If love could have saved you, you’d still be with us.
We are devastated to share that Troy Edward Brookman passed away at 52 years old. He was a lifelong resident of Victoria BC.
He is survived by his mother Jo-Anne Kern, father Ted Brookman (Devina), siblings Tara Brookman, Jason Kern (Shoko), Meghan Kern (Brendan), Liam Smith (Steph) and Aidan Brookman, and his grandmother Robin Kern. He will be greatly missed by his aunts and uncles, his special Aunt Beverly Brookman (Derek Peach), Peter Hatlen (Susan), Lili Wong, Paul Hatlen (Theresa), Patti Barton (David), Judi Weston, Val Jackson (Dave), Leslie Radunz (Marco), and David Kern (Carol).
He was a proud uncle to Tiida, Miia and Clara and loved his cousins Jessica, Krysta, Matthew, Charlene, Kassandra, Jennifer, Vanessa, Maya, Nicole, Mark and Emma – and was thrilled to be a second cousin to Taylor, Jordan, Levi, Ava and Andy.
He was predeceased by his stepfather Bryan Kern who was a large part of Troy’s life, grandparents Art and Iris Brookman, Eileen Brookman, Jens and Margaret Hatlen, Gordon Kern, George and Shirley Appleby, cousin Matthew Hatlen, Aunt Debbie Hatlen, and most recently his very supportive Uncle Mark Hatlen.
Troy was a handyman extraordinaire. He rarely came across a problem he couldn’t identify a solution for, and then he’d help you fix it. He was amazingly literate in film and video matters, and skilled and unafraid of doing things with tools and vehicles that most of us wouldn’t attempt. His knowledge of cars, books, music, trivia and so much more was amazing. We always said he could have been a Jeopardy winner. He loved animals, mostly cats – always ready to scoop them up or to get down on the floor for a long play. And he also loved dogs, especially Tara’s Charlie. His friendliness and easy-going personality, his sense of humour and his fix-it genius will be missed by many, especially by his sisters Tara and Meghan, brother Jason and his Mom. Troy was our go-to guy, and he was a go-to guy for many.
He treasured his networks with family and anyone his nuclear family was connected to. Special mention and thanks go out to a few who touched Troy’s life through the years: Sheila Miller, Dorothy Hayward and son James Hayward, Peter and Jools Robbins, Ken and Donna Street, Nick and Judith Kovats, Karen and Pieter Van Rheenan, Sheelagh Barry, Gabrielle Dann, Emily Lyall, Antonio and Alison, and Theresa and Keith Middleton.
Troy faced many challenges in his too-short life and sadly died of an accidental drug overdose. Drugs weren’t a part of his life until recently, and it tears our hearts to think of the damage done by those who prey on vulnerable people. We need to do more to deal with this health crisis that is taking so many lives.
Troy loved being outside and walked miles every day. An avid reader, he was a fan of Victoria’s local Little Free Library, using his phone app to locate new little libraries on his walks. He enjoyed picking up painted rocks and other free roadside trinkets to anonymously leave in his sisters’ yards, but they always knew it was him. He was a kind soul and was so loved.
As a registered organ donor with BC Transplant, Troy would be very proud that his organs made a huge difference to several people. Those wishing to make a donation in Troy’s memory could consider BC Transplant, the SPCA or Moms Stop the Harm (www.momsstoptheharm.com).
A Memorial Service to celebrate Troy’s life, will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC, on Friday, February 25, 2022 at 2:30pm. A reception will follow the service. The family requests that all those attending Troy’s service be vaccinated against Covid-19.
Condolences may be offered to the family below .Service recording can be viewed below.
McCall Gardens
http://www.mccallgardens.com
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Tara
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Lena Troy was a great friend of mine always looking behind my back and always got my back . We would have a few drinks together and he would love my dogs and always wanted to walk them and I let him. Troy was a great guy and I’m sorry to have lost a great guy and I’m sorry to hear it for the rest of the family that lost him . My memories and live is always there for them and him rest in peace Troy love you and your family
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Derek Peach Passing On (from Troy)
You think that I’m passing out of your lives,
but I’m not really ready to go
There’s parts of me going to others,
and that’s something I want you to know.Somewhere there’s the colours of flowers
are visible now to the eyes
that are seeing the features of family
and the beauty of evening skies.Someone with new liver or kidneys
may live to stop illness or strife,
or just to be kind to a neighbour.
