My deepest condolences to Kent and all of Brent’s family and friends.

I don’t even remember when I first met Brent; it feels like he was always a part of my life at MRU and even moreso since our time together then.

Professionally, I worked most closely with Brent on a leadership course which we offered at the University over a number of years prior to the covid outbreaks, and online thereafter. Brent was always totally prepared for anything we did; he gave it his all, always; he enjoyed new challenges and met people with ease and compassion. He was an absolute joy to work with and I could not have asked for a better partner in all that we did together on the work front.

Additionally, Brent and Kent were Calgary Humane Society supporters, and Carter is their very good boy whom they adopted there (I believe this was in the days when I was the Chair of CHS). We had lots of good chats and the occasional dogwalk, sharing the challenges, heartbreaks, and triumphs of dog parenthood as we went along. Brent was instrumental in helping me find a new home for one of my dogs, Loki, through his neighborhood friends (thanks Jackie and Jamie!) when my life took a very unexpected turn and I was unable to keep him… Brent’s understanding and immediate, practical assistance was invaluable to me in those days. In fact, as my life transformed in ways I could never have imagined, Brent remained a strong and reassuring presence of calm acceptance, ever hopeful for my future even as he faced his own health challenges.

In these last few years, after my retirement from MRU and his diagnosis, our friendship became even deeper. I absolutely treasure my memories of the numerous, ever-more-fabulous lunches and brunches we enjoyed together as Brent was on short-term, and then long-term leave, but was still feeling astonishingly good (our mutual surprise was hilarious!). We laughed a LOT, ate a LOT, enjoyed every moment and every bite. I was always SO excited to see Brent and to be with him; I came to love him very deeply.

I feel so honoured and happy that I had the opportunity to see Brent regularly in these last few years, months, and weeks. I always told him that I loved him when I was leaving, and sometimes during our visits as well. He knew.

Brent was my dearly beloved friend. He was kind, compassionate, smart-as-a-whip, fun-loving, generous, broad-minded, handsome, adventuresome, life-appreciating, loving, and real. I miss him already; I will keep him in my heart always.

On behalf of the executive team at Mount Royal University, I want to extend our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Brent. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with you all during this difficult time. If there’s anything we can do to support the family, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

With heartfelt sympathy,

Tim Rahilly

President and Vice-Chancellor

Mount Royal University

Sending love and support to Kent and family through this unimaginable time.

Brent gave me my first job after graduate school and I instantly knew I would enjoy working for him. One fond memory was a work trip we took together to Grande Prairie. I picked out music and podcasts to help pass the time on the road, but we ended up chatting straight through the seven-hour car ride. He told me all about his life, from high school through to academia. He was such an endearing and loveable person. He taught me the difference between sphinx and savanna cats, how to use an espresso machine, and about mid-century modern design. He also taught me how to build relationships with community members and how to advocate for community needs in the mess of academic bureaucracy.

I worked for Brent for one year as part of the REACH team, but his impact on my life extended beyond his role as my employer. He was a mentor and advocate who helped me navigate a particularly challenging time in my life with his unconditional support. He even wrote one of the reference letters that landed me a spot in medical school. I regret not reaching out more recently to let him know how much his support and mentorship meant to me. I hope he understood the impact he had on my life and that he knew how much I appreciated him. The next time I’m at Bridgette Bar I will order an extra slice of the banana cream pie for Brent.

The world is less rich without this wonderful man. Brent was the one who introduced my daughter Chantal to his friend Greg. They are now married with 3 wonderful children. Brent had an infectious smile and was so compassionate and caring to all those who met him. Our hearts go out to Kent at this difficult time.

Kim Samson

Sending my condolences to Kent, all of Brent's family and everyone who loved him. I am personally going to miss his kindness, supportive and mild mannered way that he empowered myself and his many students. You always knew that he was really listening to you. He was always giving you his sound knowledge freely. He helped the Calgary HIV Social Society to really get started, to help people living with HIV in Calgary to come out of isolation, beat the stigma and to empower themselves from the untruth's about HIV in Society. I will forever be grateful for his support. Way too young to be taken from this earth. His light will shine on in our hearts. Stay Gold Brent!

