Nov 20, 2004.

I never told Brent this - but I was very proud of him.  I bragged about him to friends where I lived and they too were inspired by someone who was able to make a living of being a 'full time mountaineer' as I referred to him.  My dream was to converge my activities with his and my parents so we could be closer together.  Sadly that is not to be.

I also admire Brent for having found such as wonderful friend, lover & wife in Heather - something I have also found in Isabel.  I was lucky enough that in the last few years I've been able to climb Mt Kinabalou with Brent, explore Chamonix in France with Brent & Heather (photos here) and most recently 'hire' Brent to lead an Algonquin Barron Canyon trip for some of my friends in Europe who had never before experienced real wilderness.  You can see those photos here.

Not only did he have a fond place in my heart, he had a fond place in the heart of Isabel and my friends who met him and was able to put them at ease quickly and confidently.  You may not have known this Brent - but on the Barron Canyon trip Caroline was on the edge of panicking and asking to be taken 'out' and you not only noticed - you knew what to do and because of that today Caroline and the others had the trip of a lifetime.  You were also able to coax Isabel up Aiguille du Midi (Chamonix, France) and were patient enough to take your older brother ice climbing, rock climbing and mountain climbing.

Brent - you are my hero - I can't say in words how much I miss you already.  You'll be with me always. 

Love, Duane

To Brent’s loved ones,

Our thoughts are very much with you all.

We feel very grateful for having had the opportunity to meet Brent during our canoeing trip to Canada a few months ago.

His energy, enthusiasm and his passion for the outdoors, and of sharing this passion with others, was truly inspirational.

Our fondest memories of that trip are of the fabulous evening dinners that he’d seem to whip up from nowhere, his ultimate patience in teaching us outdoor skills, his dedication to details and creating the ultimate experience for us, his commitment to conserving and appreciating the environment, his real can-do attitude to everything, and his sense of humour telling stories around the campfire.

Brent’s virtues are undoubtedly very familiar to you and we say them here so that you know we share in your loss.

Our deepest condolences,

Pete & Satu

London, UK

In a note sent with flowers to Duane & Isabel:

Thank you for having given us the opportunity to meet Brent.  He was truly a wonderful and inspirational human being.  We share in your loss.  Our deepest condolances.  pete, Satu (& Satu's Family)

(Duane's note: Pete & Satu met Brent in Sept 2004 for the Algonquin 'Baron Canyon' trip.  You can see photos here.)

Sentimos mucho lo de tu hermano, es duro, la vida continua, con calma, dentro de lo que se pueda Joder. Se fue haciendo lo que le gustaba. Un abrazo.

Teresa y Juan

Translation:
We are very sorry about your brother, its very hard. Life continues, keep calm as much as possible. Fuck. He left doing what he loved. Big hug.

Teresa & Juan

(Duane's note: received by text message. Juan & Teresa are Isabel's brother and sister-in-law. Isabel is my lover, friends and solemate and around Dec 8 we will become parents! Isabel is from Spain)

Calls of condolance to Duane & Isabel (in Spanish) from:
Bego (one of Isabel's 4 sisters)
Montse (another of Isabel's 4 sisters)
Anna (and another of Isabel's 4 sisters)
Cristina (Isabel's cousin)
Miriam (Isabel's cousin) - Duane attended wedding!
Andres (Isabel's & Duane's Spanish friend)
Domi & Giulio (Isabel's & Duane's Spanish & Italian friends)
Loli (Isabel's & Duane's Spanish friend)
Sarah - (Isabel's & Duane's South Africian friend)
Isabelle - (Isabel's & Duane's French friend)
Lorena - (Isabel's colleague & friend of Duane & Isabel)
Steve & family (Duane's 1st year univerity roomate and now living in Oxford, UK close to Duane & Isabel)
Caroline & Michael (met brent on Algonquin trip in Sept 2004)
Conn (met brent on Algonquin trip in Sept 2004)

The things we are remembering now are really good things. So many great climbs! So many great parties! So many great dinners! So many great desserts! And let's not forget the Scotch. Damn. We are going to miss Brent. Life is certainly richer for having done some cool things with him. We just feel so lucky now that we had the time to work, play and live with Brent. Here's to Brent, one of the greats. He was a hero.

