Mark David Brandly, age 51, of Sixteen Mile Lake Road, Munising died at 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 7, 2008 at the Munising Memorial Hospital following a fourteen month illness. He was born on February 13, 1957 in Riverview, Michigan to Clyde and Mary Lou (Stack) Brandly. Mark grew up and attended school in Wyandotte and in 1970, moved to Munising and attended Wm. G. Mather High School. Mark spent his summers working in Melbourne, Florida at American Eagle Canoes and during the other months of the year, he helped his cousin, Al Boutilier, build homes. He enjoyed NASCAR and hunting and fishing were his loves. Even during his illness, he could be found on the dock at home with a fishing pole and with the help of his friends, Mark was able to hunt last year. Mark and his brother Bobby hitchhiked across the lower 48 states during the 1970’s. They worked, camped, and “hoboed” a few trains during their travels. They met wonderful people and even “snuck” into the Grand Canyon and camped from one end to the other. On those travels, Mark always had his fishing pole. They were loving and caring sons and always called their mother to let her know where they were.
Mark is survived by his mother – Mary Lou Brandly of Munising; his best friend – Veronica Kroupa Murray; special cousin – Al Boutilier; numerous aunts, uncles, and other cousins; and many close friends in the area that he called brothers…not by blood, but true brothers. “Love Ya…Later Bro.” He was preceded in death by his father Clyde and brother Bob.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated by Father Chris Gardiner on Thursday, September 11, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Munising.
