Brad Douglas STRACHAN

Brad’s legendary ride rolled to a stop on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. He was surrounded by his gang—his family—at the age of 69. Hailing from Melfort, SK, this born-to-be-wild soul, born on April 20, 1954, to Don and Norah Strachan, revved up the Strachan legacy as the big brother. Nine years down the road in Regina, SK, his wingman, and younger brother Shawn roared onto the scene.

The Strachan crew then rumbled their way to Camrose, AB, where Brad kicked up some dust at the Composite High School. Brad’s academic journey ended in Grade 11, concluding that textbooks were not his preferred bedtime reading.

Beaver Lumber became the pit stop for his professional journey, where amidst the scent of lumber and sawdust, he met Donna. A whirlwind romance led to a 1977 marriage, and soon, the Strachan squad—Jody, Darcy, Kyla, and the youngest mischief-maker, Tanya—made their grand entrance.

From Beaver Lumber, Brad began to work in the Oilpatch, starting with ESSO Resources Canada LTD in early 1978 in Norman Wells, NT. After living in Norman Wells for a couple of years, the family moved to Leduc, AB where Brad continued working for ESSO in Devon. ESSO showered Brad with accolades and recognition for his outstanding safe driving skills, which may have set records for the slowest driver in history, making sloths look like speedsters. In acknowledgment of his exceptional dedication and expertise in prioritizing the well-being of his rig hands, Brad received over 30 awards from ESSO, recognizing his unwavering commitment to safety above all else. Brad’s approach not only contributed to his own well-being but also played a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of his co-workers while also giving them the unique experience of watching paint dry on the highway.

In 1994, Brad embarked on a new venture as an oilfield consultant, driven by his unwavering passion for safety and all aspects of working in completions on Service Rigs. His consultancy work led him across the province, extending into the landscapes of British Columbia and Saskatchewan, allowing him to traverse more of Alberta than most of us ever witness. He knew the backroads and multiple ways to get to every destination he traveled to as he rarely took the same road twice. He chose the road less traveled over major routes whenever embarking on his adventures. (This was probably so that he could drive slow).

Brad’s other loves included his family (blood or not), Harley Davidson Motorcycles, dogs, classic cars, and beer. Brad’s four children, and later in life their spouses and children, were the lights of his life. Jody (Russ), Darcy (Melanie), Kyla (Marlin), and Tanya (Josh) could always bring a smile to his face.  Tanya and Marlin were the golden children and had dad wrapped around their fingers and could pretty much get away with anything. Including last minute bike trips, golf course demolitions and late nigh Bob Seger karaoke in Marlin’s garage.

He loved to give his grandchildren – Taelynn, Rylan, Cade, Morgan, Teague, Frankie, and Leo – a hard time about everything, from the length of their hair to their favorite sports teams to the color of their shoelaces. If he was feeling up to it, he would go and watch them play in their extracurricular activities. If he wasn’t feeling up to watching, he would always phone or text them to wish them luck and tell them he was proud of them and that he loved them. Brad was an amazing “Uncle Brad” to his nieces Amanda and Stacey, and Great Uncle to Gabriel. He cherished his friendship with Cathy and their long conversations on the phone, spending time with her whenever he could. He also loved his “grand puppies” – Sully, Goose, Rex and Maverick. Brad always jumped at the opportunity to house, and dog sit for his brother Shawn (and Denise) when they traveled, forming a strong bond with his ‘nephews’ Cosmo and Cooper.

His love for classic cars began with ‘The Forty’ a 1940 Ford Coupe. When a curious neighbor inquired about the vehicle, Jody, the neighborhood dealmaker, seized the opportunity. With the finesse of a seasoned used car salesman (minus the ethical compass), she aimed to pawn off the sleek coupe on the unsuspecting neighbor for a jaw-dropping $10,000.00. It was a bold move, a gamble of epic proportions, given the car’s actual value hovered somewhere between pocket lint and forgotten gum wrappers. Fortunately for Brad, the coupe remained in its rightful place, parked in the garage, sparing it from an accidental life of luxury it never signed up for.

