Daniel Gerald Shawn Brown
January 5th, 2021
How do you 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: http://www.childrenshospital.ab.ca/site/PageNavigator/howtohelp/donate_landing
The Isaac Foundation Batten Disease Fund here: http://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.
Messages:
Tony, Lori & Cashen, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Lori There are no words, my heart absolutely aches for you and your family. I followed daily to see your post and pictures of your beautiful boy. You were nothing short of amazing with him. Your strength and positive attitude is one to be admired. Please find the strength you need during this time. My family will have you in our prayers❤️
Jackie, Shawn & all your family So sorry to hear about Daniel. Sincere condolences to all your family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
The little superhero who made such an enormous impact on the lives of so many. For the rest of my life, I will never forget your piercing blue eyes or the strength of your loving and devoted mother. Rest peacefully, sweet boy.
Daniel inspired an entire Hebron construction crew at Bull Arm, NL and his story of courage and love stayed with everyone he met. We send sincere condolences and love from Scotland to Daniel’s family and friends.
My heart melted every time I read an article on Daniel. Sending my love and hugs to all the family fly high with the angel's Daniel.
Carol and family Pls accept my sincere condolences My thoughts and prayers are there with you for little Daniel Your friend Cathy Distance hugs
Lori, I just want to thank you again for sharing Daniel’s life and story with all of us. He is truly special and will always be a shining light for so many people. Sending all of our love to you, Tony and Cashen. Love from Kim, Pat, Jaxom, Denver & Sam ❤️
My deepest condolences Carol. My thoughts and prayers are are with you at this very difficult time.
Our deepest sympathies go out to your family on the passing of your beautiful son Daniel. We fondly remember meeting him during his visits to Newfoundland & he did indeed draw us in with his bright blue eyes & smile. Meeting him was a gift & we will hold his memory in our hearts forever. His legacy of love, light, & hope will never be forgotten. Leah, Olivia, & Gabe
Beautiful tribute to such a incredible little guy, I hope your dancing in the sky Daniel, you were such a beautiful soul and light in this word, I’ll always remember the times we shared the sleepovers and the snuggles and the fun times. Thinking of all Daniels family at this most difficult time I hope you can find comfort in all the special memories you have with him, We feel so blessed to have been able to be a small part of his life, we will sure Miss our little buddy.❤️
Thinking of your entire family, and those whose lives Daniel touched. Sleep in peace Daniel!
Oh Lori, Tony and Cashen.... Wishing we were closer to be with you. Sending so much love, thoughts and prayers as you navigate through the coming days. Daniel has made, and will forever make, a lasting, loving impression on all who knew him and all who will learn of him. Love you, Daniel, forever and always!! ❤Nanny and Poppy Morgan
Lori and Tony, I was so sad to hear of Daniel’s passing. I am so grateful that I got to be even a small part of his life. I thank you both, spending time with Daniel changed me, he had such an impact on my life it is difficult to even explain. Thank you for letting me into your sweet boy’s life.