Saturday, August 21, 2010

A Life That Keeps on Giving

Today has been a bittersweet day. Although we have had to let Brandon go, there is joy that has come in the mourning. Even in his passing Brandon has saved others. Just this morning his liver and kidney have been donated to two individuals in need. His heart has also been given to research and through new discoveries will go on to save countless lives.

All the way through the finish line Brandon continued to give.

Friday, August 20, 2010

A Life Well Lived

Brandon David Pentz, of Riverside, CA went to be with the Lord Friday, August 20, 2010 in Escondido, CA as a result of an accidental fall.

Born in Fontana, August 8, 1982, to Oran and Laura Pentz, Brandon was a beloved son and brother as well as a loyal friend. Brandon attended Riverside Christian Day School, Woodcrest Christian School, and Riverside Poly High School before earning his BA in Business Administration from Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, CA. Brandon went on to work as a Project Manager for Pan Pacific Plumbing in Irvine and most recently as a Production Team Leader at Goodrich in Riverside. Brandon was a determined hard-worker who gave everything in all he did.

From an early age it was apparent that Brandon was a people person. He had a multitude of great friends and was always the life of the party. He loved sports, and excelled in soccer and football which he would go on to play at APU. Brandon also loved cars, new and old. In high school he and his father restored a red 1966 Chevy Chevelle Malibu together. That car was always one of his most favorite things. More than anything including cars and sports, Brandon loved and cared for every member of his family. He could often be found working with his dad in the yard, or cooking in the kitchen with his mom. When it came to moving furniture, painting houses, washing cars and even changing tires he was always there to serve. Brandon was a man who cared for others above himself, and had a way of making everyone he was around feel special and important. He was an authentic person--what you saw was what you got. He always had a smile on his face.
 Brandon did everything 110%, and could often be heard saying “Go big, or go home!” He never did anything half way, including his faith. Brandon passionately pursued being a man of God. His life can be best summed up by 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.” Brandon never stopped running.

Brandon will open his eyes, and see the glory of heaven. His grandparents are waiting for him, filled with joy in anticipation of seeing him again. They can't wait to hold him, and love on him. They can't wait to walk with him through the gates of heaven into an indescribable eternity. And Brandon's loving, faithful Savior has prepared an awesome welcome home party with glorious music, light, heavenly joy...and maybe a couple of venti iced green teas, no water.

Brandon's final journey has been one of heart-wrenching tragedy, and yet throughout it all, God's fingerprints have been everywhere.

So today is not about the suffering of Brandon's heartbroken family and devastated friends. It's about Brandon's lifelong faith that because he loved and served Christ, he would one day step from this life into heaven.

Brandon is survived by his parents, Oran and Laura Pentz, his sister Natalie, her husband Bryan Davis and their daughter London; Grandparents: Jack and Betty Lewis and JL Patten; Uncles and Aunts: Vic and Becky Pentz, Dave and Myrle Pentz, Darell and Verna Freeman, Larry and Sherry Clark, Charlie and Cindy Catren, Kenny Lewis, Donald and Laurie Lewis, Lynette and Jerry De Los Reyes, Steve and Carol Lewis; cousins: Melody, Audrey, Mellissa, Rachel, Sarah, Jonathan, Jessica, Amy, Heidi, Gabe, Jenna, Rodney, Carrrie, Tara, Brianna, Ashley, and Kaylyn, as well as countless friends.


The celebration service will be held at 4:00pm Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at the Grove Community Church at 19900 Grove Community Drive, Riverside, CA 92508. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sports Ministry of the Grove Community Church.

August 20, 2010

Today Brandon is going to see his Lord and Savior face to face. We are taking these last moments to be with him. We cannot begin to express our appreciation for all of your prayers and support.


One thing is for sure, Brandon is greatly loved!