Obituary of John Bruce Brand

John Brand, whose biggest project was renovating with the help of two former glass factory workers, the 100-year-old bankrupt Seneca Glass Factory into Seneca Center, died at home on Friday, April 8th. The cause was metastatic esophageal cancer, diagnosed seven years ago. Mr. Brand, who rose to become president of Seneca Center’s holding company, began his career at the age of 18 as an installer for Sanders Floor Covering, joining Albert Sanders and his two sons, Gene and Craig. As the firm grew, from installation he went into sales and then management. In 2001, fifteen years after Sanders Floor Covering purchased the bankrupt glass company and remodeling was complete, Seneca Center was split off becoming solely owned by Mr. Brand and his wife. Born in Morgantown, WV, in 1938 to Rex and Virginia Moyers Brand, he suffered the death of his father at the age of four, going to live with his grandfather and grandmother, John T. and Lena Brand, on their farm in Sugar Grove, WV. Driving tractors by ten instilled a life-long passion for vehicles. Asking his grandfather what time he had to be home, the answer was no curfew-just be up to milk the cows at 5:00 a.m. As a young driver, he and buddies set lookouts at either end of a stretch of Rt. 7 and raced all comers, betting to win. He bought his first new car with his winnings. Generous not only of spirit but in so many ways to so many people, he leaves a lovely legacy to his wife of 35 years, Marsha, two sons, Jim, wife Jo, and John J. Brand, partner Kristie McClain, his step-son Max Hunt, wife Karin, a recently revealed daughter Deborah Abbe, husband Eldon, a grandson he became guardian of as his own grandfather did him, Johnathan Brand, nine other grandchildren, two great grandchildren, two beloved brother-in-laws, Garrett Jarvis and Richard Sanders, a dear sister-in-law, Janet Sanders, and his closest friend, Cleveland Biller. He was predeceased by his parents, a son, Michael David Brand, and his only sister, Barbara Jarvis. Friends and family will be received at the Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown, on Monday, April 11th from 4-8. A Memorial Service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, April 12th at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Monongalia County Humane Society, PO BOX 390, Morgantown, WV 26507 or to The 17 Club, One Brookstone Plaza, Rt. 857 Greenbag Rd., Morgantown, WV 26508. Online condolences may be made at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.