G'DAY. This is a message to all Friends of BRENT and the Raymond family.

Can you believe it, it has been almost a year since Brent left us to return to nature. Oh how we miss him, not a day goes by that we don't think of him. We continually remind ourselves that Brent died doing what he loved doing, and we always supported him in what he wanted to do, accepting, as he did, the great moments and dangers. We also got great comfort in the fact that we were a close and loving family, and had so many absolutely fabulous times together for the 32 years he was with us all.

We literally could not think of anything we regret, in remembering Brent - or wish we had done anything differently. He was a great son, and as an adult a great friend, and a kind considerate "MATE" - aussie style. Virtually from the day he was born (June 22/1972) he was fun to be with and a great little traveler, by age 7 he had been clear around the world with us - what a bonding that was - with us and his older brother Duane. We have memories that will last our lifetime, and longer...

Our ability to cope with Brent's death , was certainly enhanced by our belief that he simply returned to nature. His ashes were lovingly dispersed at a spot he loved so much. We will never see him again, but thats ok - instead we will remember him whenever we see a majestic mountain range, a tropical rainforest, a sandy beach, a desert landscape (outback) or a romantic sunrise or sunset - that is where Brent's spirit is in our minds. We also believe that most events in life are random, and that is how we view his accident.

Brent was a practical guy, and spoke his mind - at this time I am sure he would be pissed off with us, if he thought we were still focussing on his death, rather than remembering his life - sure we still have our private emotional moments of heartfelt sorrow, and wish he was still with us, and we expect this will last all the rest of our lives - however, we plan to get on with life as he would wish, and as Brent would support, "have a fucking good time dad and mum" - Thanks Brent!

As our grief gradually abates, we want you to know, we sure love talking about Brent - we love hearing other folks stories about their memories of goodtimes with him - so please feel free to contact us, visit us, anytime - we would be so glad to hear from you.

Now the focus of our life is naturally on the little chap, that Duane, and Isabel presented us with, on Dec. 22/2004. We first saw NOE at 4 days old, in Oxford, UK. What a little "Ripper". We saw him again in the early Spring in Canada, at 2 months, and again in Spain in the summer. Isabel's family are in Spain and what a delight it was to meet them - really fun folk - Gloria's Spanish sure came in Handy.

We now seem to be settling down to commuting across the Atlantic - we will be spending Xmas on London with Noe, and his parents! You should see the toys and books, we have for him - about 2 large suitcases full - Noe will be 1 year old - so we plan to have lots of fun together - just like his uncle Brent would have wanted it.

I, (Barry) am now retired from 38 years of practicing Physiotherapy - it was a good occupation, but enough is enough - it certainly got me around the world, which was my main goal in life. I am now keeping busy doing university courses (at W.L.U ) tuition is free for "old farts" over 60 wanting to keep their brain cells alive (and keep up with their spouse). We fortunately have a campus in Brantford. I also garden, indoors and out. This year I have a new high tech greenhouse, to grow my tropical plants, and sit amongst passionfruit vines, while the snow is falling outside. I now have 10 tanks of tropical fish on the basement, plus 3 turtles to keep me company, while I plan my travel shows, and complete my memoirs. I also have a room full of model trains, I have to get going for Noe and Duane.

Gloria is still working, and tries to get time for sewing, and Quilting projects on weekends. We are gradually making some new friends in Brantford and area, and of course keeping on contact with our friends around the world.

Enough!!!! At this time Brent , if he was with us, would be saying "give us a break dad".

Thank you so much to all who have logged on to Brent's website for this message - if you feel so inclined please put your meesage on, in memory of Brent, who left us just one year ago, or, feel free to contact us personally.

Gloria, Duane, Isabel, myself and, of course little NOE, thank you sincerely for your support and empathy over the last year. So long for now.

THE RAYMOND FAMILY.

(This ad appeared in the Canmore Leader on Nov 17, 2005)