Cade Chayan Mercier

We keep trying to find words for how much we love you and how deeply we miss you. What we really want is to hear your voice again. You would probably interrupt us with a "fun facts from Cade, that you don't want to know" then another, then just one more after we told you that was quite enough. Somehow, we would all end up laughing. You made ordinary moments into memories, often without knowing how much they would mean to us.

You were born on July 8, 2005, and we lost you on Sunday, November 1, 2026. You were only 21. Writing that feels impossible. There should have been more rides, more holidays, more days at college, more proud pictures of something you had figured out how to fix. There should have been more time.

But, Cade, you gave us so much to remember. Those hugs. The way you could find the quiet person in a room and sit down for a real conversation. The way a stranger became your buddy before the rest of us had learned their name. You listened. You made people feel welcome, wanted, and important. You seemed to have room in your heart for everyone, without loving any of us less.

We also need to discuss your "borrowing habits" from phone chargers, hair brushes and elastics, lighters and head bandanas. Apparently, borrowing came with no return date, and writing Mom’s name on them did not noticeably improve the system. Your socks, dishes, and forgotten belongings left a trail wherever you went. We used to ask you to pick it all up. Now we would give anything to come home and find proof that you had just been there.

You could build a bed, help renovate a house, and build a computer together with your brother. There might be a running commentary along the way, but you always showed up—even for the gardening—when someone you loved needed you. When you found mechanics and your people at the bike shop, we could see how proud you were. You were attending college to earn your ticket, with an academic average of 87% so far. We were so proud of you, too. It hurts to think of all you still wanted to learn and all we hoped to watch you become.

We will remember your enormous appetite, your very serious commitment to long baths, and your equally serious refusal to accept the measuring tape’s opinion of your height. We will remember how much harder it became to beat you at pool as your skills improved. We will remember you making space for your big brother, protecting his personal bubble in public at all cost. Encouraging Mom on her bike, and insisting that the three of you take that sunset selfie on your last holiday together. Thank you for insisting.

There are little pieces of you everywhere: things you built, photographs you took, videos with your voice, a favourite shirt carefully kept. None can take the place of you, but each gives us something precious to hold on to. We will keep your stories close and say your name. We will let ourselves laugh at the funny parts, even when the tears come, because remembering your joy is part of loving you.

We love you, Cade. We loved being your people, and we always will. If we could have one more moment, we would hold you close and tell you again how much you mean to us. For now, we will carry that love into every day without you.

With all our love,

Your family and friends

Family remembrance: Cade is lovingly remembered by his mother, Chantal Harrington; his brother, Mathieu Aurèle Harrington; his sister, Chen Mercier; his niece, Kida Sicard Harrington; his brother-in-law, Jarrod Butcher; and his many beloved friends. He was predeceased by his Mamie, Jacqueline Favreau, and his great-uncle, Marcel Delisle.

Memorial: A memorial ride and gathering to celebrate Cade’s life will take place on Sunday, November 8, 2026. Riders will meet at noon on,12 Fairground Dr Newington ON, Canada, K0C 1Y0, with kickstands up at 1 p.m. The ride will conclude at 5 p.m. at 17040 Myers Rd., St-Andrews West, ON, K0C 2A0. A bonfire will follow, and a light dinner will be served. Anyone who would like to speak and share a favourite story about Cade is warmly invited to do so. Those wishing to honour his memory may consider a donation supporting prostate cancer research and awareness, a cause he supported through charity rides.