How do yo write something that could possibly measure up to the light that shone from our sweet boy?
Daniel had a way of drawing you in, long after he was able to speak, move, or even see anymore; he still had a special something about him that people could just plain feel.
He was the most loving little boy, filled with joy and adorable mischief that always kept us on our toes. He was an avid explorer of all things, revelled in making messes and being outside. He had the music in him, loved to dance, especially to his favourite band The Tragically Hip, and even made it to see them in concert.
Daniel was a hockey fan from the start and learned to identify his 4th generation birthright team’s symbol, the Detroit Red Wings, as “hockey” by the age of two. He would enthusiastically yell at the top of his little lungs, “YEAHHH, HOCKEEEY!” When in attendance at Red Deer Rebels games, and was all but enraptured by the appearance of the zamboni.
He loved anything to do with Thomas the Tank Engine, Lightning McQueen, and the Minions from Despicable Me. He was best buddies with his dogs. He had many camping trips all over Alberta, traveled to Newfoundland almost every year to see family and friends, attended BDSRA conferences in the US, went to Disney World, Give Kids the World Village, Sea World, Legoland, and Universal Studios in his short time here.
Beyond all that, his biggest thrill was becoming a big brother to Cashen, who he adored. He always loved babies, but loved his baby brother the most by far. Watching them play and seeing their bond form was our greatest joy as parents.
Daniel Gerald Shawn Brown left this world quietly and peacefully, in the early morning hours of January 5th, 2021. We know his Poppy (Jerry) Brown was there waiting eagerly with open arms to welcome him. His special Great-Aunt Emma (Chislett) will be sure to spoil him, and Great-Uncle Ernie will take him fishing with Poppy. His Great-Grandmother Mimi (Mary Morgan), will be singing him songs and teaching him rhymes, and Great-Great-Grandmother “Nanny B” (Blanche Morgan) will have candy at the ready. So many of the friends he made who also had Batten Disease – including special friend Ava Gaudet from Newfoundland – will be there to run and play, sing and dance, and eat anything they desire. Lots of McDonald’s fries for our guy.
Left behind with broken hearts are his Mom Lori, Dad Tony, and little brother Cashen. Grandmother Carol Brown (Poppy Jerry is there with him as mentioned) of Mount Pearl, Grandparents Jackie and Shawn Fillier of Paradise, and Grandparents Lawrence and Jacinta Morgan of Seal Cove. Great-Grandparents Bill and Betty Squires of Paradise, Great-Grandfather Isaac Morgan of Seal Cove, Great-Grandmother Anne Fillier of St. John’s. Uncle Jerry Brown (Jackie Doucette), Aunts Falyn Fillier (Brad Morgan), Jaime Fillier (Micheal Hogan), Alyssa Morgan, Kieley Morgan, and Sarah Morgan. As well as cousins Josslyn, Isaac, Kyannah, Liam, Gabriella, Kaycee, and Lincoln. With a very long list of extended family and special friends who loved him very much.
We’d like to thank so many people, especially his team of doctors (Pediatricians Dr. Emmi Driedger, Dr. Eric Ong, Dr. Ernst Hoppenbrouwers, and Family Physician Dr. Bruce Benson) and many special nurses (unit 26) at RDRH, his neurologist (Dr. John Neilson), the exceptional team at Rotary Flames House, his Home Care team – special mention to Palliative Home Care Case Manager R.N. Elaine Klym, the Stollery Children’s Hospital, Alberta Children’s Hospital, The Isaac Foundation, Make a Move with Jagger Foundation, Mattie McCullough Elementary School, Aspire Special Needs Resource Centre, Ecole Barrie Wilson School, the Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy on 22nd Street, and all the other clinics, therapists, and medical equipment suppliers who went above and beyond to help him in every way possible. There are many, and each one of you made a difference.
We will come together in some way to celebrate the extraordinary impact he made in this world, until then – and even after that – we will celebrate it in every seemingly little thing we do, every single day.
Donations in honour of Daniel can be made to Rotary Flames House c/o Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation here: www.childrenshospital.ab.ca/site/PageNavigator/howtohelp/donate_landing
The Isaac Foundation Batten Disease Fund here: www.theisaacfoundation.com/batten/
Or something local to you that feels right, whether it’s a good deed or donation. He will love whatever you choose.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Daniel Gerald Shawn Brown January 5th 2021..
Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services
Death notice for the town of: Red-Deer, Province: Alberta