Brandon Loy

A larger-than-life soul, Brandon Loy will be remembered for his humor, hugs, storytelling, and huge heart. He lit up every room, making people laugh, feel seen, and know they were loved. Whether in person, online, or center stage, Brandon touched, moved, and inspired others with his steadfast kindness, generous spirit, and wholehearted hugs. A cherished son, brother, uncle, and friend, Brandon will be forever missed by those he so dearly loved.

Brandon arrived on February 5, 1992. Raised in Chelsea and Ann Arbor, Michigan, Brandon was a spark of joy from day one. The youngest of three, Brandon, enjoyed the companionship of his sister, Kim, who was 16 years older, and his brother, Andrew, who was three years older. He was silly and funny, loved making people laugh, and being the center of attention. His mother fondly called him her sunshine because he brought so much light and happiness wherever he went. When he was a baby she made up and sang him a song about being her sunshine. His mother will miss him giving hugs and saying, “I love you, Momma.” The whole family will miss his big bear hugs.

Brandon found joy in life’s simple comforts, being at home, wearing his Batman cape, and spending hours playing and imagining new adventures. He had a creative spirit and a gift for turning ordinary moments into something entertaining, always finding ways to make people laugh, use his imagination, and bring energy and fun wherever he went. He loved playing floor hockey, especially with his brother, and his favorite song was “She’s in love with a boy” by Trisha Yearwood. The family enjoyed traveling to Disney, Mackinac Island, and Fort Myers. When he was six, the brother wanted him to say he was five to secure cheaper travel rates, but he argued every time that he was six!

An avid sportsman, Brandon played ice hockey and baseball in middle school. He played goalie in hockey and pitcher in baseball. He was also really into computers and enjoyed gaming with his brother and buddies. He also successfully pulled the prank of shutting down all the computers at school. Brandon was a faithful fan of the University of Michigan, Detroit Lions, Tigers, and Red Wings; he loved going to Detroit Tigers games with his brother on Thursdays when tickets were only $5. Twice a year, he, his dad, and his brother attended NASCAR races at Michigan International Speedway. They also attended many other Detroit sports events together. Living on Clear Lake in Chelsea inspired Brandon to embrace all that came with lake life.

Surrounded by educators, Brandon’s sister, who was much like a second mom to him, would hold “Porco School” and require him to sit down at her kitchen table (with snacks), and complete his missing work. Despite preferring socializing over academics, Brandon met his responsibilities and proudly graduated from Chelsea High School in 2010.

It wasn’t difficult for Brandon to find joy in just about anything, but he did have some special loves, including being on stage and putting on a show. His enthusiasm for live performance was infectious when his nephews, Brian and Anthony, assisted him with one of his shows, they were amazed by how people loved him and laughed the entire time.It made Brandon feel important, and he would confidently declare, “I’m kind of a big deal.” Brandon also enjoyed long games of Risk, visiting zoos, and camping on Lake Michigan with his Aunt Cheri and Uncle Paul. Brandon and Andrew saw AC/DC at the Palace in 2008, and both declared it was “the best frick’n concert ever!”

A big guy with a really soft heart, Brandon found out online about a less fortunate family and helped donate money so they could get their daughter Christmas presents. Just one example of his depth of compassion. He loved cats and would wear shirts adorned with cats and send cat memes to his family. He brought his cat home when he was only four weeks old and called him MJ Hammer. He also had a cat named Mango and a gecko named Gucci.

Brandon’s had a gift for recognizing a good story and embellishing it to make it even better. He could turn a mundane story of a winter pizza delivery into a harrowing tale of triumph over adversity. While living with his mom and stepdad, it’s little wonder that Brandon’s gift for entertaining others and love for video games led him to streaming a few years ago. As Crossfire1216, he filled his Twitch videos with competitiveness, hilarious insights, and laughter, helping him connect with a community he enjoyed being part of. Along with being a source of joy in people’s days, he was also a compassionate member of this online community. On multiple occasions he helped fellow gamers through difficult moments in their lives.

For the past ten years, Brandon worked with T Johns entertainment. He traveled the country putting on events at college campuses. Whether it was Casino Night, Laser Tag or any of the other productions he was involved in, Brandon brought an energy that was both memorable and infectious. Often when he made return visits to schools, he would be approached by students who told him how much fun the last event he did was and the memory of their times with him brought them back for more. Brandon loved having a job where his primary aim was to make sure others around him were making fun and enduring memories.

Though our days with Brandon were far too few, every moment we shared with him is a gift we will always treasure. As we celebrate his life, may we find much comfort in our memories and in the honor of carrying forward his legacy of love and laughter. In each moment we greet a stranger as a friend, enjoy time on the lake, attend a favorite team’s game with a loved one, lead with our hearts and warm smiles, generously support others when they’re struggling, and envelop loved ones in giant bear hugs and “I love you’s,” we keep Brandon’s infectious spirit alive and inspiring others to live each day wholeheartedly and joyfully.

Sadly, Brandon Loy died unexpectedly at his home on May 21, 2026. Family members include his parents, Linda and Jeff Richardson, and Scott Loy; siblings: Kim (Matt) Porco and Andrew (Ashley) Loy; nieces and nephews, Anthony, Emily, Brian, Danika, and Mars, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Brandon was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Theresa Oliver and Shirley Loy. Please join us to gather in celebration of a life well lived at a Life Story Visitation, where food, drinks, and stories will be shared on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 5–7 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, (269) 375-2900. A Life Story Service celebrating a remarkable life will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 11 AM, followed by burial at West Oshtemo Cemetery. Kim and Matt will host a reception at their house following the burial.

Celebrate Brandon’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to SPCA of Southwest Michigan or Theresa’s Way Forward (Foundation to help first-generation college students in Mattawan School District).