Van Metre – Russel Brent Van Metre born June 25, 1979 of Lake Newell, AB passed away peacefully on September 13, 2023 after a courageous fight with cancer at Brooks Health Centre with his family by his side. Brent is forever remembered by his wife Gina Van Metre and children Kayne and Brynn, parents Ian & Annie Van Metre and Lori & Phil Connor, mother-in-law Donalee Dekowny, brother Shawn (Kyla) Van Metre, sisters Anna (Jesus) Tafolla and Sarah (Nigel) Jordan and brother Nick (Lisa) Jordan, brothers-in-law Jim (Patti) Dekowny, Todd (Sherrie) Culham, Chris (Angela) Culham as well as many nieces and nephews. Brent was predeceased by his infant daughter Kate and father-in-law Dwayne Dekowny. Brent grew up in the Hillmond area NE of Lloydminster, SK learning how to ride horses and run a tractor almost as soon as he could walk. Brent graduated from Lashburn Highschool and later obtained his diploma in Petroleum Engineering from NAIT. Brent began his career with Tryton Tool Services and had been with the company for 20 years this fall. Brent’s priority in life has always been family and when he met Gina it was clear to everyone that this was his forever love and partner. They were married June 4, 2005 and little more than 9 months later March 11, 2006 Kayne Brent was born in Lloydminster, SK followed by Brynn June on February 3, 2010. Brent, Gina and the kids moved to Brooks to continue his work with Tryton Tool Services in August, 2011 and found their first home at Lake Newell moving later across the street to their current forever home. Brent’s passion was coaching kids in sports and that passion overflowed by drawing more kids into the sports he loved. He was involved in all levels of Brooks Minor Hockey for the Junior Bandits and Prairie Thunder. He also served with the Oilmens and Blue Heron Bay Condo Board. Brent’s other passion’s were golfing, boating, barbequing especially smoking briskets, hunting & fishing, always helping others whenever/wherever and having coffee with all the different buddies in his life. He always knew where the best soup for the day was being served in town; even sitting in a bed getting chemo in Medicine Hat Cancer Center, he ordered the best deli lunch ever – just go pick it up! Brent is not a quitter, a giver upper no way no how and this applied to his battle with cancer from the moment he was diagnosed. As he lived his life before diagnosis he never weakened: he hurt, he was discouraged, he was sad and he laughed and told stories and made plans for the future. Most of all he pulled us all in with big hugs and lots of conversations about how much he loved each and everyone of us. The family would like to express their thanks and appreciation for everyone that gave and shared with Brent & Gina, Kayne & Brynn over this past year. A Memorial service was held on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at the Heritage Inn and Convention Centre with family and friends. Brent will be forever missed! In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Brooks Minor Hockey Association, Box 2002 Brooks, AB, T1R 1C7 in Brent’s memory.
Cremation is entrusted to and conducted at
Smith Funeral Home Ltd., Brooks
Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD.
BROOKS, ALBERTA
Condolences may be forwarded through www.sfh.ca
Telephone 403-362-4636 or Toll Free 866-362-4652
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