Community Heartbroken After Death of Durand Mayor Jeff Brands

I grew up in Durand up until I was in 8th grade, and I have fond memories of growing up in Railroad City U.S.A. Hearing news that Durand’s mayor passed away over the weekend is heartbreaking for the entire community. ABC 12 reported on his passing yesterday.

A Lifetime of Service to Durand

When you hear people talk about somebody who truly cared about their hometown, it sounds like Mayor Jeff Brands was exactly that kind of person. And not just in title either. This was somebody who was constantly involved, constantly helping, and constantly trying to make Durand a better place for everybody who lived there.

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Before becoming mayor, he served on the Planning Commission and the City Council, so this wasn’t somebody who just suddenly showed up in politics one day. He had been putting in the work for years because he genuinely believed in the city and the people who call Durand home.

Leading by Example in the Community

What really stands out to me, though, is hearing about all the hands-on things he did around town. He helped plant flowers, hang Christmas lights downtown, organize cleanups, and volunteer at local events.

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That says a lot about a person. Anybody can hold a title, but not everybody is willing to roll up their sleeves and actually do the work beside everybody else.

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The Greater Durand Area Chamber of Commerce said he always led by example and never asked anybody to do something he wouldn’t do himself. Honestly, that’s probably one of the best things somebody can say about a leader.

Durand Mourning a Beloved Leader

You can tell Mayor Brands loved Durand deeply, and there’s no question his passing leaves a huge hole in the community. Thoughts are definitely with his family, friends, and everyone in Durand mourning this loss today.