Brandon Matthew McElroy

Dec 7, 1984 -

Aug 28, 2025

Brandon Matthew McElroy, 41, of Chugiak, Alaska, died at his home on Aug. 28, 2025.

Brandon was born in Anchorage, Alaska, on Dec. 7, 1984. Exceptionally bright from a young age, he attended the gifted program at Rogers Park Elementary and later skipped three years of high school to enroll at the University of Alaska Anchorage. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and a minor in theater.

At 15, Brandon founded his videography company, Alaska Progressive Media. His passion for cultural storytelling led him to create films for nonprofit organizations working on social issues throughout Alaska, Central America, Cuba, and Thailand. He also supported the local arts community by producing promotional videos for theater, dance, television and visual artists. Brandon generously shared his expertise, teaching workshops in lighting, sound design and videography to young people. He cared deeply for those often marginalized and used his creativity to give voice to their stories.

In later years, Brandon lived with mental illness. Those who knew him well remember his vibrant creativity, thoughtful conversation, compassion and generous spirit. A friend wrote: "Brandon was so creative that he inspired creativity in whomever he was around … His kindness, compassion and desire to help his friends were some of his most honorable traits, and I am a direct beneficiary of his generosity and incredible heart."

Brandon is survived by his father, David McElroy (Susan Ruddy); aunt, Mary Bass; cousins, Dan Harvey (Zhamal) and Maria Brown (Mitch); uncle, John Barrowclough (Emily); cousin, Rebeckah Walsh; uncle, Patrick Barrowclough (Sue); and cousins, Adam Barrowclough (Kristen), Julie Barrowclough (Daniel) and Ethan Barrowclough (Gretchen).

Memorial donations may be made to the McElroy Film, Videography, and Photojournalism Endowed Scholarship at the University of Alaska Foundation by giving online at bit.ly/mcelroymemorial.