We are grieved to share the loss of a member of the county family, Brandon Gipson, of Whatcom County.
On Tuesday, January 28th, Brandon tragically passed away due to a workplace accident while working on the road near East Smith and Noon Roads for Whatcom County Public Works in Bellingham, WA. He served at the county since 2021 and had recently been promoted to Senior Road Maintenance Worker in November. This tragic loss is a sober reminder of the inherent risks all members of our road departments assume every day and night they report to work serving our communities.
Brandon grew up in California and eventually joined the US Marines, serving his country for 10 years. He was passionate about the military and spoke fondly of his experiences, and the many people he met and served with. He enjoyed getting to know local service members and connecting with them.
According to family friend, Andrea Frakes, Brandon was overjoyed when he started working at Whatcom County Public Works, writing: "When he started there, he found his home. He loved his co-workers. Even on rough days he and the crew were always able to laugh and have a good time. He was known for his sense of humor and willingness to do the hardest of jobs. The crew weren’t just co-workers but his friends. He enjoyed spending time with them on the job site as well as outside of work."
“[Brandon] would get on the radio and tell everyone ‘Have a wonderful day.’ He was known for expressing gratitude and often thanked the operators for the great work that they do.” - Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu
Councilman Mark Stremler, a former Public Works employee, offered a personal tribute at the Whatcom County Council Meeting to Gipson, who was once a member of Stremler’s work crew. “He brought many laughs to our morning meetings, and was never shy about doing the work that wasn’t so glorious. We had a good time together working. He was a great man. So let’s keep this family, and the others involved, in our prayers,” Stremler said.
“Brandon had the fond and mutual respect of his co-workers, was always able to laugh and strived to enjoy himself while working with his peers. He was known for his sense of humor and willingness to do the hardest of jobs." - Public Works Director Elizabeth Kosa
Brandon leaves behind his wife, Karie, and daughter, Cerinaty. Additionally, counseling services are available to Whatcom County employees and Whatcom County Support Officers have responded to provide support.
We know there is a large hole in the hearts of all that knew, loved and worked with Brandon and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and Whatcom County Public Works.
