Brendan John Smith

With heavy hearts, we try to make sense of a world that feels emptier than it did just a few short weeks ago. The pain of losing Brendan unexpectedly is hard to put into words.

When we think about the way he lived his life, we remember his music and his kindness and compassion for others.

Brendan was, above all else, creative. Whether he was picking up a guitar, sitting down at the keyboards, or learning a new song on the trumpet, he had a gift for expressing his soul into song. He played with feeling and his music allowed him to share what couldn’t be put into words.

He loved to play chess, but loved time spent with his friends, old and new, even more. It wasn’t just about competition; it was about sharing laughter and comradery.

For all his gifts, what we will miss most is his kind heart. He was caring and compassionate and felt things deeply. He listened to others that needed to be heard. He used his gifts to be helpful to those around him. He had a way of making you feel welcome and valued.

He was taken from us far too soon, but left beautiful memories of himself behind. Every time we hear a soulful song, see others act with the same compassion he did, or see a chess match in action, we will remember him.

He led his life with everything he had. Now, it’s up to us to keep the memories alive.

Rest in peace, Brendan. You will always be a gift to us all.