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BRENNAN HIRAYAMA
Born: Feb 20, 1972
Date of Passing: May 24, 2016
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryBRENNAN HIRAYAMA It is with profound sadness that our family must announce the sudden and unexpected death of a beloved son, husband and father, Brennan Burke Hirayama. Brennan succumbed to his injuries on May 24, 2016 at the age of 44 years. Brennan is predeceased by his paternal grandparents Ichiro and Tokiko Hirayama, his maternal grandparents Ross and Rosalie Boux, his aunt Yumi Shimoji, his uncle Tom Shimoji, and his cousin Kathryne Holmstrom. Brennan will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his parents Robert and Gisele Hirayama, wife Lisa Hirayama and daughter Isabella, brothers Jeff Hirayama (wife Andrea, sons Bryce and Brett) and Griffen Hirayama (wife Hiede, daughter Emily and son Bradley), and his "other brother" Arlen Mongeon, and brother in law Keith Reid. He also leaves to mourn his aunt and uncle Pat and Arnold Saper (cousins Zalman, Ronald, James, and Michelle); aunt and uncle Judy and Wayne Holmstrom (cousin Kenneth, grandson Kade); aunt Yvonne Gura (cousins Roman, Greg, Rachelle); uncle Louis Boux (Mary), cousins Tammy Shimoji (Boyd), Joey Shimoji (Deana), and Leanne Chale (Dean). Brennan was born on February 20, 1972 in Winnipeg, MB. He started his life in the Riverview area, attending Ashland School, Riverview School and Churchill High. He finished his education at the U of W Collegiate. Brennan played tier two hockey for the Twins and made many friends that he has kept to this day. In his early 20s he moved to BC where he tree planted on Bowman Island and later lived in Vancouver briefly. Returning to Winnipeg, he worked as an expeditor at Earl's Restaurant, where he also made many connections. He had many jobs over the next several years, trying to fit his personality. He eventually landed a job as an insurance broker for Combined Insurance Co., travelling Manitoba's countryside. In 1998, Brennan met his wife Lisa at Grand Beach where both their parents had cottages. In 1999, Brennan was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Nephritis, which affected his kidneys primarily. He was told it was only a matter of time until his kidneys would give out. In the meantime, Brennan and Lisa married on June 8, 2002. It was always Brennan's dream to be a business owner, so in 2002, he and his wife opened Lisa Reid Audiology in Winnipeg and Selkirk, MB. They have been helping hearing impaired Manitobans ever since. In 2005, Brennan got his greatest wish, his daughter, Isabella. It was love at first sight! Another one of Brennan's passions was being outdoors. He spent summers at his cottage in Shoal Lake, ON., and was always riding his Harley Davidson. He became friends with a large support group of riders and their wives, the TNR (Thursday Nite Riders). This camaraderie was not limited to the summer months. They would get together every Thursday, year round. Eventually, in total renal failure, Brennan endured dialysis for a year and a half before receiving a new kidney. Despite their efforts to do so, his brothers were unable to donate, and Brennan received the kidney from his wife Lisa. Brennan had a zest for life and an intuition about people. His gift to others was impacting them with words or gestures, no matter how brief his contact was with them. Young or old, Brennan was interested in everyone and what they had to offer. He was always ready to help neighbors and friends with whatever they needed. He came by this behavior honestly. His mom was always there for him day and night, so Brennan adopted that philosophy with others in his life. Brennan lived many lifetimes in his short 44 years and he still had many projects on the go and on the horizon. He was proud to be beginning another new business, excavating with his bobcat. His daughter Isabella would like everyone to know something about him: "My dad always made people laugh and smile. He would help people when they really needed it. He was a big part of my life and I loved him so much. He had a lot of dreams and always wanted to help. Whoever he would come by, stranger or already friend, he would always stop and chat for the longest time. Everyone in heaven would be happy that he could make their day also as well as he made all of our days. Everyone loved his funny jokes and how he smiled. They loved the way he smiled because it made them smile. He was AMAZING. If someone didn't know him he'd always stop and talk with them and laugh. Then they would know him! Everyone loved him. Our whole family loved him too. I love you Dad. I want everyone to know that whoever knew my dad that he is always with them and that even if he didn't get to say I love you buddy or goodbye...he'd always mean that. If you didn't get a chance to say goodbye or I love youdon't worry at all, because he always knew that you loved him. It's not too late to say I love you. You can still say it and he'll always hear you from up above. Please pray for my Dad. He would love that - Thank you" A celebration of Brennan's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at Soul Sanctuary, 2050 Chevrier Blvd. Special thanks go out to the renal staff at St. Boniface Hospital for looking after Brennan for many years, and the transplant staff at HSC. Brennan and our family also received truly compassionate care from the SICU staff at HSC during his final hours. If people wish to honor his memory, donations may be made to either the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Manitoba branch, or the Lupus Society of Manitoba. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 28, 2016
