A place for Brandon
Phil, Margee, Ryan, and Emily Barmore at the spot along Fryer Creek they have picked out to place a memorial bench for their son and brother, Brandon.
Four years ago, 17-year-old Brandon Barmore died in an accident while on a service trip to Nicaragua.
His parents, Margee and Phil Barmore, knew they wanted to place a memorial bench in his honor on the Fryer Creek path near where he spent hours exploring the woods and creek. They approached the City, but the timing was off – the council was just beginning a process to establish a new policy for benches and memorials. A task force was formed to establish guidelines, standards, materials, bench design, and other factors.
City Councilmembers Madolyn Agrimonti and Rachel Hundley helped put a document together that established a uniform bench design that would increase weather-resistance and longevity, including a durable coated material. Each bench would be placed on a concrete pad to keep it from sinking and to make maintenance easier.
The City is now ready to launch the new program, and Brandon’s will be the inaugural bench. The Barmores hope to have it placed alongside the Fryer Creek path just behind their home.
Here is a quote from Brandon’s Nicaragua journal the family hopes to inscribe on the plaque: “There is no grammar, syntax, or elegance of form to the language of love, kindness, and compassion.”
Anyone requesting a memorial bench from the city is responsible for the cost, including maintenance. A fundraising campaign for Brandon’s memorial bench will be underway soon.
“I’m so happy to get the bench dedications back on track,” said Councilmember Agrimonti. “Each bench represents the loss of a loved one. Young Brandon Barmore meant so much to his family and friends because of the joy he brought to the world.”
– Sarah Ford
