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Kerry O'Brien posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
My deepest condolences to Brandon's family, friends and loved ones. I had the pleasure of knowing Brandon a little bit. He was my walk home from the bus stop in high school, or the mall or just coming across each other in the neighborhood. He made a lasting impression that still has me laughing about our crazy talks about (high school) life. Shine bright now as I remember you being a bright light in my life back then.
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Miriam Bhamjee donated to LONDON HUMANE SOCIETY
Saturday, March 13, 2021
Krista and Family: My sincere condolences. My memory of Brandon is best summed up by the phrase, "Joie de Vivre."
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Anne Podgorna planted a tree in memory of Brandon Graat
Friday, March 5, 2021
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Embraced in eternal love and light, may you rest in peace. Until we meet again my beautiful friend, sending you love and laughter through the ether. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Curt Maine uploaded photo(s)
Friday, March 5, 2021
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Brandon, you will forever be my shining light.
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Curt Maine uploaded photo(s)
Friday, March 5, 2021
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I want to extend my deepest sympathies to all of Brandons family and friends and ask that you live laugh and love as he did.
He would want you all to celebrate his efforts to create a world of acceptance, compassion and kindness. There is no room for sadness in a world where there is so much beauty. He taught me to slow down, to listen, look and laugh whenever possible.
Stop, Stop, Stop! He yelled as we sped down the highway between Vernon and Kelowna. WTF?
The passenger door flies open as I screech to a halt and he runs out into oncoming traffic waving his hands and telling other motorists to Stop!... a turtle had ventured across the highway and it was his instinct to save it and ensure it arrived safely to the other side.This was Brandon, his love of nature and all things living often brought tears to my eyes.
I experienced this passion when I took him to Puerto Vallarta shortly after we started dating some 9yrs ago. Brandon would rise early before the sun and go for a jog down the long sandy beach before anyone else. It was on one of those mornings that he came upon poachers digging up turtle eggs and newborn babies. It didn't matter to him that we were in a foreign country, his instinct was to save the turtles. He ran to our hotel security and then spent the entire day under an umbrella with his babies waiting for the authorities to come and take them to a safe place. This was the first of many lessons that I would learn over the life of our relationship. Resect and care for all of those who are not fortunate enough to care for themselves.
Brandon and I lived together for a time on the west side of downtown Vancouver in the Gay Village, off Davies street (in case you didn't know, ... we are GAY), not a day would go by where he wasn't chatting with someone and making new acquaintances. It made no difference if you were rich or poor, homeless or a drug addict. LOVE IS LOVE and he had plenty of it to pass around. Another lesson learnt - always make time for others.
I have had other long term relationships but walking hand in hand with Brandon not only brought me joy but made me proud. So many memorable, beautiful shared experiences. We laughed. We cried. We fought. We tried. He taught me that more is understood and overcome by communicating than carrying hurt with you from one day to the next. He grew to know me better than myself.
Brandon was a sexy, social, sophisticated and complicated soul. He was fabulous, fearless, friendly and sometimes frantic. He was wonderful, witty, wacky and wise. He greeted every day with song and dance and meditation and a stroll through the natural beauty that surrounded him. Brandon wanted to make a difference in the world. He was compelling, creative and charitable. He designed clothes, held fashion shows, started an initiative for gardens on playgrounds. Brandon loved to garden and to share and teach others to do so as well. He had a mantra 'Let it go. Let it grow!' Something that he lived by and felt deeply about it.
Brandon was often misunderstood because he was vocal, he was individual and he lived beyond the normal gender binary - this often made others uncomfortable and unaccepting. As an artist/designer/creative director for most of my life I relished in his unique ability to live beyond stereotypes. Who the fuck cares if one wears some nail polish, a little eyeliner or even throws on a pair of red high heals. He didn't lack for style, confidence, flamboyance, or masculinity. Brandon respected even those who wouldn't defend or show him the equal support that he deserved.
Brandon trusted me with his heart and our friendship was one that I will cherish more than any other. I wish that I could have been more, done more, agreed more and had more time with him. With covid and Brandons health failing it was hard to not be able to be their by his side as he had been for me on so many occasions. Despite all the restrictions placed on him and us during his times in and out of hospital I will forever be grateful for the one day last fall where he called me and asked me to bring him some clothes and meet me at the front of the hospital. I arranged gathering the clothes with his mom and was surprised to see him grab me by the arm to help steady him and have him tell me to take him to my car. Drive. Drive! he said. Apparently he had removed any tubes that had been attached to him and was stripping off his hospital gown and into a comfy outfit. It was sunny out and the flowers were all in bloom. It was a calm day and he wanted to just feel the sun on his face, smell the fresh air and spend some time with me... alone. We parked near the Salmon Arm pier that jutts out into the Shuswap Lake, we held hands and put his head on my should as we walked. We stopped along the way and he picked Zinnia and Salvia from the large pots that lined the walkway. He loved flowers. We watched all the different kinds of water birds as they played in the mud and amongst the reeds. He began naming each species and what made them unique. It was covid protocol so we were both masked up. I hadn't been off my farm in a month so was not at all concerned. We sat on a bench and held each other. This was the last time that we spoke openly and candidly to one another. I didn't need to hear him tell me how much he loved and cared for me, nor how much his family meant to him, we had been together long enough that I knew. It was nice to hear.