Condolences & Memories (36 entries)
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It's hard to believe you've been GONE FOR 168 DAYS . I MISS YOU XOXOXOX . - Posted by: Diane and Simone (Friend ) on: Nov 09, 2016
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Buck, I was shocked to hear that you had passed on. I have so many memories of us that seem so distant now. Although we parted ways some time ago, you will always have a place in my heart. My deepest condolences to your family and loved ones. Until then old friend. - Posted by: Brian (Friend ) on: Jun 23, 2016
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Roses are red violets are blue .......we will always miss you FROM THE ( BOYS ) and ( GiRLS) in the ( BLUE ROOM ) - Posted by: Diane FURSTENBERG ((FRIENDS) ) on: Jun 07, 2016
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I am deeply saddened by the death of Brennan. He was a good friend to me and my daughter. I will always remember him with a happy grin on his face, especially when he was around his wife, Lisa and daughter, Isabella. Brennan, you had such a passion for life, and as Isabella rightly said, you were ALWAYS a joy to be around. Heaven is lucky to have you. My deepest condolences to you Lisa, Isabella and your family. - Posted by: Mala Lackhan and Alexandra (Friend) on: Jun 07, 2016
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So sorry to hear about this tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your closest. - Posted by: Wes Brownridge (Friend) on: Jun 04, 2016
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Gisele, I was so saddened to hear about your dear son Brennan. It's been a while since I have seen you, but I remember how much you loved your boys and talked about them with such love. I truly feel your pain and hope that you can find comfort in your memories and the legacy he has left you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Simone Constant (Friend from JB ) on: Jun 04, 2016
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Lisa and Isabella, we are so sorry you have lost Brennan. Isabella, you are so brave for writing what you did and it is clear how much you are like you're dad. You're right, your dad always made us feel welcome and important to him, even though we didn't get to see him often. He was so strong and never let anything get him down. I was amazed how much he could do even when he had to do dialysis every night. When you gave him the amazing gift of your kidney Lisa you freed him up to be even more fun loving! Robyn and I will always treasure the time we spent with you in Phoenix going horseback riding and going to the zoo and just playing in the pool. Always Brennan's ideas! He was so proud of you Isabella and will continue to watch out for all of you. Love and hugs to you both. - Posted by: Jane Klassen (friend) on: Jun 04, 2016
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Although we only had the pleasure of getting to know Brennan this past year, Lisa, Isabella and Brennan have had a profound impact on our family. Your warmth and openness was a great comfort to us and your company has been nothing short of a gift. Brennan leaves quite a legacy and the best that he had to offer the world: you. We are so saddened by your loss and our hearts were broken by the news. Brennan's giant personality will always be a part of the multitude of people on whom he had a major impact. Thank you for sharing him with us and with so many. God bless you and your extended family as well as all your friends. - Posted by: Jason, Leah, Payton and Brooklyn Watkins (Friends) on: Jun 04, 2016
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Gisele and Bob, our hearts are heavy for your great loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers now and for many months. You are wonderful parents and have raised beautiful sons. The world is diminished by Brennan's passing. Yet he has left a tremendous legacy in 44 short years. Praying for consolation for you both and your entire family. Jan and Dan Pfleger - Posted by: Jan and Dan Pfleger (Friends of Brennan's parents) on: Jun 03, 2016
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Gisele, when my son Matthew mentioned that Brennan Hiriyama had been killed in a motorcycle accident the years flashed by and I remembered you talking about your boys. We both had 3 sons and I guess Matthew crossed paths with Brennan. I'm so very sorry for your loss. I didn't know Brennan but it sounds like he had many of your wonderful qualities. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family at this very sad time. - Posted by: Linda Stewart (Old friend of Gisele) on: Jun 03, 2016
