In Honour of a Beautiful Soul- Brent Dadds by Madia McGowan

madiamcgowan — 2021-03-08 04:33:06 UTC

Hard to believe it was only last week that we talked. Your last text message to me said "I see you", as we were on a zoom call together for Queen's. Brent - I know you meant that you saw me only in the zoom but, you did see me. You saw people.

You saw the person sitting alone on the bus. You saw the person at the back of the party- by themselves in the corner. You saw the person having a hard day. You saw us all. I wish to someday see you, just one more time. You were so truly, deeply loved. Rest easy. There won't be a day that I don't miss you.
-Madia

2021-03-08 04:34:12 UTC

seeing your smile every day brought an indescribable light into this world. you are already so missed. we love you forever and always.

2021-03-08 04:34:53 UTC

Brent made early bus mornings so much more enjoyable with his sarcasm and cheery personality. Love you always <3

2021-03-08 04:34:56 UTC

Brent was always someone to think of others first. Always the first to make someone smile if they were feeling down. Brent will be missed greatly by everyone who he impacted

2021-03-08 04:37:19 UTC

grade 9

2021-03-08 04:37:46 UTC

prom

madiamcgowan — 2021-03-08 04:38:22 UTC

Grade Nine. I love this photo.

2021-03-08 04:39:31 UTC

2021-03-08 04:41:46 UTC

2021-03-08 04:44:15 UTC

Brent was the most caring person, he was always there to listen. Brent was one of those people that you don't come around often. Just an overall good person that was happy as long as everyone else was. He has such an amazing soul and I'm so lucky to have met him in my life.

2021-03-08 04:55:48 UTC

whenever I was having a rough day I knew when i got to class Brent would be there to cheer me up and make me smile no matter how down i was feeling

2021-03-08 05:08:51 UTC

I only began to get to know Brent at the end of my grade 11 year. I also rode the bus home and was one of the only seniors along with Brent. Brent sat in the seat behind me and instantly sparked conversation with me even though we’ve never spoken before. Little did I know he lived right around the corner from me. Every conversation I’ve had with Brent, he’s always made me laugh and gave really good advice that has helped me tons in my final year at LCS Brent’s kindess towards others will always always be remembered.

2021-03-08 05:24:19 UTC

Brent touched the lives of many, many people. From the moment I met him, he never failed to make me laugh. Brent was a friend you could trust with anything, and has always been a positive influence on those around him. He will be missed dearly, and will not be forgotten. I miss the random conversations we had and overall goofiness we shared together throughout the years, you will forever be in our hearts.

madiamcgowan — 2021-03-08 05:35:46 UTC

All of us together on Halloween of Grade 11. Brent is top right :)

madiamcgowan — 2021-03-08 05:38:19 UTC

2021-03-08 05:48:41 UTC

2021-03-08 05:49:16 UTC

madiamcgowan — 2021-03-08 05:57:25 UTC

Brent is truly a once in a lifetime person.

2021-03-08 06:03:39 UTC

gr 11 orientation overnight at northcote

2021-03-08 06:15:26 UTC

Having the privilege of getting to know Brent is something I will cherish for the rest of my life. He touched the lives of many and was truly a beautiful person. Brent will be deeply missed.

2021-03-08 06:18:42 UTC

Brent was a friend from the start when I moved to LCS in grade 10. So kind, so funny and an overall amazing person. Everyone loved him for obvious reasons. I had several classes and had some clubs with him over the years and he never failed to brighten mine or anyone else's day. He will be missed by all for the rest of of time and never forgotten. May you rest in peace. - Cassie

2021-03-08 06:19:49 UTC

2021-03-08 06:38:37 UTC

brent never failed to light up a room with laughter and joy, no matter how rough of a day you had he could pull a smile from anyone. always the most down to earth and happy person it was a pleasure to know him and have him be a part of my first year at Lakefield last year. I’m beyond thankful to say I knew him and shared laughs and jokes with him. rest easy brent, a beautiful light in everyone’s lives gone too soon <3

2021-03-08 06:55:56 UTC

2021-03-08 07:53:28 UTC

Brent was a true brother to me. When we disagreed with each other, got annoyed with each other, every time we wanted to punch or yell at each other, there wasn’t ever a doubt in my mind that he’s got my back and I’ve got his whenever either of us needed the other. He’s always been the person I look to first whenever I had any personal issues and he was always there to help me through any of my issues, or was just there to talk. Whenever I struggled with my own self-confidence, he was always the first one there to immediately tell me my best qualities and insure that I was amazing just the way I am. Whenever I felt depressed, irritated, or bored, he was always there to crack some jokes to put a smile on my face. He introduced me to so many new people that eventually have become some of my closest friends. He helped me immensely over these past 4-5 years and it truly pains me that I will never have the chance to thank him again. He’s an amazing person and I truly hope he rests in peace.

2021-03-08 08:01:53 UTC

2021-03-08 08:45:59 UTC

I met Brent for the first time in orientation of grade 10 he was one of the first people I met that I didn’t know previously. He was so kind and gentle and always had a smile to give to everyone. Rest easy man.

