My friend passed away yesterday who had been battling brain cancer for about a year. He survived much longer than anyone had expected. There was a benefit for him a few weeks ago and about 300 people (including myself) turned out to support him. I met Brian more than 20 years ago when he started selling cars for my father's GM dealership. We have stayed in touch over all these years. He has an interesting history. He was a drug addict who lost his job with Canada post due to his addiction. He was a high school dropout. He got married prior to losing his job and had 2 children. He used to buy his drugs over the river in Detroit in the worst area there was and he would bring his infant daughter with him in the car to avert suspicion crossing the border. He would then leave her in the car while he would go into the house, hunt around for a used needle, and then shoot up dilauded. (It's hard not to judge a person who would place their child at such intense risk!) He eventually went through a local program called Brentwood Recovery home where he went on to be the poster boy for recovery. He came to work for us after he graduated and was a different man. He also finished his high school diploma and then went on to get a law degree. He became a drug councellor in the US prison system among other things including being a councellor in private practice. He has stayed intensely involved with Brentwood ever since and went on to become one of the Board of Directors. He has literally helped hundreds, if not thousands, of people confront their demons and addiction. Thankfully I never needed him in that regard but we have stayed friends for all these years. I will truly miss him. Thanks for reading this..it has helped me just writing these words. Rich
very sorry to hear this ... it always makes me feel better to type my feelings too.. and were always her to listen.....sorry again for your loss .
Terrible news, richy. Losing a dear friend is never easy. He sounds like an amazing person. Will keep you and your's in prayers.
rich i am very sorry to hear of the loss of your good friend. it sounds like he was a selfless stand up guy and no doubt a great friend who fought the good fight his whole life through and never gave up. its a blessing to have people like that in our lives. i will keep him and you as well as your families in my prayers.
That's a heavy story. First you hate him, then you respect the hell out of him. I'm sorry for your loss. It's inspiring to hear that someone can go from rock bottom to getting a law degree and helping people. You should be proud.
Thank you Pete..I truly appreciate it. Billy..you're absolutely right..I was blessed to have him in my life. Thank you.
Richy, Thanks for sharing his incredible and inspirational story. His life is a testament to his inner strength and his deep kindness in helping so many others. RIP
i remember when my dad died it was the worst day of our lives me and my family. but he was in so much pain . we knew he was out of pain.
Very sorry to hear. Its amazing the depths of despair a man can sink to, and yet still have the strength to come out of it and turn their life around. I hope his children will remember the man he was at the time he died, and not the one he was years ago.
Sorry for your loss Richy and condolences to his family and friends. Touching story of how much one's life can be changed with a little help along the way!
That's an amazing story Rich, I am sorry your friend passed away. But it sounds like after he turned his life around that he helped many others who were facing his battles of the past.
Thank you. His life journey had one Hell of a ride, that's for sure. The amazing thing is how he turned it around. The other amazing thing is he is still married, all these years later, to the same woman. Gail has gone through a lot but is just as strong as he is. How many women nowadays would go through what she did? Most would walk away. Ken..it's one of the reasons he and I were so close is that I had a tremendous amount of respect for him. He helped me in a lot of ways as well. Plus, he shared a truly warped sense of humour with me (as anyone on here who has read my jokes truly knows). His story IS an inspiration. That's the thing, Tom...you don't want to lose them (the selfish side), yet are relieved knowing they are no longer in pain. Thank you Ken. Joey..his kids were very small when he was in his darkest days (it was even before I knew him) and have no actual memory of that. Fortunately, they got to grow up knowing the loving, caring man he truly was. Dave..nice to hear from you..and thanks!! Thanks Dave..I appreciate your words. I certainly know you can relate. Your friendship was even closer than that of mine and Brian's. Thanks..it actually really helps to talk about it and having the support of this community is priceless.
Richy, Please accept my condolences... Sounds like your buddy really did some living. People who have seen the darkest depths of hell (as it seems your buddy did during his drug using years) are the people that can appreciate life even more once they exit the entrapments they are bound to. You can't know the extent of the sweet if you have never tasted the extreme bitter! Feel proud that you can call this man your friend as from the sounds of it, he truly made a mark on the lives of others which, is a very remarkable, commendable & admirable achievment. He lived, he fought through his personal demons, he made it out the other side a better person and helped people as a result of it... WHAT A GREAT LIFE!!! Too bad it was cut short!
Thank You for sharing Richy, the story and history is more than heart touching. May Peace be with him, Amen.
