Brett Shewchuk
Posted Jan 22, 2018 | 9:11 PM
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Brett Allen Shewchuk on January 20, 2018 in Prince Albert, SK at the age of 26 years. Brett is survived by his parents Larry and Charlene Shewchuk (Wood); brothers Braden and Landon Shewchuk; niece Holly Stich (Landon); auntie: Janice WoodMcIntyre and uncle: Jack McIntyre; auntie: Lorraine Shewchuk; uncle: Jerry Shewchuk and auntie: Bev Shewchuk; and numerous great-aunts and uncles, cousins and many close friends. Brett also leaves behind his faithful companion dog, Athena. Brett was predeceased by: grandparents: Ray and Doreen Wood and Alex and Florence Shewchuk; uncle: Allen Wood; and cousins: John Carr and Michael Carr.
Brett was born on October 10, 1991 at Holy Family Hospital in Prince Albert, SK. He attended school at Turgeon, St. Francis, and graduated from St. Mary High School. Brett worked as a recreation attendant for the City of Prince Albert, at the Alfred Jenkins Field House. Brett was a loving son, little brother, proud uncle, special nephew, cousin and loyal friend.
Our blonde haired, blue-eyed little boy was full of life. His curious and mischievous nature paired with his angelic face and sweet smile likened him to Dennis the Menace. He was always into something, really “fixing things” – and too cute not to get away with most of it.
As a child, Brett was always on the go. He loved to play, whether it was with his brothers or friends. The social aspect was his favorite part of school and with his fun-loving nature, infectious laugh and playful sense of humor his circle of friends quickly grew. Brett was athletic and tried soccer, lacrosse, skateboarding, longboarding, football and hockey. It was hockey he was most passionate about and he enjoyed the comradery of tournaments, street hockey and basement mini stick games. The friends he made in school, starting in Kindergarten, and through the many sports teams he played on remained close to him throughout his life. Those friendships were never diminished by distance or time.
Brett loved music and taught himself how to play the guitar, which brought many hours of enjoyment for all of us. There was always music in the house and at a much higher decibel in his car. Although he enjoyed a wide variety of music his favorite bands were from the 60’s and 70’s and at many of the over 60 concerts he attended, he and his friends would often joke that it was the boys, and all the other 60 year olds at the concert.
Brett was a normal sixteen year old when he was dealt a devastating blow that would forever change his life and ours. He was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of incurable brain cancer. In an instant his life became anything but normal. It would have been 10 years this February since his initial diagnosis, which was an amazing feat in itself. What was more amazing was Brett. He was brave, courageous, strong, and had a positive attitude, but those words aren’t enough to describe the way Brett lived through this journey, especially for someone his age. After surgery and through treatments he persevered through high school, and at graduation received the award for the most gentlemanly student, another testament to his character.
The cancer was always a ticking time bomb but Brett was blessed with several good years in remission that afforded him the opportunity to travel and do the things he wanted to do. He travelled to Paris, Amsterdam, Mexico, San Diego, Seattle, Las Vegas, Vancouver and Detroit. One of the highlights was seeing his Detroit Red Wings play two playoff games in their home barn and attending a team practice where he was able to meet the players in the dressing room.
Even though cancer systematically robbed him of many of the joys in his life he somehow adapted and always tried to live his best day. We can honestly say that he never complained once. He was kind, selfless and compassionate; always thinking of others first. His friends would say that they sometimes forgot he had cancer because he never complained and always remained positive.
Brett always gave so much love to his family and friends and was a source of strength for all of us. He always had a special place in his heart for the kids, none more special to him than his niece Holly. During the last days of his journey he was able to be at home, cared for with love, by his parents, brothers, niece, and special Auntie Jan and Uncle Jack. Brett passed peacefully at home with family at his side. Words cannot express how much we miss him but we know that his beautiful spirit is always with us.
We would like to give heartfelt thanks to everyone for their prayers, love and support given to Brett and our family.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, February 2, 2018 at 2:00 pm at St.Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 260 – 25th St. East, Prince Albert, SK with Father Tuyen Vu as Celebrant. In lieu of other tributes, memorial donations in memory of Brett may be made to The Chris Knox Foundation, Box 3224, Regina, SK, S4P 3H1, or The Childrens Wish Foundation. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray’s Funeral Chapel, (306-922-4729).
- Date : 2018-01-20
- Location : Prince Albert