2021-03-08 12:05:55 UTC

Brent was the most kind and caring person. If you ever wanted to talk about anything, he’d be there for you. Brent always made sure that you felt valued wherever you were. He touched so many lives and I am honoured to say that mine was one of them.

2021-03-08 12:50:45 UTC

Every single show of Chicago the musical last year Brent would make sure I had all the props I needed and wish me luck. We always shared a smile and a laugh every time we saw each other. I am honoured to have known Brent and I thank him for all his unnecessary incredible kindness towards everyone.

2021-03-08 14:00:57 UTC

Brent was one of the first people to welcome me into the dsb. no matter how bad the day whenever i walked in he was instantly able to raise my mood. eric brent and i spent almost every lunch of 2019 in the back playing smash bros. he was a great friend and better person

2021-03-08 14:14:57 UTC

Brent was such a positive guy. I don’t remember a time where he didn’t have a smile on his face. He was a friend to all and someone who you could count on. He will forever be in my heart.

2021-03-08 14:32:26 UTC

2021-03-08 15:50:18 UTC

Sending all the love to those who love and lost Brent. The world was definitely a better place with him in it. Brent, wherever you are, I hope it’s beautiful, and I hope you’ve found peace. You will be forever loved and missed by many. Rest easy B. 🤍👼🏻

2021-03-08 17:58:02 UTC

Every show before I would enter for my big song during the musical, Brent would be standing with the biggest, brightest smile, with a thumbs up backstage. Every night. When I was feeling nervous, there was Brent cheering me on. I hope he knows how much that meant to me <3 He was the kindest soul. I will miss him every performance, and every day. -Lily

2021-03-08 18:28:57 UTC

I remember in grade nine I was sitting on the benches of the day student hallway on the phone. If you knew Brent, he was always around that area looking for someone to talk to, that day it was me. He came up to me and started dancing in the attempt to distract me and make me laugh. It was those simple things that made Brent so special. His humour and kindness went a long way. I don’t think a day will come where I don’t remember his smile or the way he lit up a room when he walked into it. The most beautiful things don’t last forever, but I know I’ll always keep Brent in my heart.

-Harper

2021-03-08 18:30:59 UTC

I still remember the first time I spent time with Brent in grade 12. Being one of the only new kids I was nervous and Brent was there to make me laugh and feel more comfortable. He made my first two weeks of Lakefield so much better everything from making jokes in Algonquin to his smile. I just wished I would have spent more time with him.

Mon cher Brent,

2021-03-08 18:38:32 UTC

Tranquille, souriant, toujours positif. C'est comme ça que je me souviendrai de toi.
Sois en paix - Mme Labrosse

madiamcgowan — 2021-03-08 19:02:29 UTC

2021-03-08 19:21:44 UTC

Brent, wherever you may be, I hope you find peace and happiness. I miss you, and I always will miss you. I keep closing my eyes and picturing our vivid memories and I find myself remembering your voice and goofy laugh. I would do anything to hear that laugh one more time. I hope you can see how loved you are and how many people that you’ve impacted in this lifetime. To everyone here, let this be a reminder that you are loved too. There is always someone you are going to impact whether you believe it or not. Make every interaction count. Sending prayers for us all to heal ❤️🕊

madiamcgowan — 2021-03-08 19:35:34 UTC

2021-03-08 19:36:48 UTC

I remember one day in english class we were talking about a short story we previously read. Mr. McGowan asked us to find a deeper meaning to the story and share it with the class. Brent and I both put our hands up, and I went first talking about how the boy’s house was only ever in his imagination. Then Brent spoke. His theory absolutely blew my mind. He used quotes to back it up and even a connection to the author to help push his idea. I remember thinking how easily these things came to Brent and how he was so good at finding the hidden or deeper meaning in things. His brilliant questions and answers in that class always made me have to think a little harder to keep up. Brent was a friendly, smart, loving person and we will miss him dearly. -James

2021-03-08 20:01:41 UTC

I only worked with Brent and didn’t know him too well but every shift with him he was so nice and so kind

Brent

2021-03-08 20:02:31 UTC

Brent, although we did not know each other very well, I do know that wherever you were you brought smiles to everyone’s face. You were truly one of the most positive people out there, and the world was much brighter with you in it. I hope you have found peace, and live a beautiful afterlife. Forever missed.

2021-03-08 20:39:11 UTC

I worked w Brent for a bit, not a lot but he was rly calm and kind from when I was with him. I hope his close friends and family will recover ok, he will be missed.

pandras — 2021-03-08 21:14:40 UTC

Brent was always the first to volunteer and humbly jumped at the chance to be helpful. He sought to ensure that everyone in his path was treated with respect and that no one was left out. Brent was always good about helping out with the Alpine team but he was especially involved with the Kayak team. In outdoor Rec in the fall he spent most of his time helping out new students, teaching and guiding them with the basics of stoves, knots and camping skills. He loved OE. He truly guided others...never taking over or showing off. He just wanted to be helpful and make sure that those around him were never alone or left out. That everyone felt valued. We can all learn from him and look to always be helpful and inclusive. Learn to see others with empathy. We will miss him dearly!