Brandon new that his health was deteriorating. He had always been body conscious, vain, athletic and handsome and it saddened him for me to see him a much more frail version of himself.... I returned him to the hospital some 3hrs later and I knew that I would bare the wrath of his family, doctors and nurses, but I also know that what I gave him that day was a gift. A gift of mutual respect, admiration and love for one another... I only got to see Brandon one more time in mid November, I took him fresh vegetables from my garden along with a bouquet of flowers and eggs from my chickens. We sat and enjoyed the fishtanks as they bubbled in a calm, serene, almost melodic way. Brandon drifted in and out of sleep. He walked me to the door and held me one last time - a long tear filled embrace.
It was but a year ago that Stryker, Brandons border collie and long companion had past - the day before I heard of Brandons passing my dog Dexter passed away. He will not be alone, he will get plenty of hugs and licks.... side note; my other dog Lois and Stryker and babies 8 yrs ago and that litter lives on in London. Brandon found homes for all 8 and he was so pleased that all of them are still well loved.
Rest in peace beautiful man. We shall meet again and we will dance naked in the moonlight, go skinny dipping and pick wildflowers. May your dreams be sweet and may you always know the love that we shared.
Forever and always, Curt.
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Kellie Ziemba Posted Mar 5, 2021 at 6:07 AM
I really should have read this before I applied my make-up for the day!
Oh Curt, these are beautiful words. As I read your memories with Brandon, I could really see, hear and feel him. You and I never met, but Brandon spoke to me about how much you meant to him. You clearly shared so many amazing memories and by your words it is obvious that you really KNEW and "GOT" Brandon.
This post has reminded me that Brandon would want me smiling, so thank you Curt. I'm so sorry for your loss. Kellie X
Paul Luftenegger Posted Mar 5, 2021 at 8:11 AM
Dear Beautiful Curt, I can't thank you enough for writing this. What a GORGEOUS GIFT it was and is to feel the powerful truth, light, and love of both you and Brandon together. That just makes everything in my heart and soul light up with pure love and gratitude for you both. Today I celebrate Brandon with you, and his eternal soul that is THE GIFT of GIFTS to us all. We are all better for having known an Angel of Love as WONDERFUL as Brandon. God bless you & Brandon, you are in my prayers.
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Leslie Malota Posted Mar 5, 2021 at 2:11 PM
Thankyou for opening your heart Curt, your words are comforting and fabulous. Such a beautiful description of Brandon and his character, illuminating peace
Leslie
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Anne Posted Mar 6, 2021 at 6:41 PM
Thank you for sharing these beautiful memories. It a comfort to learn Brandon knew and felt the beauty of love so deeply. I will give Jax - one of Lois and Strykers little offspring extra love and attention. With gratitude and kindness, Anne
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Curt Maine Posted Mar 6, 2021 at 11:07 PM
https://www.dropbox.com/s/jg1ekxdicb58tu0/For-Curt-Brandon-20210305.mp4?dl=0
Thanks to my dear friends Hida and Cheryl.
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Hida Be. uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, March 4, 2021
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Dear Graat family,
Please accept my sincere condolences. I knew Brandon through the art community in London, as I drew him at life drawing classes at forest city gallery and later I came to know of him through another friend from design community, Curt. I remember his handsome face with a bright smile, always kind and gentle. I am extremely sad that brushing. That I didn’t get to see him for many years. He is always in my mind and heart with that beautiful smile, and through the image I have of him and the drawings I have done from him. May he Rest In Peace. Sending you all lots of love. Hida Behzadi - the attached drawings are from late 2002 onward.
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Curt Posted Mar 4, 2021 at 9:54 PM
Hida, thankyou my dear friend. Brandon was very proud and serious about his art. He kept fit and told me how important it was for him to be able to hold a pose so that the artist had time to capture his form. It would be great to see all those many artists that drew him over the years put together a retrospective of their works. He truly was an inspiring gift to so many.
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Allison, Bridget, Trina, Gina, Lydia, Tara donated to LONDON HUMANE SOCIETY
Thursday, March 4, 2021
Krista, Doe, Vic and Todd. We are all so sorry about the loss of Brandon. There will never be another like him, and we know you will miss him terribly. I like to imagine him in his new garden, Striker by his side, perfectly content and patiently waiting for everyone to show up to the party. RIP Brandon, until we meet again. Much love to you all during this extremely difficult time. xoxoxo
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Kellie Ziemba (nee Rooney) uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, March 4, 2021
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Brandon, I miss you so much. I have so much to say about you and what you mean to me, but I can't yet commit all the words because I'm still in so much shock. I took for granted that we would have at least a further 33 years of friendship ahead of us. And then some.
