Obituary of Braden Andrew Heffernan

February 3, 1992 - January 8, 2023

Braden ("Heff") passed away on Sunday, January 8, 2023 at the age of 30 years.

Braden was born in Calgary on February 3, 1992.

The family lived on an acreage in Springbank for most of his life. He enjoyed having a quad, dirt bike and endless space to enjoy life to its fullest. He was a stuntman on the trampoline, enjoyed flying rockets and kites, and always found ways to enjoy his time outside. He developed many life-long friendships growing up, often being invited to vacation with those families. He also spent lots of time chasing after and being loved by his sisters and their friends. He recently said his childhood was amazing and could not have been more perfect – a life filled with lots of love, laughter, and adventure.

He was a passionate reader, an accomplished athlete, and a high academic achiever. Above all else, Braden was a kind, thoughtful and loving person. Many have described him as the finest young man they have ever known. He had strong values and always conducted himself with a great deal of integrity and respect for others.

Braden first attended Springbank High School and then finished high school at Central Memorial. He was an all-star football athlete at both schools, receiving many awards and recognition. He was selected to play on several all-star teams, and he competed in the Alberta Summer Games.

Braden was very proud to be a member of the Wildcats Football Club. He was a warrior on the football field, demonstrating over and over their values of pride, courage, and intensity. Following high school, he went on to be selected as one of the top picks for the Calgary Dinos Football squad. Following his playing career, Braden dedicated many hours to coaching and mentoring young players coming up through the Wildcats organization. He was a role model to the young men that had the privilege of knowing him, including his many cousins. Through his years of playing and coaching football Braden formed many strong and lasting friendships.

Braden graduated in 2017 from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics, making the Dean's list for several of those years. During his time at university, he was one of two students in Canada selected by the Canadian Space Agency to travel and perform work at a rocket launch site in the Arctic Circle. He was also involved in several other important research projects.

Braden was an avid and confident skier, starting at the age of two. Growing up he spent many weekends on the hill in Fernie with family and friends. He also enjoyed several cat-skiing and heli-skiing trips with his dad and friends. He volunteered with the Canadian Association of Disabled Skiers, teaching, and inspiring those skiers to accomplish great things.

He was also an accomplished track and field athlete, breaking several school and City records. He was awarded Athlete of the Year several times through his school years.

After completing his Physics Degree, Braden started his own company, Vulpine Intelligence.

Braden spent many of his vacations at the lake with his family, aunts, uncles, and cousins, and at the family home in Arizona. Gatherings of family and friends will not be the same without Braden. He had a very close relationship and deep love for all his cousins.

He will be most remembered for the strength and love he provided to everyone around him. A kind, humble and soft soul who achieved greatness in all that he did. He made all his accomplishments look easy to those around him that had the joy of watching. He approached everything he did with a sense of confidence and energy, but in a humble way. He was authentic and his work ethic was hard to match.

The family has been overwhelmed by the support, love, and kindness they have received since his passing. In memory of Braden, they ask that you give your time to someone else that may be in need of some support, even if that person is a stranger. Reach out, be kind, and take the time to listen and care. Together, we can all make a difference to those around us when they need it. That would make Braden very happy and proud.

Braden is survived by his loving parents, Andy, and Rhonda; his beautiful and loving sisters, Courtney (Paul) and Kristen; and his beloved nephew and sidekick, Michael. He had a very special place in the hearts of his many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Braden was predeceased by his Uncle Rusty, and his grandparents, Dan and Lois Heffernan and Don and Kay Bishop. Braden was very close to his grandparents and spent a great deal of time with them.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, January 20, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Heffernan’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Braden Heffernan, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

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