Brent Dempsey

Brent Joseph Dempsey  June 5,1960 - September 30,2023

It is with great sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Brent which occurred at his residence.

He was the son of the late Malcolm & Mildred (Doyle) Dempsey.

Brent is survived by his children Tara (Richard) of Moncton, Krissie (David) of PEI, Colton (Sarah) of Belledune, and Isaak of Moncton. Grandchildren Ian, Chloé, Rosie, Bentley and Lydia. Brothers,Robert (Theresa), Patrick (Shirley), Melford (Joyce), Ronald (Marilyn) and  Donald (Debbie). Sisters, Josephine (Lawrence), Viola, Lois (Leo), Darlene (Eugene), Marsha (Albert), and Heather (Mark). As well as many nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by his parents, sister Sheila, brother Reginald and extended family members.

Contrast to the expected memorial, Brent’s is written in a style to bring awareness of how trauma is hidden behind addiction.

In the words of an honest obituary…In poignant grief, but without shame, I will say that although Brent’s addictions may not have been the cause of his passing, they certainly contributed to it, and to the damage towards his overall health. He fought the hard struggle of opioid demons which kept him from being the true person he longed to be in many aspects of his life, and in his relationships, especially with that of his children.  A life somewhat away from its potential fullness that he so deserved.  In the life of those on this road, it’s the addiction, and everything else that comes with it. Although he held it way better than most, it really robbed him of who he truly was.

At the young age of 18, Brent was the passenger in a motor vehicle accident.  Severe injury including a leg that needed amputation in which he refused sent him on a downward path.  He spent months in hospital and many in bed long after his discharge. It was during this ordeal that he was prescribed opioids to manage chronic pain over a long period of time and became addicted before even knowing it was possible.

A life of chronic pain and other trauma lead him to the mix and misuse of opioids and alcohol which escalated in the years that followed. On many occasions he tried desperately to turn it around, however, it was bigger than him, and he lost his control over its use. Please don’t ever think it can’t happen to you, or to a loved one.  Although often kept hushed, it knocks on many doors.

Our family can only hope that in sharing this very personal information, it may help others find a different path. Should it help just one person, it was worth it!  The decision to share was a long and difficult one, and by no means easy!  After much debate it was decided by knowing how very much Brent loved to help anyone, and that he had already openly expressed the battle he was living. Noting it was beyond a difficult road, one in which most don’t understand, nor could imagine. NOBODY sets out wanting to be an addict and yet I don’t know many that could live with chronic pain on a daily basis and not want to take it away.

Opioids bring addiction to a whole new level and education is key.  A documentary aimed at educating called Chasing The Dragon is a great insight. If sharing Brent’s story leads one person towards a life of happiness, and away from one of chasing survival, I know that would have made him proud! Like each and everyone of us, Brent had his faults.  No one is perfect and no one sits high enough to judge another.  Should you decide to judge him, please be as gentle and kind to him as he would be towards you.   

Brent was so much more than the grip he fell into.  He was intelligent, kind, never needy & always thankful of even the smallest things. Somewhat of a timid soul who loved a good laugh and very much enjoyed solitude. The love he had for nature was vast.  You will feel near him at the Jacquet River Gorge and Antinouri Lake, two of his prized spots. Brent took advantage of natures ability to aid in psychological well-being, at times deciding to sleep outdoors during hot summer nights, soaking up all he possibly could during our warmest season.

He never failed to notice the beauty of a sunset or the early morning sound of birds chirping.  Over the years the fish that he was, took every opportunity for a good swim in any river or bay. Another of his true joys was music... played at the higher end of the volume!  Never missing a chance to play some of his favourite Celtic songs, new/old country, and lots of Johnny Cash. If ONLY those closest to him were present the tunes often brought on some dancing.

Each and every obligated duty or task, and during relaxing times more often than not was accompanied by music. Brent was also known for a quick  “happy dance” performed when something brought joy his way.  He often became an instant friend of anyone playing a guitar, and if he was sipping, he was singing. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and had no problem cooking up a tasty scoff, just don’t ask him to do the dishes.  Capable of doing a bit of plumbing, some electrical & beautiful woodwork.

As much as Brent loved music and the beauty of nature, the one thing he enjoyed most, was driving and repairing anything with a motor. Brent worked slow, took pride when fixing things and made sure it was completed top notch.

Even on Brent’s worst days not often did you find him when he wasn’t positive, and less often did he speak ill of anyone…forever choosing the higher road.  Quick to tell you he loved ya and always willing to forgive.  No doubt that’s what kept his true life long friendships, that of Ari, Murray, Tara, Craig, Ti-Roger, and Cyril.

Brent was a jack of all trades and over the years worked for Handyman Upright Scaffold & Stage Rentals, Shediac Building Movers, Construction and Paving Companies, at several garages and countless odd jobs on motor vehicles. Link by link our family circle has been broken, link by link it will one day be rejoined.  Imagine how filled with joy our mothers heart was when reunited with her baby boy as he arrived on his final journey home.

Here on earth the hearts of our family is shattered and very much feeling the void.  We will love, remember and miss him always.

~Until we meet again~

Brent will rest at MacMillan & Drapeau Chapel, Benjamin June 4, 2024 from 1-3pm followed by a Graveside Service at St. Gabriel’s Cemetery  (Jacquet River) 4117 Belledune, NB .Arrangements are in the care of MacMillan & Drapeau Funeral Home, Black Point .The family wishes to express their gratitude for the support and condolences received during this difficult time.

Please take a moment to view a tribute to the life of Brent.  

https://youtu.be/CAFiY34Li68?si=TyJAkwt60sd4dxCx

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