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1991 - 2017

With true courage and strength, Brandon Durieux passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 4, 2017 surrounded by the love of his family. Born in Richmond, BC on April 23, 1991, Brandon grew up in South Surrey where he attended Wind and Tide Play School, Chantrell Creek Elementary and Elgin Park Secondary School. During his youth Brandon played rugby for the Bayside Rugby Club, he also played lacrosse and soccer. Throughout his life Brandon was well known for his larger than life personality, fun-loving and contagious sense of humor, as well as his infectious smile. An avid nature lover, Brandon felt most at home outdoors. Whether mountain biking, hiking, fishing or simply enjoying time outside, Brandon’s love of the natural world extended to his career path. He became an apprentice with the Horticulture Program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Grade 11. After his graduation, he continued his apprenticeship and received his Red Seal in Horticulture Landscape Design. Brandon worked in this profession on Vancouver Island, in and around Victoria, until August 2015. Brandon met Michelle Tate, his soul mate and the love of his life, in person in January 2014 after many years of a friendship that blossomed over the internet. Michelle, originally from Austin Texas, moved to attend the University of Victoria to study Marine Biology. They were married on October 18, 2015. Brandon was diagnosed with a rare form of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) in August of 2015. Brandon and Michelle immediately moved to Vancouver and sought treatment until Brandon’s options in Canada were exhausted in January 2016. Not ready to give up the fight, Brandon and Michelle moved to Houston, Texas for Brandon to receive aggressive treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Brandon eventually achieved remission in May 2016 and received a stem cell transplant in July 2016 but unfortunately, he relapsed two months later. Brandon continued his treatment until coming home on June 30, 2017 to spend his remaining time with friends and family. Brandon was always positive and optimistic throughout his battle and kept a smile on his face. He was a kind, gentle person and love, caring and compassion radiated from him despite the discomfort he often was feeling inside. He was very loved by the doctors, nurses and staff of both Vancouver General Hospital and MD Anderson Cancer Center. Throughout Brandon’s battle he was a strong advocate for other patients and their families. He agreed to additional research studies where he donated additional blood and bone marrow for the advancement of future cancer research. Brandon’s selfless goal was to prevent others from going through what he had to endure. He was a hero within the leukemia community and an inspiration to his family, other patients and their families as well. Brandon was predeceased by his grandparents Greg and Jean Scott of Tsawwassen, and Casey and Ericka Durieux of Tsawwassen. He is survived by his wife Michelle Durieux, mother Karen Durieux (step father Dale Ebner), father Tyrone Durieux, sister Brittany Durieux (Jeff Brass), niece Olivia Jean Brass, nephew William Brandon Brass, parents in law and many aunts, uncles and cousins. A Memorial Service for Brandon will take place Saturday, July 22, 2017 at 11:00 am at St. Cuthbert’s Anglican Church, 11601 82nd Ave in North Delta followed by a celebration of life in South Surrey. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Burgundy Foundation at P.O. Box 45125 Ocean Park PO, Surrey, BC, V4A 3V0. The foundation has been created in Brandon’s memory to support children and young adults with cancer. The family wishes to thank all their friends, and the South Surrey community for their remarkable generosity, kindness, love and support over the last two years. Brandon will be dearly missed.