Obituary of Brent Gary Mitchell

It is great sadness and a profound sense of loss that our family announces the passing of our son and brother Brent, in the early morning of June 25, 2021.

Growing up in Cranbrook, Brent attended school at Highlands Elementary & Laurie Middle School until 1987. The family then moved to Jaffray, B.C., where he completed his secondary school education at Fernie Secondary graduating in 1989. In 1991 Brent received his Diploma from BCIT in Biomedical Technology.

Brent enjoyed sports, especially soccer and basketball, playing hard and always giving 100%. He was also very much into Judo in those early years in Cranbrook where the tournament competitions to which the Judo Club travelled were always a highlight. An avid water skier he learned to ski barefoot during the good times at Rosen Lake. While at BCIT he played rugby and continued with Judo.

Brent loved music and was passionate about his favourite musicians and bands. The drums were his chosen instrument as he learned to play them in the Laurie School Band. For a time after BCIT he played in a Vancouver band called Black Sunshine. 

As his personality developed it was apparent that he was an extrovert. From an early age he was exuberant and engaging, making friends easily, relating well to others and displaying a well-developed sense of humour. Even in some of his darkest moments, the real Brent would often clearly shine through.

Brent loved animals, particularly his best buddy and companion for 11 years Toby. When Toby passed this last year, it was very hard on Brent. 

Not long after his graduation from BCIT his lifetime struggle with mental illness began. He fought it hard, and there were long periods of time when he was able to overcome his affliction. There were many good times in the last 25 years and these memories will be cherished. We will never truly understand how heavy a burden he carried, or its impact on his life. Brent, as do many others sometimes turned to substances to ease/escape the pain. He bore the twin demons of mental illness and addiction with fortitude, as well as anyone could expect.

Cranbrook is fortunate in having many caring people, serving with various agencies, who work with individuals in circumstances similar to what Brent was experiencing. Should you desire in any way to honour Brent's memory, please do so by simply saying thank you to individuals working in organizations involved in the care and management of the less fortunate. All the groups and organizations listed are staffed by people who truly care, and those people have our gratitude. Many also accept donations as well. 

The RCMP, Community Connections, The Salvation Army, Probation Services, East Kootenay Hospital Medical and Psychiatric Staff, Mental Health Outreach Staff, BC Schizophrenia Society, East Kootenay Addition Services Society, Street Angels, Wings and Eagles.

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Services.

Condolences for the family can be offered at:

www.mcphersonfh.com