Bradley Alexander MacIntyre

Brad was born on April 2, 1962 in Vancouver, B.C. and throughout his life lived in Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Hope and Oliver. The last 3 years were spent at the Kinghaven Treatment Centre, Salvation Army Gateway of Hope and Lions Society Assisted Living.

Brad grew up spending his summers at his family home on Pender Island and that is where his deep love of the ocean began. When he was young he used to sail and loved fishing. He raced Lasers and 420’s at the Royal Van Yacht Club and became a very proficient racer. When he got older some of his best moments were those spent at the end of Pitt Lake watching the wildlife or trips to Mexico with his friends.

Not a lot of people were aware of how highly intelligent a man Brad was. Back in his college days he challenged a Physics Exam which resulted in him receiving an A +. He was also known to re write college term papers in the middle of the night deciding they needed change. He had an incredible attention to detail.

Brad had a deep love for the arts especially that of music. Over the years he amassed a large collection of records and cd’s and everyone who knew Brad would agree is knowledge for music was vast. His favorite group was The Rolling Stones and Mick Jagger.

Brad spent the last two and a half years of his life sober, working and living at the Salvation Army Gate Way of Hope, but sadly the system failed him and let him out too early which resulted in a relapse.

It is impossible to capture a person in an obituary, and especially someone whose life was largely defined by the disease of alcohol addiction. To some, Brad was just a “drunk” — when they saw his addiction, they stopped seeing him. And what a loss for them. Because Brad was a genuine soul with a huge heart and a zest for life. He had so much love for his family and friends but most of all he was resilient.

If you are reading this with judgment, educate yourself about this disease, because that is what it is. It is not a choice or a weakness it is a disease that needs and deserves your empathy and support. Our system is failing these individuals and they need and deserve our compassion.

Brad will be deeply missed by many, especially those that stood by him during the good times and the bad. We take comfort in knowing that he is surrounded by light and free from the struggle that haunted him.

Brad always said.

“Everyday is a new day and what happened yesterday was the past”.

Due to Covid restrictions, a drop-in memorial will be held Thursday, September 17, 2020 between the hours of 3:00pm - 5:00pm at Glenhaven Memorial Chapel, 1835 East Hastings St, Vancouver for anyone wishing to pay their final respects to Bradley.