Obituaries » Brendan Henri Singy

Brendan Henri Singy

July 21, 2000 - August 24, 2021

Brendan Henri Singy

July 21, 2000 – August 24, 2021

Our kind, beautiful, curly redhead lost his bravely-fought battle with depression this week. Brendan lived his life with immense thought, pride, passion, loyalty and sincerity that showed in everything he said and did. Brendan’s brilliance, thoughtfully-developed opinions and empathy gave him his passion to help those who needed it most. In his death, he has continued that thoughtfulness and given other families hope with his organ and tissue donations.

Brendan was a student at James Madison University and graduated from Virginia Episcopal School in 2018. His height, his size 15 feet, his Swiss attire and his luscious red curls caught the eye, but his charm and candor captured the hearts of all those who were lucky enough to cross his path. If you didn’t know how Brendan felt about any topic ranging from politics to his sisters, then you didn’t know him. He had a fierce loyalty for those fortunate enough to be his friends and family.

Soccer was one of Brendan’s greatest joys. From the time his Swiss cousins showed him “foot” at three years old, you couldn’t tear him away from the soccer field. He wanted to be a keeper before kids were allowed to keep and he grew into an all-state keeper in high school. He was a master chess player and debater and enjoyed nothing more than coming out on top. He loved gaming and playing DnD with his great friends every Sunday night.

Brendan’s loved ones cherish the 21 beautiful years we shared.

Our Swiss boy will be deeply loved, remembered and missed here on earth by his mother, Andrea Singy, his sisters, Alex and Sam Singy or as he liked to call her “Sami Sue” (to her dismay); his father, Jacques Singy, his grand-maman, Anne-Marie Singy, his godparents, Brian Nolan and Barbara Hertli, his aunts and uncles, Suzanne and Tim Weiss, Evonne and Tom Tvardek, Bernard Singy, Christian and Catherine Baeriswyl and Olivier Freymond, his cousins, Katie, Stef, Levi and Tate Metos, Alyssa and Kevin Reid, Kara, Nolan and Parker James Urbanek, Florent, Maryfé, Swann and Lorianne Singy, Salomé and Timothée Hertli, and Celine and Fabien Baeriswyl, his adored pups, Milo and Gus Singy, his most valued friends, and many more relatives and friends. Brendan was able to be loved by his grandparents, Joan and Jim Nolan, and his aunt Joëlle Singy before they left us and though their lifetimes never aligned, his grandfather, Henri Singy, was adored and admired by his namesake, Brendan Henri.

Our Brendan’s service will be Saturday, September 4th, 2021, at 1pm at Tharp Funeral Home in Lynchburg. Masks are required.

In lieu of flowers, Brendan and our family ask that you consider a donation to one of these charities that encompasses his passions and his struggles: Student Organ Donation Advocates: https://donorbox.org/soda-donations, The Jed Foundation: donate.jedfoundation.org, or Institute for Policy Studies: https://ips-dc.org/.

Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg is assisting the family.

Click here to view Brendan’s tribute video

Our Brendan’s service will be Saturday, September 4th, 2021, at 1pm at Tharp Funeral Home in Lynchburg. Masks are required.
In lieu of flowers, Brendan and our family ask that you consider a donation to one of these charities that encompasses his passions and his struggles: Student Organ Donation Advocates: https://donorbox.org/soda-donations, The Jed Foundation: donate.jedfoundation.org, or Institute for Policy Studies: https://ips-dc.org/.

Condolences & Tributes

Celebrate Brendan Henri's life with a short message, photo or video!

Brendan, We know you thought life aught to be different. Using your intelligence, creativity, and compassion, you would have found a way. We listened to your family and friends honor you; telling how you affected them and what you meant to them. Alease and I know how we loved you, what you meant to us, and how you affected us. You made a difference in a lot of lives. Your mother talked about how, at the end, you provided health and life to others that you would never know. You made a difference in many lives in that way too. Maybe you had enough time to make the difference you could. We just hoped that we could have had more time with you. We feel the sharp knife of your short life. Now, we can only use the difference you made in us to make a difference in others. That way, life can be made different. Love, John and Alease

Posted by John VanNorman on September 19, 2021

Dearest Andrea, Alex, and Sam, There are simply no words. My heart breaks from you. I fondly remember our days on Avalon when the kids were little and days were full of laughter, popsicles, and adventure. I am so very sorry for the loss of your precious son/brother. We are holding you in prayer and sending comfort, peace, and love. Love and blessings, Marquesa, Dirk, Eric, Emerson and faith

Posted by Marquesa Hobbs on September 6, 2021

To my dear friend, Andrea, Alex and Samantha, I will always remember sweet red-headed Brendan pulling my Connor in the red wagon in Goode when you all come over for a barbecue many, many years ago and all the wonderful Kindermusik classes we shared together. May you know there are others praying for you and sending you much love. My heart breaks for all of you. May you find peace in knowing he helped many other families through his organ donation. I love you all. Love, Alice, Patrick, Connor and Colleen

Posted by Alice Quinlan on September 5, 2021

I knew Brendan for a fairly long time, and even though I wouldn't say we were best friends, he always struck me with how razor sharp yet caring he was with the things he was passionate about (Switzerland, Civilization 5, socialist politicians, etc.). I was missing watching him play travel chess on the bus to many tennis and basketball games, move in an entire dual monitor setup and multiple boxes of soda to housesit for a single week, and tower over the rest of our (already very tall) group of friends, and it is so devastating to know that I won't get to spectate on his debate skills again. A vivid guy and a vivid life

Posted by Anonymous on September 4, 2021

Brendan was an unbelievable friend who was always incredibly loyal to his friends and ideas. He truly showed me how to be myself and how to embrace what you love. I have so many great memories with him at VES and he will be remembered forever by all of us.

