Brandon Michael Blenis of Vernon, N.J., beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend, passed suddenly on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. He was 37.
Brandon was born on March 3, 1983 to his loving mother, Maryann Blenis, and father, Randy Blenis. Brandon was an adorable little boy who loved playing outside with friends, and spending time with his beloved Pop, Charles, who passed last year. He was an incredible skier. Many of his favorite memories included skiing the big slopes of Nevada and California and spending time fishing on Lake Tahoe.
Brandon was employed by Ropeway Construction. He spent most of his time on top of the big mountains repairing and installing ski lifts. From the time he was a little boy, he worked with his father learning how to splice cables and work on the big lifts. He is one of only a very few people skilled in this field.
He loved spending time with his little cousins. While his sister Shannon coordinated the annual Easter Egg hunt, Brandon would take the littlest ones on the hunt, just to ensure they were able to find eggs too. Whether it was dressing up for Halloween or celebrating Christmas, he always wanted to make sure the kids had a great time.
Brandon’s dog Koda was his pride and joy. Koda was his best friend and they spent countless hours together. Brandon was incredibly patient and spent hours teaching Koda tricks. Wherever Brandon was, Koda was right beside him.
He loved sports especially the Detroit Lions. Win or lose, there was always plenty of bantering in the household about which team was going to make it the furthest that year.Brandon loved anything with a motor; from big trucks, to motorcycles and snowmobiles. He loved working on machines almost as much as riding them. After a big snow, you could catch him speeding up the local snowbound mountains on his snowmobile.
Brandon is survived by his loving mother, Maryann Blenis; father, Randy Blenis (Judy Dinkins); stepmother, Helen Blenis; and sister Shannon Blenis. He is also survived by his grandmothers, Evelyn Stone and Mary Blenis; aunts, Catherine Stone, Michelle Van Tassel (Mark), Jodie Wainwright (Earl), Jamie Gerczak (Allen), Tara Boutoille, Robin Watchman (Dusty); Uncles Jason Blenis (Mary) and Douglas Borkowski; Godmother, Kim Best; Godfather, Barry Auberger; as well as many cousins and friends.
Brandon is predeceased by grandfathers, Charles “Pop” Stone and Robert Blenis; his uncle Michael Stone; as well as his beloved dog Koda.
A “walk-through” memorial visitation was held Feb. 6 at the Ferguson-Vernon Funeral Home, Vernon, followed by a memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the ASPCA (ASPCA.org or call 800-628-0028).