I was so sorry to learn of Brenda Jo's passing. My parents and Brenda Jo's were great friends so I have always known Brenda Jo. I have many happy memories of visiting with them. No trip to Calgary was complete without a visit with the Flemings. I last met Brenda Jo when she was a leader at a Scout Jamboree when my son was in scouting. My wife, Wendy, joins me in sending our sincere condolences to all the family. Steve and Wendy Hoskin

I hope that your family will accept my sincere condolences on the death of your remarkable Brenda. My every memory of Brenda is a happy one and over our years of association she was a model to me of warmth, authenticity and skill. It was my great good fortune to have her first as a mentor and later as a colleague in the practice of mediation. I often coached in her classes and we conducted many effective mediations together over the years. I’ve learned so much from her and my language in mediation is peppered with skillful expressions and turns of phrase I “borrowed” from her. (One example: Brenda reminded parties in mediation, “You always have the right to change your mind.” Her simple statement remains so powerful in helping people find the flexibility to make new choices! ). I mourn her passing.

I'm very saddened to hear of Brenda's passing and I'm so sorry for your loss Gary. She was a very lovely, kind, calm and wise woman and contributed so much to the mediation community. My condolences to Gary and all her family. I know she will be greatly missed.

Very saddened to read of Brenda's passing. Our condolences to Gary and all the family.

John and Judy MacDonald

Brenda was an amazing person and dedicated Scouter. I leant so much from Brenda and Gary as we progressed in our roles in Scouting. Her "events" were always filled with learning and laughter.

I will always remember that beautiful smile and the twinkle in her eyes.

Take care Gary.

Our hearts go out to you all with the sorrow of Brenda's passing - and today as you celebrated Brenda's life. Brenda leaves a great legacy of homour and helpfulness throughout. First met Brenda at Scouting events - and that lasted many many years.

May you all have wonderful memories of Brenda and 'Mom" as you grieve. Our prayers and best wishes -

Brenda has... gone home.

Perry & Karen

Dear Gary,

I was so sad to hear of Brenda's passing. She has been a ray of light throughout my mediation career first appearing at my interview at the Civil Claims Mediation program and being a mentor to me from that time forward. Her kind and caring spirit, sound judgement and wit made every encounter memorable. She will be greatly missed.

Please accept my sincere condolences and may you find strength and support in all those who thought the world of Brenda but who are also thinking fondly of you during this difficult time.

Kindly,

Shannon

There are no words to express the sadness of a loved one lost. There is only comfort in knowing that Brenda lived a good life and that you shared moments of true happiness.

We're so very sorry for your loss. Brenda is gratefully remembered by Scouts Canada for her extraordinary and lengthy service to the youth of Canada. On behalf of the Board of Governors of Scouts Canada thank you to her family for sharing her with us and with the young people of our Country and Scouting throughout the world. Gone Home.

-Robert Craddock

Dear Gary and Family,

For 20+ years Brenda was a colleague and good friend. She was my co-mediator, co-coach and Instructor. I deeply respected her wisdom and understanding, all accompanied by her smile, laugh and sense of humor. I admired her contributions to the rewriting of the mediation curriculum for ADRIA.. She was tireless in her work on the Board of Community Mediation Calgary. She was a wonderful contributor and helper to all. I will really miss her. May your memories support and sustain you in the days ahead.

Dear Gary,

I am very sad to hear of Brenda passing, Please accept my deepest condolences and I know she will live on in our hearts and memories. Best, Larissa

I met Brenda through Scouting and worked with her for about 20 years. She was a teacher, facilitator, role model, friend and much more. I will always remember the many jamborees that we planned and worked on. She set high standards, recruited exceptional people, and collaborated to solve problems. Hers was the shoulder I leaned in when things got tough. She gave so much to so many and really lived the pledges of the Scouting organization. I feel privileged to have known her. She has Gone Home with the highest of honours. Thanks Brenda.

Rosalie Pedersen

Dear Gary, Cory and Shannon,

My deepest condolences to you, I was very sorry to learn of Brenda's passing. Brenda was an inspiration to me as she shared her passion for helping others in an insightful and thoughtful manner. Her legacy ripples and echoes a very long way through her communities.

Dear Gary, Cory and Shannon,

Throughout the years our family has been honoured and our lives have been enriched to have known Brenda.

In her role as Junior High School classmate, a neighbour, the mother of a son's dear friend and in sharing her knowledge as a skilled Mediator Brenda displayed her fun loving spirit, her unfailing kindness, generosity and wisdom.

Brenda will be missed and dearly remembered by David, Betty, Sean and Melanie.

I met Brenda through the Conflict Resolution community and had done Civil Mediations with her.

Brenda always had a smile, and her warmth and compassion for people shone through. It was a

pleasure to work with her and to learn from her. Brenda shared her skills and knowledge throughout

this community in many ways. She will be sorely missed. Condolences to both families.

Thinking back to our shared days, starting in Silver Springs Scouts (where she convinced me that I should be a Beaver leader...she said that it only required one hour a week!!!) I came to know Brenda as a caring and kind friend, neighbour and co-scouter. The experiences we had in Scouts...training, servicing, leading...all done while sharing lots of fun and laughter, will be one of my cherished memories. Her and Gary's compassion and support when we lost one of our sons reflected her loving soul. I am truly blessed in having known her and feel honoured that she came to call me her brother. Rest in peace, sister. Cory, Shannon, Gary and family, Pam and I extend our heartfelt condolences. Jim.

I knew Brenda from our scouting days in Silver Springs. She was always very nice, and a lot of fun to be around.

Rest in Peace, Brenda.

So sorry to hear Brenda has left us, may she Rest In Peace. Although I only knew her a very short while, she was obviously a wonderful lady. Hugs to all!

