It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful Brendan, aged 38, who has left us much too soon.
He is survived by his partner Jacquie Ott, his children Holden and Cordelia (and their mother, Sarah Kirkwood), step-children Adam, Yussef, and Kareem, son to Jacqueline McDonald, Richard Hickson (Teresa), and brother of Kyle (Sarah), Molly and uncle to Connor. He was deeply loved by his Grandma McDonald, his aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends.
Anyone fortunate enough to spend just a minute with Bren, as he preferred to be called, was drawn in by his incredible magnetism and charisma that allowed people to feel safe, heard and cared about. He loved others so completely, and with incredible passion.
Brendan Hickson was a vivacious child, full of mischief and, as a teenager, he continued to keep his family on their toes. He loved music (playing, writing, sharing) and was rarely seen without his headphones, a cool graphic t-shirt and his Vans. Concerts were a passion and a great influence on his son, Holden.
Always quick to joke, and find the light in the dark, he truly lived life to the fullest. Whether it was his vibrant glasses, quirky shoes, a shirt or baseball hat, he lived life in colour. His intelligence and quick wit made for good conversations and observations. He always had a random fact or pop culture reference, no matter how obscure. You did not want to go head to head with him in any trivia.
Becoming a father to Holden (2010) and Cordelia (2017) brought him his most profound joy. He was exceptionally proud of the people they were. He loved them completely and took pride in all they accomplished. No matter what life threw at him, his beautiful children were always in his thoughts and they, in return, adored him.
His field of work centered on restaurants, where his skills were unmatched and he had the ability to turn chaos into order. His culinary career began at Teddy’s where he progressed through the system to become chief cook and part-time kitchen manager. After 17 years with Teddy’s, he found a new home and restaurant family with Kelsey’s (Whitby) where he built new, supportive and collaborative relationships In May of 2025, he moved on to The Bartlett Bistro which brought him closer to home. There he was much loved and respected by the staff and residents.
Our Bren struggled with his mental health, a battle he fought every day. He was very open about his diagnosis and difficulties. His own challenges allowed him to understand and support others facing similar circumstances. He often said he would carry the burden of mental illness if it meant someone else didn’t have to.
This battle was not one he fought alone. He had the unrelenting, ever hopeful support of his loved ones, and participated in any program available to him. He wanted to live, he fought to live and never stopped fighting. Even on his hardest days.
We ask and hope that everyone will find comfort in knowing Bren is no longer suffering. He has found the peace he searched for in this life. His story ended much too soon but our memories live on.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday April 21, 2026, at St. Gregory The Great Catholic Church (214 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa, ON, L1G 4S9) at 10:30am. Burial to follow at Thornton Cemetery (1200 Thornton Road North, Oshawa).
In lieu of flowers, we would ask on Bren’s behalf, that donations be made to the Mental Health Unit at Lakeridge Hospital Oshawa, a place he often turned to for help.
Yellow and purple were both favourite colours of Bren’s and we think it would be a lovely gesture if you could wear or accessorize with an article of either colour on the day of his service.
