Obituary of Brandon Keith Gorrell

Brandon Keith Gorrell

February 17, 1976 ~ April 1, 2019

Brandon Keith Gorrell, age 43, of Vancouver, WA passed away on Monday, April 1^st in his home. Brandon was born February 17, 1976 in Baker City, OR to Shelley Page and Timothy Gorrell. Brandon grew up and went to school in La Grande, OR. Brandon worked for the Union Pacific Railroad in bridge maintenance on the Steel Bridge in Portland, OR.

He graduated from Western Culinary Institute and worked as a chef before deciding to move on to a career with the Railroad. He continued to love to cook and explore the local food scene. He was very interested in movies and the arts, an avid supporter of the Hollywood Theater. He loved music and supported the local music scene. He valued honesty, decency and hoped for a better world.  Brandon liked to make people laugh and was good at mimicking characters from favorite shows and movies.

Brandon married Hanako Shiokawa in Japan on January 20, 2015, and then came home to introduce her to his surprised family. He is survived by his wife Hanako (Shiokawa) Gorrell, mother Shelley, father Tim, stepmother Gayle, and sister Amy.

Brandon’s family will hold a Celebration of Life in his honor in La Grande on May 15^th and hold a graveside ceremony in Island city cemetery at 10:00 AM where he will be buried. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to either the Hollywood Theater or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.