Kent.

Our hearts break for you as well as the Oliver family members.

I remember meeting Brent through a mutual friend Simone. Brent was so funny and outgoing that people just gravitated towards him. He had a unique laugh that started deep down in his belly. I loved spending time with Brent. He had a calming sense to him and always spoke so positive about everything. He was always a breathe of fresh air.

Kent, I remember talking you into coming to play volleyball with a bunch of friends in the Ottawa gay league. You kept saying you would be horrible at volleyball, which you were. It was there you kept asking about my friend Brent. How do I know him, what does he do, how old is he, on and on and on. Then at the next game in conversation with Brent I found that he too was asking about you. Who is the new guy, how do I know you, he has obviously never played volleyball before on and on and on. You two were obviously interested in each other.

So enough of all the questions it was time to match make the two of you together, The plan was put in place and the rest as they say is history. Seems like such a long time ago, wait it was, I am thinking probably 30 years ago. Brent would love that I mention this story. He enjoyed a good laugh. He will be missed by so many.

Again deepest condolences to you Kent and to all of Brent's family and friends. RIP Brent.

Randy and Carl

Ottawa, Ontario

2024-09-18 Brent was able to respond "Thank you for this message to everyone at the CHSS. It means so much to me that you would reach out in such a generous manner. I am sad that my journey with this cancer has taken away my opportunity to work with and engage with each of you. As I know how powerful you are in your many roles including as activists, researchers, and authors. I love and miss you all and I take peace in knowing that you will continue and prevail."

2024-09-16 CHSS sent this message to Brent while he was in hospice care "Dear Brent, Kent and Family. As we come to terms with the reality recently presented to us, we want you to know how profoundly you've touched our lives and the lives of countless others. Your kindness, empathy and intelligence will never be forgotten and will forever be cherished. Your unique personality and unwavering dedication have left an indelible mark on our hearts and the hearts of so many more. Your dedication to your career and community will live forever. All the while, we'll hold on tight the memories of our moments with you. Your incredible dedication to others and to the CHSS is an example for us and for the things we care for. You believed in US - the members of CHSS Society! We continue to write on behalf of CHSS and our many community collaborators, your intelligence and wisdom will always guide us. We know you will be gently encouraging us to continue to write, to laugh a little bit and to remember this work is for future generations. It has been an honour to be your colleague, your co-writer, your friend in this social action research. The most amazing, shared moments have been to see CHSS grow into such a strong community of self-empowered individuals - the world experts on their lived experience. It has been a great journey together! Your contributions have made a difference that extends far beyond measure. Locally, and internationally!

You have been a beacon of hope and a source of strength for many, and your legacy will continue to inspire us.

We will forever cherish the moments we shared and the impact you've made. Your spirit will live on through the countless lives you've touched and the community you've helped build.

With much love, The Calgary HIV Social Society (CHSS)"

I am sending my deepest condolences to Brent’s family and all who loved him. Not only was Brent a tremendous mentor to me in my social work career but he turned into one of my favourite friends. I am going to miss his wisdom, his amazing smile and most of all his company. He has gone far too soon.

It can't be! however, it is....so hard to speak of you, Brent in the past tense. However, over the years you taught me how to navigate difficult circumstances. It was you who stood by me when my Dad died, brought me nourishment, and reminded me of the importance of self-care. You made the hardest things seem so easy. Thanks for the great ideas about gardening, fine wine, and great restaurants where we spent time chatting about life and social issues. I will never forget you. Brent, you will always be a part of my life. Rest in Power, friend!

To Kent, family members, friends, colleagues, and Carter, I send you love and support. I end as Brent would

"Warmly"

Marva J. Ferguson