2021-03-08 21:47:53 UTC

miss you buddy

2021-03-08 22:03:05 UTC

it was a pleasure meeting brent🤍
we met in grade 10... he was always there whenever I wanted to talk. He was the kindest person ever and never failed to make me laugh even when I was having a bad day. We are all gonna miss him sm! rest easy brent. Love you always 👼🏻💕

semi grade 11 🤍

2021-03-08 22:04:17 UTC

Brent was a talented writer.

lbrown2 — 2021-03-08 22:39:33 UTC

Something Brent wrote in Grade 10: "The stem of a leaf is poking out as a bookmark for my book. It’s just a plain old leaf, one from an oak tree I think. It’s supposed to represent my connections with nature, something I often look past. Whether it’s the dandelions I would play with while reading my book or the fluffy snow I would sculpt forts out of, nature is a big component of my life. Recently, I was on the school bus staring at all the green, the lawns, the leaves and trees. I realized how much I love nature, whether cold and white or warm and green. I never knew what it was like to have a favorite color, but I think I started to realize. It’s green, like that of a girl I used to know."

2021-03-08 23:27:26 UTC

Brent we will always remember you, you are so incredibly loved.

To everyone reading this: Go outside and appreciate the world around you. Soak in the sun and appreciate the warmth. Read a book and use a leaf as your book mark, and most importantly be kind to everyone you see, Because you want to be remembered the way Brent is honoured in our hearts.

2021-03-09 00:19:39 UTC

Brent always had a smile on his face and would make everyone happy every time you were with him. I always remember how much he loved the day students. We had a meeting with Ms. Kee about how the day students may become a boarding house for 2020-2021. He tried to argue that the day student bond was tighter than anything in the world and for the school to not take that away. He wasn’t going to be affected by the change but knew how important it was for the grades below him. Brent meant a lot to the DSB family. Brent was one of the funniest, caring and thoughtful people i’ve ever met. He made every one smile and never had a bad attitude. He never failed to lift your mood.

2021-03-09 00:29:33 UTC

Brent was one of those people you just knew was good. From the first moment you met him, you knew he had a good, kind soul. The world is better because Brent existed.

madiamcgowan — 2021-03-09 00:37:34 UTC

"And when great souls die,

after a period peace blooms,

slowly and always

irregularly..... our senses, restored, never

to be the same, whisper to us.

They existed. They existed.

We can be. Be and be

better. For they existed."

2021-03-09 01:33:48 UTC

Thanks for helping me make it through French class in grade 10 and always be there for me when I needed someone to talk to. You always brightened my day and made me feel seen. Thanks for all of the amazing memories Brent i will miss you a lot❤️

2021-03-09 01:49:26 UTC

I met Brent in grade nine, I had art with him and frequently saw him around as we were both day students, he always brought light and laughter to everyone, he was such a kind and caring person and he will be missed by many <3

tmorencie — 2021-03-09 02:01:33 UTC

Nate Andras

2021-03-09 20:40:05 UTC

I didn’t know Brent as well as most people on this padlet as I did not attend the school when he was here, but as the coach of the alpine teams son I had lots of opportunities to go with the team and ski on Wednesdays and Brent was one of the students who would always ride the chair with me and just generally make me feel welcome at any given time he would also seek me out as I was walking around campus just to say hi when I was in grade 8. We will miss you Brent.

2021-03-10 02:08:10 UTC

I’ve known Brent since grade 9 and right from the start he was nothing less than kind, selfless and loving to me and everyone around him. He quickly became my friend & felt like family. He was someone I trusted with everything or anything. He had a way of making people feel better even in the worst of situations and was supportive even when other people were discouraging. He was someone that I hoped to run into in the halls or someone I’d be able to sit with in class. He never failed to make my day better with his jokes, hugs or advice. Brent was a genuine and good person and there’s not many people I can say that about and mean it. He truly deserved the world. Not a day won’t go by that I won’t think or miss his kind soul. He was so loved and I hope he knew that. Rest In Peace Brent. - c.a

2021-03-10 02:12:37 UTC

2021-03-11 03:03:58 UTC

Brent was such a caring person that anyone could trust. Although I did not know Brent as well, it was clear that he made everyone’s lives he encountered brighter including mine. I really enjoyed all the moments and conversations I had with Brent. He had such great advise and taught me to always be myself. I wish I had gotten to know him more. He was a true friend to many and will be dearly missed. Rest easy Brent.

2021-03-27 18:56:45 UTC

Having been Brent’s advisor and Head of House for four years and his physics teacher for two, last June as a thank you gift, he had a custom bobblehead made of me dressed up as a Jedi with the slogan, “I’m not a Jedi” printed on it. To anyone that’s been in my physics class, they’ll know that this is a common phrase I say to help better understand forces. The bobblehead is in my classroom and so, as long as I remain at LCS, Brent will be here with me.
- John Braeckman

march 6, 2025

2025-03-06 19:55:21 UTC

incredibly hard to imagine it's been four years. still forever thinking about the bright light Brent brought into this world.