I didn't know Brent well, but the one time I did meet him he left a big impression. I had lost some very expensive sunglasses in a parking lot in Kananaskis, left a note about it, thinking I would never see them again, on a bulliten board on the Web that climbers tend to visit. Lo and behold, a month later, I get an email that Brent has my glasses, and would like to return them to me. He was something of an angel that day, kind enough to return something that he could have easily kept for himself.
My thoughts and condolences go out to all of Brent's friends and family in this difficult time. May you find the strength you need in eachother's support.

My deepest sympathy to Heather and to Brent's friends and family. I never had the chance to meet Brent but I am deeply saddened at your loss of a man who lived and loved life so fully. The greatest tribute to him can only be to continue loving what he loved so well - the beautiful world around us and each other.

I grew up with Brent in Orillia, Ontario, as our families were good friends. I was upset to hear about the terrible news. My only solace is knowing that he died doing what he loved so much.

Please send my condolences to Heather and to the others at Alpine Wild.

Sincerely, Heidi

We first met Brent at Outward Bound Canada, where he worked for a few years in the '90s. Brent was a passionate educator and great instructor. We have kept in touch since then, with Angus spending many days in the mountains with Brent in Peru and Mexico. They were planning a trip together with students in Borneo for this March.

Just three weeks ago we stayed with Heather and Brent in Canmore. Brent took us out for our first Rockies ice climb at Kidd Falls - it was a great day and Brent was a great teacher and guide. We are about to move out to Alberta and were looking forward to spending more time with Brent and with Heather and were looking forward to adventures and good times together. We will miss Brent and his quirky ways!

My earliest memory of Brent goes back to when we were 7 years old. Even then, I knew Brent was a breed apart. A leader. A Lion. Of course, when we were 7, all he could prove was that he was a glorious class clown, one that seemed to play only for me. I can remmeber holding my nose to stifle a guffaw caused by Brent's antics. The one I rememebr, was him pushing his chair back about 6 feet from his desk and reading a book from the floor. (I guess you had to be there).

Brent and I grew to be best of friends in those years. Another time we were swinging from the monkey bars. His climbing prowess was evident even then. He was hanging from the bars and I swung in too close to him. Inertia kept my knee moving until it met his lip. The contact resulted in an impressive bloody lip. I was mortified. I grabbed Brent by the elbow and rushed him to the bathroom. He quickly eased my anxiety along the way. Instead of lamenting about the bloody lip, he roared at the gaggles of girls that paused to watched our progress. Without saying, they were more troubled with the situation than Brent or I was.

I now run an IT business. Had it not been for Brent and his Commodore 64, I would not be doing what I love today. The hours Brent and I wasted in front of the computer playing Bruce Lee and Jumpman!

Brent's family was/is special too. Barry and Gloria were the most interesting adults I've ever known. To have a family dinner with the Raymonds was a treat and a learning experience. Between Brent and Duane playing a perpetual mental chess game and Barry and Gloria overseeing it with a grin was as exciting as it was tense. Barry and Gloria always threw the greatest birthday bashes for Brent. Instead of "pin the tail on the donkey", Barry and Gloria sent us into the fields where they lived and had us hunting for treats and prizes. These things I'll never forget.

Duane is a great guy too. Barry had built the most incredible fort a child could imagine in the backyard, complete with a flyfox from the top floor. I'll always remember the terror I felt when Brent and I hid in the crawlspace of the fort after we had tormented Duane. Of course, Duane found Brent and I, but not without a great deal of theatre and anxiety!

In High School, Brent and I both competed in Cross Country Skiing. This sport is not for the feint of heart! We were both able to compete at the Provincial championships for many years. I was always able to barely edge out Brent, but only because he pushed me to do so. We trained on many cold kilometres together.

Brent inroduced me to winter camping when we were 17 years old. When the majority of our friends were heading to Florida, Brent and I were packing our rucksacks and heading North to sleep in the ice and snow. My bitching and complaining hardened Brent's future as a guide. But even hough I complained like a child, I would never trade my days spent in Canada's Nothern Winters sleeping under Orion's Belt and making tea from melted snow. We would wake up most mornings in the company of red squirrels and sparrows who were keen to eat the scraps of our breakfast before we ventured out on a 20 km hike.

