Please join us in celebrating the life of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, cousin and friend Brandon Joe Pies (7/2/1973) of Staples, MN; revered to those who knew him as “Crow.” On Wednesday, January 28th, 2026, with his loving and loyal family present, Brandon (52) crossed over into the ancestral lands while at Abbott Northwestern Hospital.

Brandon is survived by his loving wife and partner Jayde, son David, grandson Joneleth, cousins Lorinda (Rick) Johnson, Daren (Rhonda) McKeever, Dan (Stacy) McKeever, Brock (Kristy) Pies, Rick (Christie) Pies, Kami (Pies) (Jim) McElligott, Dale McKeever (uncle), Shirley Robideaux (great aunt), cousins Tamara (Phil) Barnett, Lola McGregor, Shirley McGregor, Dianne McGregor, Kandi McGregor and Dustin McGregor, several nieces and nephews, and many friends who became family born out of love.

Brandon was born at St. Joseph's Hospital, Brainerd, MN on July 2,1973 to Joan H. Pies. He grew up with the love of his mother and maternal grandparents in Jenkins, MN. Though an only child, Brandon spent considerable time surrounded with cousins while he was growing up.

He graduated from Pequot Lakes Public School. A love of theater and music was encouraged by his mother and teachers whom he spoke of often. A thirst for knowledge and life experience drove Brandon to explore the world on his terms. He pursued his love of photography at Willmar Tech then furthered his music education at Music Tech where notable instructors encouraged his pursuit of excellence as a skilled guitarist in classical style music. His knowledge and skill opened doors to studio work with various famous artists over the years.

Brandon met Jayde in the winter of 1995 through mutual friends and connected over musical interests. They were hand-fasted in the fall of 1996, with Brandon becoming David's father, a bond they chose and honored. They worked together on many things that were creative in nature from music to art.

Brandon's kindness and leadership among co-workers and friends was often dotted with humor, bringing out the best in any situation and inspiring those around him to reach a little higher to achieve their best. He understood people and knew how to meet them where they were to help them find the next step in their chosen journey. He worked a variety of jobs spanning from call-center management to bar tending. He had a generous nature, giving of his time and more for those around him; drawing people together.

Brandon loved exploring creative projects that were new and challenging. These included everything from drawing and film-making, to redesigning a tool for better efficiency. He had artwork and logos in print, worked as a photographer for magazines, and more. His thirst for knowledge drove him to look at situations from many angles, providing him with the ability to become a skilled director and editor in film. He also enjoyed playing video games, RPGs, card games, fishing, and discussing philosophical and metaphysical theories. His interests in culture led to his interests in ethnic based cuisine leading him to become a foodie as well. His travels included time spent with tribal Elders to learn the culture and old ways. He had a love for bees and hoped to care for his own hives once he received a kidney transplant.

Brandon believed in helping those in need and volunteered for various community projects. Working on the Clouds Choir Concert at Mall of America with Atomic K Productions was one of his favorites. Some others included food collections, fundraising, and fall coat drives.

Brandon was preceded in death by a daughter, his beloved mother, aunt Lorie, uncles Homer Jr, Harvey, and Howard, grandparents Homer and Hannah Pies; and cousins Leona, Darla and Michael, Wayne (FIL) & Carol Tyrrell (MIL), Rhonda McGregor (cousin), as well as several close friends who are all deeply missed.

A ‘Celebration of Life’ is being planned for family and close friends to attend, share stories and celebrate a life well lived in the pursuit of knowledge and experiences. *Details still being determined & will be shared on Brandon's FB page.

“His kindness, generosity and loyalty will be remembered by all who knew him.”

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