Thinking very fondly of Brendan today.   A unique and wonderful young man who gave so much to so many.    Our hearts and thoughts are with you all today, and every day. 

The Rawlyk

Thinking so very fondly of Brendan today.    A unique and wonderful young man who gave so much to so many.    Our hearts and thoughts are with the entire Hamilton family.

The Rawlyk Family

Hello Brendan,

Our time together was brief, we met at Awakening Man. I was not in a good place, I was burnt-out and riddled with anxiety. When you first sat down next to me, I thought, holy crap, this guy is a bit intimidating and I thought that my being there was a mistake. Then we made eye contact and you gave me the most gentle, compassionate and silly smile and I knew instantly that everything was going to be ok. We paired up several times over the weekend, sharing extremely personal stuff and your ability to lighten up serious conversations brought me an incredible sense of calm and hope! You had me laughing the entire weekend, it was the medicine I needed. I also respect and admire your courage in sharing and your quest for deeper meaning. I was also very impressed with your knowledge, so much wisdom for a young man. I love that you love to read books, physical challenges, music...but your ability to story tell was next level. You had us all captivated by the late night fire. You really left a positive mark on me after that weekend. When I came home, you were all I could talk about, trying to retell some of your stories. It was an honour and a privilege to have met you Brendan! Your sudden departure hit me really hard. I'm sending love and hugs to you and your family. Rest easy Big Fella!!!

Sincere condolences and kind regards,

Kevin Pickard

We are deeply saddened to hear of Brendan's passing. He was a wonderful young man who brought joy to those around him. Our boys have fond memories of playing hockey together, and enjoyed the laughter and camaraderie they shared on and off the ice.

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Brendan will be remembered for his kindness, spirit, and sense of humorous .

With heartfelt condolences,

The Slonski Family

Carla, Christie and Bruce.

There are no words that can express the depth of sorrow Vic and I feel for your loss. We offer our deepest condolences on the tragic passing of your beloved son. Brendan’s time on this earth was too short, but his impact was immeasurable and his memory will forever remain in our hearts.  💕

Brendan was an extraordinary individual, even in the brief time I have been with AUArts.

If you knew Brendan you knew he was a friend to all, and always supported everyone to succeed, even if you didn’t know him, he loved ya and wanted the best for you. He wasn't the type of person to walk past someone who looked like they were in need; of a friend, someone to talk with, someone to who needed a bit of cheering up. And he would do his best to try and help.

As this new semester starts, I walk the halls with a heavy feeling in my heart. You get used to having students come around and seeing them excited or stressed about a project, and you know that despite the challenge, they'll overcome it and excel. You get excited at the prospect of a student nearing graduation or just completing the semester.I always looked forward to Brendan graduating, chasing his dreams, and living the life he had envisioned.

I cherished our occasional talks about love, life, the future, and everything beyond. Brendan had a way of lighting up the world with his magic, making every color of the world seem more vibrant. Sometimes in life it feels like we let go more than we welcome others into our lives. And, when the loss hits, the emptiness is something you can never shake.

I guess that's what we trade in, when bring people into our lives, knowing there's a space that can never be filled or replaced.

Brendan embraced his culture, his identity and encouraged others to do the same. He did everything with love and his memory lives on in all those he talked with, spent time with and helped.

If you've made it this far, just know Brendan would accept you for who are and would want you to also embrace and love the person you are.

- Gitz

Diddles and I have know each other for many years. We have been through a lot together from school, rugby and many different life adventures. Throughout all those adventures, Brendan shared is contagious excitement for life, thrill to try new things and desire to always stay anabolic. It wasn’t just during running laps around the track while training for national 7’s while at UofC together or training in the gym, it was also growing together as men by challenging each others mindsets to always remain growing mentally, spiritually and emotionally. One of the things that I am most grateful for Brenden is the role that he played in helping me return to having a personal relationship with Christ. It was a direct result of him in my life and reaching out that I have been saved and have the amazing life that I am blessed to have right now. For this I can’t say thank you to him enough and with eternally be grateful! 

The last conversation that we had he shared with me about a conversation we had years ago about how it would be really funny if he would one day become and principal so that the students could call him “P-Diddy”. We both laughed at this memory and agreed it’s a good thing that never happened in light of recent events. 

My deepest condolences to the whole family and prayers of God’s comfort and peace during this difficult time. He will be dearly missed but held near and dear to my heart always.