Brent and I went winter camping several years in a row. One winter, I had a beaten up Hyundai that we used to get to the trails. During the days that we were in the woods, the battery in the car went dead. When we returned, I howled about the condition of the car while Brent noticed a gray jay hovering nearby. He went into our food stash and produced some gorp. The gray jay landed in his palm and ate from his hand. I did likewise and was rewarded with the same treatment. I'll never forget this, nor the lesson to appreciate the light in a dark situation. Subsequently, Brent and I flagged down a passing motorist who trusted us enough to pull into the remote parking lot and give us a boost.

I got married at 20 years of age. I am happily married to this day. Brent was my Best Man. Apaart from my father, he was one of the only few I could trust with such a serious role. He was amazing. He made the anxious moments a piece of cake.

As the years went by, we slowly drifted apart. He with is exciting life. Me with, my very different but equally exciting life. I was there when he was learning to climb rocks and was so grateful he passed the knowledge along to me. We spelunkered a few times; without a second thought I had Brent belay my 4-year old son, Myles, to the top of a cliff. ( I will post a picture of Brent belaying me as my son sits at Brent's feet chewing on the same rope!)

Brent was one of the few. One of the Best. A Rarity. I am honoured, and better, for knowing Brent. I still can't believe he is gone, to me he was immortal. One of the pillars in my life has fallen.

Tom Smith
Orillia,On. Canada
November 21st, 2004

I got to know Brent at Shell Canada Limited through Heather. I manage the Fitness Centre and they were great users of the Centre and Brent became a member of our Program Advisory Group.

I am a novice outdoors person and every time I had a question about canoeing or going into the mountains, Brent would make the time to assist me in figuring out equipment or places to go. He was always so positive and happy to share his knowledge and passion with me. He also listened with interest to my stories of my pretty basic adventures.

One day I mentioned my dream to visit Peru and visit Machu Pichu. He came back with great info about other "less-traveled" places in Peru that I would enjoy visiting. He got me very excited about those places. I spoke to my backpacking friends and my 22 year old daughter about the possibility of hiring Brent to take us to these places in the next year or two.(My daughter is going to university in Peru this summer and I am considering joining her at the end of her courses.) When I go there (and I will) I will do this in his memory and honour! Although I'm sure it won't be quite the same. I was looking forward to sharing time with him and getting to know him better.

One other memory I have of Brent is his telling me about trips he has led with kids. His face lit up, his passion and love of those kids jumped right out at me. Those lucky kids!

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Brent. I know he will be missed by so many people including me. He was truly a very special person in this world. He was caring, compassionate, passionate, knowledgeable, honest, sincere, strong, skilful, funny and full of integrity.

I send my love to Heather and his family.

I knew Brent primarily during our high school years in Orillia. He was in my grade, and Duane was in the same grade as my older brother David. Although I had kept in touch with Brent throughout university, soon after we somehow stopped keeping in touch...he was off climbing in exotic places around the world, from Munroes in Scotland, to the famous Mt. Kinabalu expedition, while I was settling down in the big city.

Whenever I think of Brent, I think of that big bright smile he always seemed to have on his face. He was definitely a "glass is half full" kind of guy, always finding a positive to focus on. And I loved that wacky sense of humour he had!!

Although I am not a terribly outdoorsy person, I was always amazed by Brent's love for the wilderness and thoroughly enjoyed the many things he taught me about it. I sort of considered Brent to be my own personal David Suzuki - a nature expert, a teacher, someone who can inspire awe in something as simple as a leaf, someone to look up to.

Brent, my friend, you will be sadly missed.

I've only known Brent and Heather for a couple of years now, but from the time that I've spent with them I will never forget how much fun I always had. We've spent some great times skiing, climbing, laughing, chatting...I will never forget new years 2003! We were laughing so hard that no one could stop for a long time. I think some people even had tears. Heather, if you read this, I want you to know that you had a special gift in your life and that gift will always remain, yet now in a different form. Brent's deep love for you was evident in so many ways. Brent, you are missed.

