Lost a fellow derbier

[Amy F.]

I just wanted to let everyone know that the derby world has lost another brother. Joshua Brand, of Florida, tragically lost his life, this past Monday, August 7, 2006, in an accident at home. I don't have any more details than that, at this time, but wanted to pass on the news.
I met Josh at the Stoney Roberts show, at the Hernando County Fair, in Brooksville, FL this past April. He really made an impression on me, as being an extremely polite, and very nice guy, as well as a talented derby driver. He took a '90 Grand AM and WON with it, against some excellent car builders, and drivers, with hard '70's iron full-size sedans and wagons! I remember thinking, "That guy has got to be a very brave soul, at least, and some kinda crazy!" lol Turns out, he was both, according to a friend of the family. I regret that I didn't know Josh anymore than that one meeting. He seemed like the kind of person you could easily call a friend. He will be missed, by many!
I would like to ask that, if there is anyone here, that was at that show, that took pictures, or knows anyone that took pictures, could you please contact me, ASAP, at [e-mail] or [e-mail] or you could leave a message for me, on this board. I was asked, by that family friend, if I had any photos from the show, and I told her that I would look for some. Well, I do, and I don't. Turns out, I've got quite a few pics, but none of Josh. I ran out of memory, in my camera, before the end of the feature, apparently.
I hope someone else, out there, can help this family out. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Brand family, in this time of sorrow. May your hearts find peace, and your souls find joy!

[stris141]

Very sad! He sounds like he was a good guy!

Steve

[chris426]

well at least he's at the big derby in the sky with all the unrusted imperials and roundies where tires never get flat axles never break and 80's gms don't turn to a dozer blade... next axle i break will be for josh...

[fzysideup]

very sad, my condolences to his family.

[tude]

i lost another freind just the other day. Big Bud Cagle he was from waverly ill. he was mentally handicaped but he loved derbying he was building one every year for jacksonville, i went to school with his son then last year or so they moved to florida to get away from the stuff up here he was very nice to every one he ever met

hell i told him i wanted to run one after noon (several years ago) and didnt hve a truck so he filled his up loaded his tools , torch, sledges, and my car and away we went for an hour drive, never charged me a dime. Thats A Freind To Me!

[stris141]

Tude, Friends like that, are one in a million! You were truly lucky, to have know him. And the world will be just a bit sadder, with him gone!

Steve

[tude]

very true very true i wish they still lived here so i could go to the funeral/ visitation

[tude]

i also remember i blew a tire one morning he took his off his truck brought it out to me with his wifes car till i got mine fixed later, i will always be greatfull of him we were along ways from anywhere with aluminum rims on a 3/4 ton desile ill never forget him

[stris141]

It's great to remember those type things. I had a good friend, that had a old 2 1/2 ton Ford truck. But he had it all fixed up, with a tilt bed, new bigger engine, 5 speed trans, cab-over air, and a bunch of stuff. He would let be borrow it, to get my derby cars to and from events. I always helped him work on it. And he always joked, that he's leave it to me, in his will. And I'd laugh at him. Well, he died of a heart attack. And after the service, his Mom comes up to me, and said he left it to me, in his will. I was dumbstruck. I didn't really have a place for it. I kept it for about a year, and then had to sell it. I hated to do it.

Steve

[Shorty Thompson]

I can see your heartache " Stris " . I'd prolly felt bad as heck had I been in your shoes .

[stris141]

Thanks Shorty, The good thing is, I sold it to a guy, who has his own roofing company. He uses it all the time, so I see it now and then.

Steve

[Shorty Thompson]

Well that's good then . Atleast it didn't go to someone that just tore it up , then discarded it .

[tude]

that sounds like something that i would do but id be leaving cars that the junk yard looks at and says what a pile ooooohh and id leave my doberman also lol good to see it driveing around everynow and then im sure