Posted by Benjamin Khoury on September 4, 2021

I will always remember the hikes in the mountains I took with Brendan, George, Logan and others.

Posted by Charles Watson on September 4, 2021

Dear Andrea, Alex, Sam, and Jacques, I'm so sorry. Love Jonathan

Posted by Jonathan Englert on September 4, 2021

Dearest Andrea, I remember your darling redheaded boy at Kindermusik years ago. He and the girls were such joys to you, and we loved getting to know your family. I understand the pain you are all going through, and I will not forget.

Posted by Mary Colin Santos on September 2, 2021

Brendan was a truly amazing person, he was my friend for as long as I can remember, we practically grew up together. He was the person I could always come to and talk about anything with and I did not have to worry about any judgement from him. I miss the conversations we’d have about anything really, whether it was video games, movies, history, or just life in general. He showed me that there was a world beyond what I could see by really getting my into video games and being creative in general and I can’t thank him enough for that. I admired how he was always quick to say what he thought or felt, and refused to be anyone but himself for anyone, that’s a something I’m still trying to follow to this day. He was truly one of a kind with a shining and caring personality, and I will miss him greatly, I’m glad that the last time we had talked to each other we were able to reaffirm that we were still best friends despite the distance, that he mattered so much to me, and that he was loved. I will always cherish the time and experiences we had together, I love it you so much, and miss you greatly.

Posted by Will Johnston on August 30, 2021

I never knew Brendan nor any of his family. But your loving obituary touched me and I've made a donation to the Jed Foundation in his memory. Blessed Be.

Posted by Connie B Whaley on August 30, 2021

Our hearts ache for you and the girls. We cherish the wonderful times our family had with Brendan. Will’s friend since the first day of kindergarten. Many, many memories and smiles. Brendan is forever in our hearts. In our thoughts and prayers. Love, Gretchen, Todd, Will, Allison and Katherine

Posted by Gretchen on August 30, 2021

I send my deepest condolences to the Singy family. I am so sorry for the loss of this wonderful young man. Sending prayers to you all during this time...

Posted by Kelly on August 30, 2021

Andrea, sending love and prayers to you and your girls! So many fond memories have been rushing back of Brendan at VES! We are all saddened but truly blessed to have shared this community with him!

Posted by Margaret Lyle Jones on August 29, 2021

“Brendan was a friend of a friend of mine, but getting to know him, he definitely had a heart for others. I wish I had gotten to know him more. He was always very passionate about the things he talked about. I wish the best for Brendan's family and friends. Praying for you all.”

Posted by David Doebler on August 28, 2021

I am so sorry for your pain and for the devastating loss to your family. I am also sad that we will all miss out on the amazing contributions that your caring, passionate and worldly son would have made to the world. Our family sends you much love.

Posted by Kim Neczyporuk on August 28, 2021

Brendan was one of my closest and oldest friends. He was like a brother to me who I always knew I could talk to when things were rough. He could be abrasive at times but he was a fiercely loyal and caring friend who I looked up to. I couldn’t have asked for a better friend and I’m truly sorry for your loss. I love you brother

Posted by Matthew Cudd on August 28, 2021

Chers Andrea Alex Sam et Jacques Nous n’oublierons jamais votre Cher Brendan et les bons moments passés ensemble C était un garçon attachant et malicieux qui laissera un grand vide dans nos cœurs Que de tristesse et de douleur Mes pensées volent vers vous Sincères condoléances

Posted by Catherine Baeriswyl on August 28, 2021

My heart breaks for all of you. I remember Brendan always being in tow at all of our travel, middle school, and high school volleyball games. He had an infectious smile always and an admiration for his sisters that was infectious. He lives on forever. Thinking of you all.

Posted by Thompson Blankinship on August 28, 2021

So sorry for your loss, our hearts are broken. You will always be so loved by your Avalon family. Please know our love, prayers and hugs are will you all.

Posted by Caz Oswald on August 28, 2021

Andrea, Sam, and Alex I am so sorry for your loss. Brendan was so special and wonderful and I always loved to hear about him.

Posted by Libbie Hall on August 28, 2021

Dear Andrea, Alex and Sam, I am so sad to read of the loss of your son and brother! What a heartbreak and sorrow! I hope to see you, Andrea, and share your burden of grief. You are not alone. Yours sincerely, Eileen

Posted by Eileen Lass on August 27, 2021

How to Write a Sympathy Message



Register now for the live seminar

Recent Articles





Click here to access Obituary Archives from 2014 and earlier.