The SAR MAGAZINE is the official quarterly publication of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution published quarterly.
Issue link: http://sar.epubxp.com/i/311328
14 SAR MAGAZINE P resident General George H. Brandau, M.D., founder of the George Washington Fund, passed away April 2, 2014, in Houston, Texas, after a short illness. Brandau was keenly involved in the SAR, a long-standing member and past president of the Paul Carrington Chapter of Houston. He held two TXSSAR offices and four national offices, including NSSAR President General in 1991-92. Brandau founded the George Washington Fund, which helps to fund many causes of the NSSSAR, and participated in numerous national activities of the SAR for more than 30 years, including serving as a member of the first SAR Foundation board. He received many SAR-related honors, including the DAR Medal of Honor, SAR Gold Good Citizenship Medal and Minuteman Award. Brandau had fond memories as President General when he was honored to present the SAR Gold Good Citizenship Medal to Gen. Colin Powell, then Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., in 1992. "As the only surviving member of PG George Brandau's executive committee, I celebrate the long life of my friend, 'Doc' Brandau," said President General William C. Gist Jr., D.M.D. (1995-96). "NSSAR is stronger today because of the excellent leadership of Dr. George Brandau. His most notable accomplishment for NSSAR was establishing the George Washington Fund. The important GW Fund came to fruition under another PG's regime, but it was George's initiation of the fund and his generous contribution that established the GW Fund. Dr. George Brandau was literally the father of the George Washington Fund. "One of Doc's outstanding characteristics was his sense of humor. He always had a humorous tale to tell. In fact, he published a book of funny situations he had encountered in his years of practicing medicine. I last talked with George on the phone about a year ago. His last words to me were: 'See ya, boy.' I guess when you reach that seniority of age, you can refer to younger seniors as 'boy.' What a great man! A big loss for SAR!" President General Howard F. Horne Jr. (1999-2000) said of Brandau, "He was a wonderful leader of NSSAR. People like George only go this way once in a blue moon!" Compatriot Brandau was born Aug. 12, 1916, in Shreveport, La., to Charles Young Brandau and Annie Belle Bringhurst. George attended C.E. Byrd High School in Shreveport and later Louisiana State University, majoring in economics and pre-law. At 19, while attending LSU, he was diagnosed with nephritis and was hospitalized in Vanderbilt Hospital for 265 days before resuming his education at LSU. Based on the care he received during his hospitalization and his exposure to the medical field, he decided to pursue a medical career, receiving a bachelor's degree in pre-med and graduating from Tulane University School of Medicine in 1942. He served an internship and surgical residency at Jefferson Davis Hospital in Houston. Due to this previous illness, he was rejected 13 times for military service during World War II. He volunteered his services at the recruiting station in Houston, serving with a team of physicians in examining recruits and draftees throughout the war. "Dr. George Brandau was one of the last links to the Greatest Generation who are members of the Sons of the American Revolution," said President General Larry D. McClanahan (2001-02). "He was a gentleman as defined by George Washington. "While recognized as a leader and innovator in the society, he was a mentor to many of its members. I am fortunate to be one to whom he extended his guidance and wisdom." Entering private practice, Brandau continued for 46 years before retiring from general surgery in 1990. He was active in organized medicine for some 30 years. He was one of the founders of the Houston Museum of Medical Science, where he served as the first operating president from 1969- 71 and continued as director of exhibits for almost 25 years. "During the Orlando Congress Memorial Service, we were seated near Pete and Jean Thorp accompanied by Win Williams," McClanahan said. "Pete went into cardiac arrest. George vaulted a pew to reach Pete and resuscitated him, saving his life. "I have always likened him to our bald eagle with his piercing eyes that reflected vigilance and action. He was a vital member of the SAR." Brandau participated in numerous civic activities as a member of Rotary, The Houston Philosophical Society, The Mayflower Society, The Houston Executives Association and other organizations. After retiring from medicine, he continued to be active in investments and sports. He was an avid golfer and played regularly at River Oaks Country Club. He wrote many articles, and in 2004, at age 88, his successful book, Just Between the Doctor and Me, was published. Brandau was married for 55 years to his college sweetheart, Nancy Smith Brandau, who died in 1997. He is survived by a daughter, Nancy Cleveland, and her husband, William; a son, John; and two grandchildren, Stephen and Katie Brandau, all of Houston; and many cousins. A memorial service was conducted in the chapel of St. Luke's United Methodist Church, in which he was an active leader, with interment at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery in Houston. In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Luke's United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 22013, Houston, TX 77227-2013, or to the charity of one's choice. President General George H. Brandau, M.D. 1916-2014 SPRING_14_sar5-21.indd 14 5/7/14 4:13 PM