Brandon William Melzark, 14, of Oak Harbor, died July 10, 2007. He was born in Ridgecrest, Calif., on July 16, 1992, to James William and Anne Marie (Dean) Melzark. He was born with hypoplastic left-heart syndrome. The left side of his heart, including the aorta, aortic valve, left ventricle and mitral valve, was underdeveloped. At two-and-a-half months of age Brandon became the 145th infant heart transplant recipient.

He lived in Oak Harbor the majority of his life, where he was an active kid. While attending Olympic View Elementary and North Whidbey Middle School Brandon enjoyed reading, World War II history, bicycling, swimming and traveling. He was involved in scouting, and was excited about his first job as a paper carrier for Whidbey News-Times, but his true love was baseball. Brandon made friends wherever he went, and could fit in anywhere. He loved life and all of its experiences.

On August 15, 2006, Brandon underwent an eight-hour open-heart surgery and fell into a coma where he remained for 22 days. When he was well enough to come home, although challenged by his difficult prolonged physical recovery, Brandon enjoyed his freshman year at Oak Harbor High School, and looked forward to learning to dive and kayak.

He is survived by his mother and step-father Anne and Vincent Volmering, his paternal father Jim Melzark, brothers Ryan Eaton, Patrick Heussmann and Joshua Melzark, sisters Samantha Martorana and Olivia Melzark and grandparents Geraldine Musgrave, Ron and Irene Dean, Kay and Leo Volmering, Joanne Melzark, and great grandfather William Melzark, as well as a “plethora” (Brandon’s favorite word) of loving aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family members most of whom are not blood related, but are family nonetheless.

The family would like to express that it would be impossible to measure the gratitude for everyone in this community that has lent their love, guidance and support to Brandon and the entire family over the years, and especially through the trials that this last year has brought.

Brandon had spoken about what may happen to him. His only request is that after he is gone, each person should break a habit. That is his way of changing the world.

A public celebration of Brandon’s life will be held at a later date. If you would like to be notified personally of the date and time please email the family at avvolm@verizon.net.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.