You always knew when Braydon walked into a room. That deep voice, that mess of hair, the headphones blaring music that ranged anywhere from Zeppelin to Nirvana to Stone Temple Pilots, and that contagious energy, he could make you laugh in an instant.

On August 25, 2026, Braydon was taken in a tragic accident that left those who loved him with a giant hole in their lives.

Mom Tulla (Bateman) and Braydon shared a special relationship, with so many little things that were uniquely theirs. April Fool’s Day was elaborate, with tricks ranging from a “For Sale” sign in front of the house, to a fake winning lottery ticket, to the car being “stolen” from the driveway (only one of those worked, by the way!). Braydon and Tulla loved downhill skiing and playing tennis together. Many of their deepest and most meaningful conversations took place on the chairlift, where Braydon would openly share his thoughts, dreams, and reflections. Over the years, they created countless personal rituals and traditions that became their “happy place,” a term they used to describe the happiness they found simply in being together. He was funny and smart and never missed an opportunity to tell his mom how much she meant to him and how much he loved her, even still at age 18.

His father, Chris, will always cherish the unique bond he shared with Braydon. As Braydon grew up, the two connected through the countless sports he was drawn to, trying them all including baseball, basketball and even parkour. Their shared love of horror movies, whether genuinely great or intentionally terrible, always ended with the enthusiastic exchange of their own “expert” reviews during an animated drive home. Braydon would excitedly introduce his dad to “new” (old!) songs he had recently discovered, which would often be listened to in the car. Their early joint publishing venture “Four Butts” became a must-read for all who came to the house. Braydon and Chris shared the same sense of humour and loved making each other laugh. Braydon was thoughtful, kind, quick to stand up for those in need. Chris was, and always will be, immensely proud of him.

Nana Anna, the “meatball one” and Auntie Thi, with whom he shared that special “shy” toe, marvelled at the young man he was becoming. Kind, gentle, and always ready for a debate, Braydon also had all the goofiness of an 18-year-old. They particularly loved the dinners where Braydon would invite some of the young women he was getting to know. Anna and Thia admired the way he treated each with respect and noted that they were all as strong, smart, and fun as he was. Playing charades at their place is among their most treasured memories, where Braydon’s vibrant personality and creativity really shone.

We know Grandpa Howard, who passed away last year and loved Braydon deeply, reunited with him right away. The two are now spending their time together playing golf, with Braydon proudly and patiently teaching his grandfather how to box.

Grandma Fran, Grandpa Zig, Auntie Steph and Auntie Avril will miss their regular Sunday dinners. Braydon was known for his thoughtful toasts, followed by a loud story or two until the room was filled with laughter. At every birthday, it was a ritual that he would help blow out everyone’s candles. At Christmas, he donned his hat to play Santa, distributing presents to everyone and always showing sincere gratitude for whatever he received.

Braydon’s four-legged brothers miss him terribly. Danny the cat has taken this opportunity to convince people to feed him 10 times a day. Teddy, the dog is lost, knowing his boy is not with him anymore.

At 18, Braydon was just starting to live his life. As an avid political debater, he was excited to vote for the first time in the recent byelection. He loved to draw, with many early creations being memorialized in the “Big Book of Braydonisms”. And Braydon was always interested in trying musical instruments, learning guitar and piano at a young age.

But his biggest passion was boxing. It could only be described as serendipity that boxer Nick Radionov and Braydon found each other when they did. Braydon’s natural talent and determination, combined with coach Nick’s Olympic pedigree led to boxing playing a major role in Braydon’s life. Whether winning his first national youth title at the Brampton Cup in 2025, sparring with older, bigger, and more experienced boxers, or starting to coach young kids, boxing helped Braydon through some difficult times and gave him purpose. He returned from every training session filled with passion, energy and enthusiasm. Braydon’s trainers, Nick and Ariel, were two of the most important people in his life, as was the boxing family that he came to know and love.

Braydon leaves behind friends, both in town and those he gamed with around the world. Carson, a friend since kindergarten; Surafel, a cherished friend whom he had known since his first day of high school; Eric, who shared a special bond with Braydon; and Kenion, who was always a source of much laughter, will always remember Braydon fondly.

A public Farewell to Braydon memorial visitation will take place Friday, September 11 from 3 pm to 8 pm and again on Saturday, September 12 from 3 pm to 7 pm at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 375 Mount Pleasant Road. We hope you will join us as we come together to remember Braydon's brief but meaningful life. We invite you to stay, share stories, memories, laughter and the special moments that made him so loved. A private service for family will take place later.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider a donation in Braydon’s memory to The Bruno Project, the organization that brought Teddy into our lives or The Toronto Humane Society, where we adopted Danny. Please click on the Make a Donation link in the menu below. As another way to honour Braydon, we ask that you remember to embrace life and those who you hold dear.

Braydon, you are so deeply loved, and none of us will ever be the same without you. You will forever remain in our hearts.