Sonoma Ecology Center is deeply saddened by the loss of Brandon Barmore, a Sonoma Valley High School student who died tragically on March 26 in Nicaragua. We extend our sincerest sympathies to the Barmore family.

Among his many talents, Brandon was an aspiring beekeeper and worked with our staff at Sonoma Garden Park, where he kept a beehive as part of his senior project. Brandon was so adept at beekeeping that he was scheduled to co-host our Beekeeping Seminar this Saturday. (As testament to the health of his bees, Brandon’s hive split into two colonies earlier this week.)

SEC educator Tony Passantino, who knew Brandon, noted that, “Last year he had a project to only eat things that he helped grow, so he’d pull shifts at the garden and take some produce and eggs home afterwards.” It is just one among dozens of anecdotes regarding this remarkable young man.

All of us who knew Brandon were inspired by his love of nature, enthusiasm for Sonoma Garden Park, and commitment to the wellbeing of his community. He will be missed.