The man who created Total Action Against Poverty – TAP – a successful businessman turned philanthropist, Cabell Brand, died recently at age 91.
This came just days after Brand spoke at the retirement party for Ted Edlich, who had been at the helm of TAP – now called Total Action for Progress – for many decades. Brand had been living recently in an assisted living facility after moving from his spacious home in Salem.
Tributes poured in, including words from U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine. They both saw Brand at a Warner campaign stop in downtown Roanoke last November just before Warner was reelected as the Democratic incumbent.
Roanoke Mayor David Bowers had fond memories of Brand – not only as an advocate for the poor but simply as a person who liked to have some fun as well: “He was a great guy to be with,” recalled Bowers after a Kiwanis Club meeting, “a lot of fun. Always looking for something cheerful.”
Bowers also noted that Brand was a faithful supporter of Democratic candidates and the party. Outside of political circles said Bowers, “He was a titan in our area … a huge influence and a great leader, an advocate for the poor in our area. God bless his memory.”
Former Roanoke City Councilman Rupert Cutler said he and Brand had President Jimmy Carter in common before Cutler came to Roanoke and got to know the long time philanthropist. Cutler worked in the Carter Administration as an Assistant Secretary of Agriculture; the Brands (including Brand’s late wife Shirley) were friends of Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter and traveled to Georgia to see them on occasion.
Brand asked Cutler to speak at a environmental conference 25 years ago at then-Hollins College “and I stayed in touch with him ever since.” What stood out for Cutler about Cabell Brand was “the breadth of his interests … for peace, poverty and environment, and sustainability – not just locally but worldwide.” Cutler also recalls fondly driving Brand’s “big blue Jaguar” up to Washington DC for several board meetings.
“Cabell was always very much in charge … he was the manager. He kept on giving orders right up to the last breath he took I think,” said Cutler. “I enjoyed my relationship with him. Cabell strode the earth … he did great stuff in the Roanoke Valley but he was [also] known nationally and internationally.” Added Cutler: “He was truly unique – what they call a force of nature.”
By Gene Marrano