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Our condolences to the Hirayama family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all. - Posted by: Sun Life Financial - FC130 MB Alliance () on: Jun 03, 2016
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My condolences to Brennan's family. My thoughts and prayers go out to them. I knew him when we were classmates at Ashland. I am comforted to hear that he smiled and laughed as much in the years after I knew him as he did when we were carefree children on the playground. God bless. - Posted by: Scott Gillis (Friend) on: Jun 02, 2016
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We are very sorry to hear the news. Please know that we are thinking of you & your family. - Posted by: Denise & Dana Payment (friend of Gisele) on: May 31, 2016
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Dear Lisa and Jeff: We just heard the news today. Please accept our profound condolences on your loss. Keep your memories of Brennan close to your hearts. Regards, Greg and Nancy Houle - Posted by: Gregory and Nancy Houle, Brant Hearing Aid Clinic, Brantford, On (Colleagues) on: May 31, 2016
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My most deepest and heartfelt condolences to Brennan's family for their sudden loss, especially his wife Lisa and his daughter Isabella. I have to say that this obit compelled me to reach out, Isabella your words are remarkable and very true. you will carry his memory. God bless you both. - Posted by: a neighbour to Lisa Reid building () on: May 31, 2016
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Our condolences to Lisa, Isabella, the family and close friends of Brennan. May you all find the comfort needed at this time of loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Ted & Maree Clegg, Don & Edith Clegg and the staff at ALDS - Posted by: Ted Clegg () on: May 31, 2016
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Gisele, the news of the loss of Brennan saddened my heart. As you go through the stages of grief, sadness and heartache know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Carol Smith (former colleague) on: May 31, 2016
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Our heartfelt condolences go out to Brennan's family. We remember him as a cute little guy growing up in Riverview, playing at the club playground with our boys and other neighbourhood kids. Although we hadn't seen him in quite a long time he reached out to us not too long ago to see if he could help us with our loss. We were truly touched. He grew into a caring young man. - Posted by: George and Mary Paterson (Riverview neighbours) on: May 30, 2016
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Just a great guy! I will miss him greatly! If I can help in anyway, please let me know!!!! - Posted by: Dave Gresko (Good friend) on: May 30, 2016
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My most deepest and heartfelt condolences to Brennan's family for their sudden loss. Brennan was unique. His laughing eyes, big smiles and endless enthusiasm often made the grouchiest person grin and the most negative person foresee a better future. Brennan had an abundance of energy and intelligence. He was also honest, kind and always thoughtful of others. Brennan had the ability to make a positive and lasting impression...Brennan enjoyed and nurtured the life he was given. He will be sincerely missed by many. - Posted by: Karen Zaretski Friesen (Friend) on: May 30, 2016
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I first met Brennan when we were in high school and although we weren't that close over the years i would always like bumping into him and getting an update on his life which usually meant talking about his daughter, wife and the family business. His positive attitude always left you in a better mood then you were before you saw him and he always wore a big smile.We are the same age and I haven't experienced losing friends and colleagues very much yet and so this was a shocker. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. - Posted by: Christopher Frayer (friend) on: May 29, 2016
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Gisele, it has been many years since our paths have crossed. The news of the loss of your son filled my heart with sadness. I remember how your face would light up at the mention of your boys in the staff room at J.B. Mitchell school, when you told their various adventures. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you in your time of sorrow. May you cherish Brennan's memory and find strength to carry on in the lovely vision of your granddaughter. With deep sympathy, Felice Rossi - Posted by: Felice Rossi (former colleague) on: May 29, 2016
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My deepest heartfelt sympathies go out to Lisa, Isabella and family. I have many fond memories of Brennan. Brennan lived life to the fullest and did a lot of living in his short time on this earth. He was definitely one of the good guys and his passing will leave a deep void in a lot of people because he touched so many people's lives. He will be missed more than words could ever express. Rest in peace my friend...gone but not forgotten... - Posted by: David Cancilla (Friend) on: May 29, 2016