I can't think of my childhood and growing up without thinking of you. You were and are a part of me. When I think of you I think of hysterical laughter, rants about injustice, and dancing to Madonna, the Miss Saigon soundtrack, and Britney Spears. I think of you swimming like a dolphin in my pool and teaching my baby sister Laura how to swim. I remember your art and poetry and your superior gardening skills and you teaching me all about plants and flowers. I imagine that now you and my Mum can garden together in the afterlife and that gives me comfort.
You were a gorgeous man with a beautiful soul. A genius and creative visionary. Deep and complex. So hilarious.
You always lifted my spirits and made me feel beautiful. You were a gift to me and so many.
I love you so much Brandon. Xxxxxxx
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Leslie Malota uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, March 3, 2021
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Brandon gave us Malibou, she will be 8 in May. Over these past 8 years I have felt so grateful to him for his love and connection with animals, people and nature. He was a wonderful neighbor and friend and I will always remember his shining light and beautiful energy, RIP Brandon
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Len Graat uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, March 3, 2021
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On angels wings Brandon, until we meet again,
We will miss your contagious laugh and your generous spirit...
Love from Uncle Len, Aunt Joanne and Tara and family, Jill and family, Ashley and family, Lenny and family
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Marsha Davies lit a candle
Wednesday, March 3, 2021
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I was very saddened to hear of Brandon's passing. Although our paths only passed slightly I will always remember his beautiful smile and magnetic personality. My condolences to Brandon's family and friends. Brandon you will be sorely missed Dear one.
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Jane Purcell donated to LONDON HUMANE SOCIETY
Wednesday, March 3, 2021
My sincere sympathy to everyone, I am so saddened to hear about Brandon, I had no idea that he lived in British Columbia.
Please Doe accept my sympathy, my heart goes out to you and all Brandon's family, I know how deeply they loved him. I am in shock as well as everyone else. Jane
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Becky Brisco posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 3, 2021
Brandon, i am so sad to learn of your passing. Because of your hard-work, motivation, drive, and enthusiasm i had the opportunity as a teenager to work with what would later become two of my lifelong best friends and take further steps into design towards what would become my career. Thank you so much. Right now I can still hear your positive energetic voice clear as day. You positively impacted so many, are so loved, and will be missed. My condolences to Brandon’s family and friends. He was a really special person.
Paul Luftenegger uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, March 3, 2021
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In life, if you're lucky, and incredibly incredibly blessed, you meet someone tremendously special that reaches out their hand with their heart and their soul, and grabs your hand and shows you the way back to who you really are. Brandon was that magical tremendously special angel to me and I'm guessing to many of us – because that's what angels do – they help us remember what really matters and more importantly what doesn't. Brandon will be missed by all of us and for his precious family, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I will keep you all in my prayers and ask God to help you as you navigate this challenging road ahead of you as you grieve and mourn. I promise to keep Brandon's light of pure love alive for the rest of my life and please know this, we all have an Angel in Heaven now watching over us with one of the best senses of humour and a heart of gold and I guarantee you, we will all be magically blessed as a result! I celebrate Brandon with all my heart and soul and I thank him for every ounce of love that he left behind him here on earth! Rest in peace, Beautiful Beautiful Angel Brandon! Paul
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Mary Beechie planted a tree in memory of Brandon Graat
Wednesday, March 3, 2021
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We will always cherish our memories of Brandon. He was a soul unlike any other, and he inspired so much positivity in the world. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Catarina Gates purchased flowers
Tuesday, March 2, 2021
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Catarina Gates
purchased the Blue Caribbean and planted a memorial tree for the family of Brandon Graat.
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Dear Graat family - my deepest condolences and sympathies to you. My heart is with you during this challenging time. May Brandon Rest In Peace.
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sarah bowness lit a candle
Tuesday, March 2, 2021
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My heart is with Brandon's family: Doe, Victor, Krista, and Todd; and with all those whose lives Brandon touched.
He will be so very sorely missed.
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Sarah Bowness planted a tree in memory of Brandon Graat
Tuesday, March 2, 2021
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Oh Brandon! Thank you for being such a wonderful presence in my life! Your sweetness, silliness, & visionary spirit will always make my heart sing. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Kellie Ziemba posted a symbolic gesture
Tuesday, March 2, 2021
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To Doe, Victor, Krista and Todd,
I am so sorry for your unimaginable loss. Xxxx
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Kellie Ziemba (nee Rooney) planted a tree in memory of Brandon Graat
Tuesday, March 2, 2021
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My heart is broken. I will miss your smile, your passion and compassion, the way you brushed my hair, and our hysterical laughter. RIP best friend. X Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Jaime Keegan planted a tree in memory of Brandon Graat
Tuesday, March 2, 2021
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Dear Brandon, may this tree be a home for the birds, shade on a sunny day and a place for children to play in. You'll always hold a place in my heart. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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The family of Brandon Victor Anthony Graat uploaded a photo
Tuesday, March 2, 2021
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