Brandon Shapland

Obituary

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved son, Brandon, on June 29, 2025 – his 29th birthday, due to ongoing lung issues.

Born in Kenora on June 29, 1996, ‘B’ was our only child and the light of our lives. Diagnosed early with Smith-Magenis Syndrome, he faced many health challenges with unwavering courage, humour, and heart. Brandon made medical history being the first child to receive the ‘Berlin’ heart, a testament to both his resilience and the remarkable journey he would go on to live. This surgery would add twenty years to his life.

B was brave, funny, and full of character. He had a gentle spirit and a limitless capacity for love. His hugs were legendary, offered freely and sincerely to anyone lucky enough to be near him. He had a unique way of seeing the world, teaching those around him to slow down and appreciate the beauty in small everyday moments.

From watching ‘Herbie the Love Bug’ on repeat, to rocking out to ’80s heavy metal, especially ‘The Final Countdown’ by Europe, B would showcase his talented air guitar moves. B found joy in the unexpected and taught us to do the same. Even during hospital stays, he connected easily with others, often chatting with ambulance attendants and medical staff as if they were old friends. His infectious smile lit up every room he entered. It gives us peace knowing that his Papa Ev was there to greet him ready for that warm hug.

B’s life was a gift. In his 29 years, he showed us what it means to live with love, resilience, and joy. We are forever grateful for the time we had with him.

We will be forever grateful for the compassion and exceptional care shown to B and ourselves by the medical teams in Kenora, Edmonton and Winnipeg hospitals. The medical staff’s kindness and dedication brought comfort and strength during some of our most difficult moments.

We would also like to acknowledge the extraordinary kindness shown by our hometown of Kenora. The support from friends, girls’ baseball team, and so many others was truly overwhelming. Through organized socials, BBQs, garage sales and heartfelt gestures. Your financial and emotional support helped carry us through some of our most challenging times. We are deeply thankful to all of you – too many to name, but never forgotten. Lastly, we couldn’t have imagined walking through these 29 years without the unwavering love and support of our family by our sides.

Thank you, B, for showing us the joy in life.

Brandon has been cremated. There will be no service at this time.