BRENNAN NIELSEN MITCHELL

BRENNAN NIELSEN MITCHELL January 22, 1975 - August 20, 2012 Suddenly, the world is a slightly lesser place as we say a heartfelt goodbye to our son, brother, uncle, friend and colleague Brennan Nielsen Mitchell, who passed away after a nearly two year battle with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, surrounded by friends and family at Hill House Hospice in Richmond Hill. His contagious laughter, energy and sharp wit will be missed. Brennan was born on January 22, 1975, in Scarborough, as the first child to the late Paul Douglas Mitchell and Becky Jo Mitchell. His formative years were spent in Richmond Hill, where his interests transitioned from hockey and other competitive sports to music, which saw him playing guitar in a blues band by his 16th birthday. From high school, Brennan had already cultivated an interest in philosophy and, in 1994, commenced studies at the University of King's College and Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, completing a major in philosophy and a minor in classics. After this and in the manner of many philosophy majors before him, Brennan became somewhat of a journeyman working various jobs, finding independence and enjoying life. Of special note was his trip to Europe in the spring of 2001 where he travelled to England, Holland, France, Italy and Spain with his younger brother Ryan and his long-time friend Anna Simons. In typical fashion, Brennan combined his educational pursuits with his more epicurean interests visiting every major art gallery while sampling the local wine and beer of each region, sometimes concurrently. Shortly after his return from Europe, Brennan enrolled at York University to study English literature and poetry, completing his second B.A. With talent and initiative, he then pursued a master's degree at Queen's University, which he completed with honours two years later. Ever eager to take on new challenges, Brennan enrolled in the joint law degree program at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and the University of Windsor Law School, earning both JD and LL.B degrees simultaneously. By the age of 32, he had acquired a total of five degrees. A man of many passions, Brennan continued to blossom in his legal career while also turning his impressive mind to fashion and sartorial matters and, with a little help from a long-time friend Daniel Corman, began what would become a rather impressive wardrobe. In short order, Brennan became known as the sharpest dressed amongst the criminal defense bar (and the Crown) at the Newmarket Courthouse. As with his previous pursuits, Brennan believed in first learning the rules, then breaking them in a conscientious, meditated manner. A man of singular energy, Brennan's various interest and pursuits were infectious in those close to him. Brennan demanded the most from everything and everyone. His reward was that he extracted from his friends - from life - a richness of experience, which added a deeper, subtler texture to the fabric of his life. A blessing in disguise, Brennan moved back home with his parents shortly before being diagnosed with NHL cancer in December 2010. The quality time spent with his parents during his first cycle of treatment proved to be extra special, especially after his father, Paul, died in a tragic boating accident off of Toronto's Ward Island in October 2011. After that, Brennan's cancer metastasized. The ten months to follow proved what a brave and heroic fighter Brennan truly was. Brennan began to embark on a spiritual journey, cleansing himself of all negativity, resolving instead to be a light - one that shone, loved and forgave. He was grace under pressure, never complaining of his fate and instead took it upon himself to form deeper friendships, dine out, enjoy the arts and continue to do the things he loved right up until July 1, 2012 - the date of his final collapse which would keep him in the hospital and then, eventually, hospice until his passing. His final days showed how endearing he was to those whose lives he touched. His bedside was surrounded by his many loyal friends and by his mother, whose vigilance in providing care for her son never ceased. Although the cancer eventually prevailed upon his body, it could not take away his soul or sense of humour. Nor could it diminish his insatiable curiosity and indomitable spirit for which he will be remembered always. Brennan is survived by his grandfather Edwin Nielsen; his mother Becky; his brother Ryan; his sister-in-law Amy; his two nieces Emily and Ava; his uncles, aunts and cousins from various parts of the Midwest and his beloved cat Harriet. A service will be held on Saturday, August 25th at 10:00 a.m. at the Richmond Hill United Church, 10201 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill. In lieu of flowers, the Mitchell family kindly requests that guests make donations to the Richmond Hill United Church or Hill House Hospice, 36 Wright Street, Richmond Hill.