In the epic saga of Brad’s life, the Harley chapter enters the scene in the year 2000. Enter ‘Christine’, a 1988 Harley Davidson, and ‘Purple Haze’, a trike that was so tricked out, it had other bikes questioning their life choices. These weren’t just motorcycles; they were the love stories Brad never knew he needed—his soul mates. In Brad’s world, it wasn’t just a phase; it was a love affair with chrome and the open road. And so, the legend of Brad and his motorcycle love rolled on, leaving behind a trail of laughter and the unmistakable sound of a Harley engine on the asphalt.

Brad had a knack for storytelling. When he embarked on a tale, you could expect it to be both lengthy and captivating. The story would start with at least a minute or two of laughter before he could even get a word out. Among his cherished tales, Brad particularly enjoyed recounting memories from his younger days, especially his time in Norman Wells, as well as the trials his four kids put him through and the grey hairs, they gave him. He was always up for a visit, a cold one, and a road trip in the backcountry with friends.

A carefree, yet stubborn man, who would do absolutely anything for the people that he loved. He didn’t expect or want anything back. A great man who gave great hugs. Keep on ridin’ Brad, Dad, Bumpa, Pops, Uncle. It’s not goodbye, it’s see ya later!

Please join us for the Celebration of Life that will be held at the Leduc Lions Campground Hall on March 2, 2024, at 4:00 pm. A memorial service will take place, followed by a small reception.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion #57 in Camrose.

 

 

13 Comments

  1. Michele & Larry

    With much sadness we send our love to you all. So sorry for your loss and pain. Michele, Larry Kowalchuk and family.

    Reply
  2. Ashley

    We have only known “old man” for 4/5 years. But we got to know him very well. Always seen him on a weekly basis. More at times. And in-between that we chatted lots. Got to know the old man pretty good and hesr his chuckle with his stories, even got to hear his singing voice. He was one of a kind and his memory will live on with our family. Rest Easy Brad, you are truly missed!

    Love you,
    Ashley

    Reply
  3. Ruth Martel

    He must have been a wonderful man as the adult children that
    I know are amazing individuals!
    Sending love and hugs to his family🧡

    Reply
  4. Maxine Klak

    My love and sympathies to the Strachan family.

    Reply
  5. Paulette

    So glad that he and Cathy were able to spend some time with us a few years ago. Will miss our frequent conversations and texts sharing life and trying to keep up with extended family gossip and shenanigans. Rest in peace cousin ‘Bratley’. Love you to the moon and back
    Paulette and Wayne 💕🤗🙏🏻

    Reply
  6. Earl langston

    So sad to hear this news. Brad was always such a good friend and always worth numerous laughs when we got together. I only wished it would have been more in the last few years. He will be greatly missed by many I am sure..

    Reply
  7. Deborah Sarnecki

    Donna and family, we are so sorry to hear of Brad’s passing. We hope wonderful and happy memories will ease your sorrow, especially at this difficult time. Deepest sympathy from Deb and Auntie Caroline.

    Reply
  8. Marie Kowalchuk

    First acquaintance “ so I guess we family now , no shakes only hugs “ ended in awkward hand stomach punch bear hug shake…… rest easy old man

    Reply
    • Tanya Kowalchuk

      Hahaha the best

      Reply
    • Tanya Kowalchuk

      This made my heart full. ❤️❤️ Sounds exactly right.

      Reply
  9. Fay Rantucci

    ♥️♥️♥️

    Reply
  10. Elizabeth Yih

    I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing your dad, but I’m sure he was a special person because I know the amazing people that have come from him. Wishing you peace and comfort during this unimaginable time. thank you for sharing the above story of his life, I felt the person he was and the love that was shared

    Reply
  11. Al Frandse

    Condolences to Brads family and friends. What a journey…one to be proud of…thank you for being apart of mine. Catch you on the other side…rest well.

    Reply

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