It is with heavy hearts that we announce Brendan Stuart Dzijacky peacefully passed away at home with family by his side on May 5, 2022.
His life included much fun and joy with highlights including kissing dolphins, flying in pontoon airplanes and helicopters, tons of camp swimming and rock collecting, singing the national anthem at Ice Dogs games, building numerous Lego creations, knock-knock jokes, and raising and releasing hundreds of monarch butterflies.
Brendan’s unique life journey was interwoven with being diagnosed with brain cancer at age three. He never complained about his situation. Instead, he made it his life goal to make others laugh and smile -- “Oh Brendan, you just made my day” was mission accomplished for him. Brendan had a wonderful personality, quick wit and marvelous sense of humour that was greatly influenced by his favourite T.V. shows, the Simpsons and Family Guy, which he would often quote verbatim.
Music also gave Brendan much pleasure. He displayed a tremendous ability to remember entire song lyrics, sometimes even creating his own versions. Ever the entertainer, he would sing aloud regardless of his location, always “keeping the beat and the rhythm”. Brendan loved to play the Slovak card game Hola with his family. Countless hours of entertainment were had, and Brendan ran the show.
His pets were a large part of his joy and he loved playing with his four cats and his dog Mia.
Brendan will forever be remembered by his parents Robin and Larry, his siblings Colin (Sarah) and Alannah, Grandma Ann, Grandpa Brian and Nana Judy, Auntie Marny and Uncle Chris, Auntie Martha and Uncle Malcolm, Uncle Frank and Auntie Roseline and all his extended family who have shown him love throughout the years.
We would like to thank the numerous medical professionals that provided care and support along the way. These include individuals in Dryden, Winnipeg, Toronto and Thunder Bay at the Regional Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Care Group.
We would also like to thank numerous agencies including Wesway, Options Northwest, V.O.N., George Jeffrey, Camp Quality, Special Olympics, Inclusion Services, March of Dimes, and Bayshore for their excellent Bedside Manner.
Brendan’s life, while short, was full. He accepted what he could not control with calm and grace, setting a wonderful example for us all on how to live a remarkable life.
Cremation has taken place and a private family service presided by Father James Panikulam has been held. Should friends and family so desire, donations may be made in Brendan’s memory to George Jeffrey, Camp Quality, Special Olympics, or any organization of your choosing.