That’s heroic enough for a life.And I know that someone is feeling
my heart beating strong in its place
this Valentine’s Day and forever
as they’re held in a loving embrace.But the best I’ve been saving for you guys;
some grief it may help reconcile.
It grows back whenever you use it,
’cause to you I’m donating my smile.
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Val and Dave Jackson It was a shock and such sad news to hear about Troy. Living in Australia the last 34 years, I realized I had to admit I didn’t know my nephew as well as I would have liked. Family gatherings including all the cousins, when I traveled home on my own or with my husband, Dave, were the best times to remember the fun shared. Troy in his element entertaining us with tales about customers, cars, whatever he wanted with a ready cheeky grin on his face. Troy even liked the same English band as Dave, ELO!
My last visit was in 2008, Tara, Troy and I went for lunch some place, as usual many laughs and stories were shared. In the parking lot was a weird looking Toyota FJ Cruiser that caught my attention, of course Troy new all about it.
Oh yes, I will also never for the days we shared a room together in the fall of 1971; me 16, Troy nearly 2. He was such a cutie and was a bit mischievous.
We send our condolences and love to all the family, you are all in our thoughts.
Love Val and Dave, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
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Diana/John Townley & Family Our hearts are with the family on the loss of Troy. In earlier times, we shared many memorable moments together at family gatherings, and when visiting his Grandma Eileen Brookman and Great-Nanny Hendry with his sister Tara. After our families grew/changed and our gatherings lessened, we occasionally met up with Troy but mainly followed his life through his families’ lenses. Troy’s cheerfulness and humor always stood out, and his kind soul always radiated. We will cherish these memories of him…along with his big smile and often twinkle in his eye!
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Antonio Marques Troy was full of knowledge & an extremely hard worker.
His caring nature always left me feeling better.
Troy worked 3 or 4 summers around our home and as mentioned never afraid to tackel anything. Troy work ethic truly impressed me. Funny with a great sence of humor. My wife Alison & I will truly miss your insight & kindness. RIP Troy.
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Jan Elliott Jo-Anne, we are so sorry that you and your family are experiencing this terrible loss.
Our thoughts are with you all.
Jan and Skooke.
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Brenda finstad I am so sorry to read of your loss. I only met Troy a handful of times over the years. He was always so nice. Always interested in what was going on in our lives. Our condolences to you all
Love
Brenda Finstad (Weston)
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Dan Vosper Lydia our family and I wish to express our condolences to Joanne and family from the passing of Troy. Troy was a true free spirit in a difficult world. When Lydia and I came to Joanne’s after Mark’s celebration of life, Troy met us on the drive way. As he hugged my wife he gave to us the most passionate and sincere condolences for the passing of our daughter. It was warm and loving. It was remarkable and timely. We will always remember Troy in this way. A quiet passionate good man. You are missed.
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Sheila Miller It was a shock to hear about Troy. My heart goes out to all of you. My memories with Troy are mostly as a young boy. We would make pizza at our house (cheese ended up everywhere); we would take both Troy and Tara both out for some adventures when they were young. When he was older, Troy would take Meghan and my daughter (Marisa) out for rides in a wagon. He was so kind to Marisa. These are memories I will never forget. It leaves a hole in my heart and an even bigger one in your hearts. I am so sorry. It was not his time to leave us. Love to you all from Calgary.
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Eric Dahli Condolences to the extended family.
Nothing but fond memories of Troy, working for our Estate Management Company years ago, always had a semi-appropriate “nickname” for many of us.
No cheers from Cadboro Bay this day
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Susan Porter Very sorry for your loss. I know he was well loved and his compassion for others (4 legged too) and sense of humour will be greatly missed.
I miss you today. Every day. So much. Always.