Duane Brandt

Duane Robert Brandt, 63, of Boyne City, MI passed away after a valiant battle with cancer on June 9, 2026 at Boulder Park Terrace in Charlevoix, MI. Born in Pontiac, MI on October 12, 1962, Duane was the youngest of eight children and graduated from Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw, MI in 1980.

He began a love for music early on when he joined the Hale Middle School band playing the trombone which he later switched to tuba. He was also an avid wrestler and football player for Arthur Hill High School. After graduation he continued his love for music by joining the Hand Bell Choir of Petoskey Methodist Church. Old Time Gospel and Christmas music were his favorite genres to listen to.

Duane spent many years working for McDonald's at locations in Lansing and Texas, many of which he managed. Duane eventually moved to Petoskey and worked multiple jobs. In 2005, he began working at Boyne Mountain as a lift operator in the winter and an irrigation technician in the summer. In 2006, Duane was recognized as Boyne Mountain's Ski Team Member of the Year and Boyne USA Ski/Waterpark Team Member of the Year. Then in 2008, he was awarded Driving Tourism's Attraction Star of the Year.

The Mountain Express Ski Lift is where he truly felt at home. He worked at his post for nineteen ski seasons. During his tenure, Duane met thousands of skiers, three generations to be exact, many of whom became friends. He made it his mission to ensure every rider felt safe, comfortable, welcome, and had fun. Known for his inspirational messages and putting candy into the skiers' hoods as they got on the lift, Duane earned the nicknames “The Face of Boyne,” “Boyne Ambassador,” “The Keeper of the Mountain Express,” and “The Candy Man.”

On Tuesday mornings, his day off, Duane would bring cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, and sometimes cinnamon rolls for the skiers to enjoy as they took a break inside to warm up. A true people person, Duane will be remembered for his warm smile, generous heart and genuine love for others.

Outside of work, Duane had an immense love for baking cookies (if you were lucky enough to have one you know how delicious they were), golfing, and just enjoying the beauty of Northern Michigan. He loved to take a well known flavor, like blueberry pancake, and turn it into a cookie but the ones he made the most were his Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter and Oatmeal Raisin. He said his secret was baking with love.

Duane is survived by his children Andrew (Ashleigh) Brandt, Amy (Jon) Schiller, Becky Brandt (AJ Atkinson), Brian (Casey) Brandt, twin sister Dorine Britton, sisters Deb (Dan) Cole, Dianne (Bill) Thurston, brothers Don (Connie) Brandt, Doug Brandt, three grandchildren, and was Uncle Duey to many nieces and nephews.

Duane is preceded in death by his parents Joe and Maxine Brandt, brothers Dennis and Dave Brandt, and brother in law George Britton.

The family would like to extend our gratitude to everyone who reached out or visited Duane - especially in the last several months - and to the staff at Boulder Park Terrace and McLaren Hospice. A special thanks to Boyne Mountain for their unwavering support and hospitality.

The Celebration of Life will take place later this summer with the details being announced soon via Facebook.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to McLaren Hospice, please select Hospice Programs in the Area of Support or the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com

McLaren Hospice