Susie Lantz

We got to know Brent just this year in Canada, on a canoeing trip he organised for Duane & Isabel and their friends.

Brent touched our lives for a very brief moment. I think that we took more from the relationship than he did: we learned a great deal from him in a very short time. We will always remember his sense of humour, and his way of defusing potential arguments with a new viewpoint that made everyone laugh instead. His calm presence allowed us to develop and learn, and his patience as a teacher seemed infinite. He was a natural leader who inspired trust and respect.

He was a very special person and we were privileged to know him.

Our condolences go out to everyone who knew and loved him. He will be missed.

Unfortunately I never met Brent in person. But I have met him through the fantastic stories coming from Duane, Isabel and the group that was in Canada last summer. I also have been looking to the picture Brent took in his trips. It must have been a great satisfaction to reach the top of each mountain, if only to get to see those breathtaking views.
Duane, thanks for sharing Brent's life with us. My deepest condolences to you and your family and friends.

I met Brent on the Canada Algonquin trip this year. He took a bunch of social activists, just the worst type of people to try to lead, and he quietly and gently turned us into an effective and efficient group who could support each other and count on each other for so much. His skill as a leader was immeasurable and I know from our chats that many young people have had the opportunity to have their lives changed from the quiet word or gentle action of Brent's being in the world. He taught me not to fear the rockface and for that i am always grateful. He also encouraged me to follow my vision and to bend in the wind when times get rough. Great skills from a man who refused to stop learning, and asking questions. Brent was my hero too.

I First met Brent at Outward Bound Canada like many others.
Brent had the same sarcasim and mischievious nature and we were able to keep life light while paddling on a big river. I will always rember when we portaged a set a rapids just because the water was to "cold" too possibly dump and "no one was the boss of us we figured" Brent was fun and serious about the outdoors. When I saw him again last summer I was proud to know him and he offered excitement for life. I wish Heather and family well in dealing with this tradgedy by keeping the memories alive. My family and I will speak to him when we go out and enjoy the wilderness.
Take care
Friend Deb Maillet

It is very difficult for us to find the right words to say, but I guess that there are never right or wrong words. We are deeply impressed for these terrible news and we just would like to tell you that our thoughts are with you and with all the rest of the family and friends.

We did not have the pleasure to meet Brent, but we took a look at the website and, for sure, he looked like a fantastic guy.... that is why someone up there could not wait to take Brent with him?

Duane, I have to say, amazing job you have done with the Website in just a couple of days... wherever your brother is now, I am sure he will love to see how much his family and friends are already missing him.

All our love is for you, and we hope you feel our hug from the distance.

Take good care.

Chusita & Dietero


Duane's note: Chus (Spanish) and Dieter (German) are friends of Isabel & I living in Luxumburg. Through Chus I met Isabel and I met Chus when I worked in Singpaore.

I cant remember where I first met Brent because he was in so many places! I ran into him at Grassy Lakes, guiding his clients, I taught climbing with him at the University climbing gym, I taught grade 9 students how to poop in the woods with him, and I drank tea and ate his home-made cake with him.
In all those places, Brent was always alive with passion for being outside, he was focused and attentive to his students, but with an easy going goofy sense that meant everything was going to work out and we could still laugh about it all later. He was a great cook... everything he did he did well with precise attention, passion and compassion, and always the best sense of humour...

His attitude will live on in all those that experienced his delightful presence... we have all been his students.

I send love and support to Heather and Brent's family and everyone else who will grieve his loss.

I met Brent while working at RiverWatch for the past 2 seasons. He was only working for RiverWatch part time for those seasons but during that time I got to know him pretty good. I remember him as a person who was always smiling and joking around. I think that his fun attitude is partly what made him a good River Guide. I am saddened to hear about the news.

Shock and grief pale compared to the silence in my voice; hours stretch to days as I try to sense a response to this tare in our lives. As with all my friends I assumed our futures were interwined, that our paths would cross again. Plans were made and others broken all on the foolish belief that there would be another day to fullfill the promise and hope of friendship. Brent sometimes the nettle and sometimes the inspiration your companionship in the hills (and the bars ;o) wil be dearly missed.