My condolences Gary, Cory and Shannon - I was very sad to hear the news.

Brenda Jo was a kind, welcoming soul and had such a great sense of humor. I remember the awesome Christmas Eves, sharing a moment as we reminisced over the keepsakes her and I had from Aunty Joyce, and will always remember the times shared with Brenda Jo and our families.

She will be missed <3,

Ryan

Gary, Cory and Shannon, we were very sad to hear of Brenda's passing. Mike and I have known Brenda since early university days. We remember with great fondness the many times we would meet prior to a Stampeder game at Brenda's parents house before walking to the football field together. We had great fun during a number of camping trips together.

Brenda had a great sense of humour and she was a very supportive and loyal friend. She was a such a good mother and always spoke very proudly and lovingly about Cory and Shannon.

More recently we have enjoyed our times with Brenda and Gary when they visited us in Victoria and when we got together at their place at Painted Boat on the sunshine coast.

Brenda will be in our hearts and forever remembered.

Trish and Mike Black

Our friendship grew from a Scouting relationship and it was a friendship I treasured. Brenda was a thoughtful, caring and gentle soul and I will truly miss her. My memories of shared laughter on many many occasions, will provide comfort till we can meet again. Gary, Shannon, Cory and family my heartfelt condolences for your loss

Gary and Family... I am so sorry for your loss. Brenda was such a beautiful person. I was always so excited when I was scheduled to mediate with her. She was such a calming presence in the room and always brought compassion and clarity. I will treasure the heart conversations and shared laughs we had. Love to you all.

Very sad to hear of Brenda Joe's passing. Sending our love and prayers to Gary, Cory, Shannon and family and friends. I too, like Ricky, have fond memories of Christmas Eve at Auntie Joyce's house and earlier at Granny Kerrison's when we were all young children. I also fondly remember going and spending the whole day with Brenda and we would put our dolls in buggy's and take them for a walk. Brenda very graciously put up with her younger cousin. May she rest in peace.

Gary and family, I am very sorry to hear about your loss. Brenda was a real mentor to me in the mediation world, as she had such a special and caring way with people. Her kind heart will be greatly missed.

Very saddened to hear of Brenda's passing. We will always remember the years of Christmas Eve dinners shared with Brenda Jo at Aunty Joyce's home. These memories will always be special for our family. Our heartful sympathies to Gary, Cory and Shannon.

May she rest in peace. Love Ricky, Corina, Patrick and Ryan Kerrison

What a beautiful life she lived. I am very sorry for your loss. Brenda was a such a kind, helpful, smart, beautiful soul who influenced so many of our lives in the mediation community.

We were sadden to hear of Brenda's passing.

Our hearts ache for you. Gary, Shannon and Family so sorry for your loss.

Brenda touched our life in a million wonderful ways. What a great friend!

With Sympathy,

Brenda Arseneault and Peter Ciavarella

What a loss Gary to you, your family and the mediation community. I will miss mediating with Brenda as she was such a wonderful teacher and mentor. Brenda was a creative problem solver, excellent communicator and a cheerleader of others. Your loss will at times seem unbearable so remember to breathe, put one foot in front of the other and take one day at at time. Be kind to yourself. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Blessings

I am so sorry Gary for your loss. You and Brenda taught me so much as a mediator when I first joined the roster. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time. Brenda, may you rest in peace and thank you for all the life lessons you gave me.

Gary, Cory, Shannon and family,

I knew Brenda through her volunteer role with Scouts Canada, initially through the "Brownsea Area Service Team" and later while she served on the "Calgary Region Council". What I appreciated about her the most was that she was gentle with everyone she dealt with, even if the situation got intense. She was an excellent listener and a leader among leaders.

What you may not know about her is that she was part of a group of Scouters who sponsored a refugee who was himself a former Scout from Liberia. Not only did she provide her time, she also helped provide financial support until he could get himself established here in Calgary. Just one more example of her kindness.

John Piera

Our sincere condolences. Your mom was a true beacon of light. I will cherish see her and all of you last year. Thank you for sharing your time with her with all of us. Hold on the amazing memories that you have. Remember the love laughter and and fun that you had together. Sending you all our love Tamara, Chris and Ben

Oh Gary I am so sorry to hear we have lost her. I will always remember her smile and laughter - just such a vivid personality. She will certainly be missed by many.

Gary, our sincere condolences to you and your family; we feel your loss deeply. Brenda will be missed by all of us who knew and loved her. Rest In Peace Brenda. Love Rob and Sunny

My sincere condolences to you Gary. Some 20+ years we enjoyed working professionally - most times with Brenda as supportive and incisive companion. Many pleasant memories.

Jim Willson

Gary and family, so sorry to hear of Brenda passing...our memory of Brenda will always be as a kind and caring soul.

I want to express my sincere condolences. I am deeply saddened by Brenda's passing. She will be truly missed. I very much enjoyed getting to know and mediate with Brenda over the years. She was a good person with a high moral compass and a dear friend. Brenda was generous with her time and passionate about giving to others. She was a special lady who had a twinkle in her eye and a love of people and life.

Brenda truly was a fine, fine person. I will remember her for her compassion, her love, her sense of reason and her selflessness. She knew that life was meaningful in such that is was not so much to be consoled, but to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. She practiced these virtues daily. I am so honoured to have had Brenda call me a friend. I was so blessed to have had her in my life. To Gary, Cory and Shannon and to her extended family: share the memories - hang tight to each other. She loved you all so much. Have courage. Know that she is now at peace. She is free of pain. Her journey has ended - and what a fine legacy she left behind. She touched so many with her grace, her strength, her wisdom and her thoughtfulness. The world was made a far better place because she was in it.