Sportsmen’s Club at 14980 Gifford Rd. Oberlin, Ohio 44074 from 2-7 pm.