I first worked with Brent at the cadet camp - he was hired as a freshly minted assistant rock guide but his years of experience sharing the outdoors with novices through NOLS, Outward Bound, and other opportunities soon became apparent. I instructed courses at the University climbing wall with Brent as well and appreciated how he could adapt his approach and curriculum to meet the needs of the students whether adults or kids.

Brent's professionalism, commitment, and unique personality shone through and he made great contributions to out work - he moved on from the camp to seek the experience for his next exam and was sorely missed.

I had the opportunity to have a day in the mountains with Brent and did a ground up first ascent with him. I was impressed by the skill, confidence and vision he had on the sharp end - that and we had a great day with lots of laughs.

And that is the image that remains clear.

Brian

22 Nov 2004

Knowing Duane (my admired lover and Dad of our son, to be born at any time now) and having met his amazing parents in July 2003, I had heard a lot about Brent's great outdoors adventures. That's how proud of Brent they are.

I had big expectations about Duane's younger brother before meeting him at Chamonix (French Alps) in Sept 2003. Duane & Brent organised to meet in Europe and luckily Heather, a friend (Joss) and me could join too. Heather, I'm so glad that we had the chance to meet each other and spend time together. Your teaching skills were great! I guess you had a good teacher too.

That was my first climb ever (Aiguille du Midi - Alt. 3842 m - not bad, eh?). It was exciting, amazing and easy-pessy thanks to Brent's ability to challenge me, his patience, trust built with no time and adaptability to really enjoy with us a beginners' experience. Not only my expectations about his outdoors skills were met but also Brent's genuine character, sense of humour and down-to-earth approach made a big impression on me. Brent, thanks for creating a unique experience that I won't forget. It was great to share that time enjoying the French mountains and French cuisine. I still remember that heavy Cheese Fondue that took us ages to digest (specially to you and Duane!).

More recently (Sept 2004) Brent took Duane & me with a group of our friends to Algonquin Park in a canoeing trip. I was on my seventh month of pregnancy and that was not a problem at all for Brent (who was in charge of the group) or for our friends either that had to carry my canoe when doing portage. I remember Brent's comments about how early kids could start climbing and again I was being challenged by him, as a Mom this time, but confident about the great time that our kid would spend with his uncle in the Canadian Rockies or anywhere else in the world. Heather, someone needs to take over, right?

I'm Spanish and these days I remember the first words Brent told me he had learnt in Spanish when we met, which are "Borracho de Amor" (translated: Drunk with Love). I think that they describe very well the person Brent was; passionate about life and people, not to forget the Scotch and fun.

I'm very sad now because Duane & I miss him a lot at this special time for us, but I know that he would like to be remembered with joy and happiness and I'll celebrate his life every 19th November (my birthday).

I'm honoured having met Brent and having been able to spend some time with him in the last two years. And I'm also honoured to carry a baby with Raymond's blood who will be a joy for all of us. Uncle Brent, you've just pulled your loved ones even closer to me. We miss you a lot and remember you always.

"Borracha de amor"

Isabel

Dear Heather, may your love and the memories you both had help to ease the pain of your loss, of the families loss. All of my hugs are yours whenever you may need them.

We had the pleasure of meeting Brent and Heather while they were being forced to sit for a family portrait at their parent's local park. We came to the quick realization that they were as nice a couple as Barry and Gloria! We would like to send our sincere condolences out to Heather, Barry & Gloria, Duane & Isabel and all others whose lives have been touched by Brent Raymond.

Laura and I had the honor to meet Brent and Heather together this past summer in Canmore. I met Brent climbing in Peru back in the 2000, I really admire him for the amount of energy he displayed at any given moment - I wish to some day come close to that. He has been and always will be in my mind as well in our hearts.

We send everyone - Brent's life love Heather, relatives and friends - our deepest condolences. We are and we will miss you so much, buddy.

During Brent's special last summer in Canmore, we climbed, enjoyed life, and I learned so much from Brent. He showed me and taught me so many things that I will be always thankful for. His spirit of helping people is an inspiration to me.

We'll miss you, Brent. Climb on, compadre.
Richard and Laura Riquelme