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I am shocked and saddened by this terrible news. Condolences to the family from my family in Ottawa. - Posted by: Ron Saper (Cousin) on: May 29, 2016
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Our condolences to the Hirayama family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all. - Posted by: Marian & Mo Saint-Cyr (Friends) on: May 29, 2016
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Brennan and I shared some great times as teenagers, playing hockey in the winter, hanging out at Grand Beach in the summer and everything else in between. I will cherish those memories for ever. I had not seen him for at least 15 years until recently, on the day of a big event in my life, he popped by unannounced to congratulate me and share a few stories. It meant a lot to me that he made the effort to let me know that he was thinking about me. I will never forget that about Brennan. He was always a very passionate, thoughtful and caring man. He will be missed. My condolences to Lisa, Isabella, Robert, Gisele, Jeff, Griffen and everyone else he called family - far to many to name. - Posted by: Jason Coward (Friend) on: May 29, 2016
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Dear Brennan, I am sad to see you go and will miss your smiling face and silliness. You always showed up everywhere to give whatever anyone needed at that time. My condolences to Lisa, Isabella and family. Every time I hear a bike go by I stop and think of you........as Bella says I can still say I love you and you will hear me and I believe that is true. Brennan I love you and will miss you, hugs Barb - Posted by: Barb Last (Friend) on: May 29, 2016
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my condolences go out to the family for their loss, brennan had a smile and voice that always put you at ease,he could always offer you some good advice when ever you talked with him. he was very much in love with his family he always talked about his wife and daughter.your going to be missed brother. r.i.p. brennan - Posted by: rick lowing (friend) on: May 29, 2016
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Brennan was a great guy and really positive person. Isabella, what a wonderful tribute you wrote! I'm sure Brennan is very proud of you! My deepest condolences to you and Lisa, Gisele and Bob, Jeff and Griffen, and all of the family. We will miss him. - Posted by: Zal Saper and Dana Kripp (Cousin) on: May 28, 2016
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I feel lucky to have met and known Brennan, if only for a moment in time. Thanks Bud - Posted by: Les Evinger () on: May 28, 2016
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So very sad to hear of this sudden passing. My condelences to the family and close friends. My memories of Brennan are at the Lang's (my friend Caroline) Pool. The Lang's often had his entire family over for a swim and visit. I was so impressed with their diving skills and that the boys played with a full energy of life. I will always think of you and your family and smile whenever I go to a family pool. God bless. - Posted by: Lianne Kilfoyle (Chmelnytzki) (school friend) on: May 28, 2016
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Brennan Hirayama was a very close high school friend. We had lots of laughs and some. He put a smile on my face when i was going through some very rough times. We reunited in February 2015 when i got on Facebook and it was like there were no years missing as he still made me laugh n smile n made me feel special as hard times are still around. I'm honored to know Brennan Hirayama and will be missed so much. God bless him n his family and friends. Rest in peace Brennan Hirayama. Charmaine Shlanda - Posted by: Charmaine shlanda (High school friend ) on: May 28, 2016
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Brennan was a very remaarkable stand up guy that everyone could call a friend. He always had a smile on his face that made everyone smile. My thoughts and prayers going out to the Hirayama family. Brennan will be sorely missed. - Posted by: Roberta Mariash-Oliver (friend) on: May 28, 2016
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We will always remember the kindness & care he showed to our family. We had great talks and he never judged anybody he just wanted to listen and help in any way he could. He was very passionate and always wanted to learn new things. Our kids absolutely adore him as he has a gift for creating the best memories for eveyone. Heaven is lucky to hve you..Heaven just got alot more fun with your presence Bren we love and miss you always - Posted by: Tina Charney (Friend ) on: May 28, 2016
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Brennan will be greatly missed by his Riverview and Fort Rouge family. Thoughts, prayers, and hugs to all. - Posted by: Gary Wuirch (Friend) on: May 28, 2016
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My Condolences to the Family. I have wonderful memories of Brennan from our bike ride to PV MEXICO. He will be missed by so many. - Posted by: stan bardal () on: May 28, 2016