I told to my wife recently about that friend I had while I was at Concordia University, a guy that changed my life, changed the way I looked at myself, and the world. He probably never realized the extent of his influence on me. I visited Kenora once when he returned from Montreal, but our lives went separate ways. Over the years, I often told myself that I should find him, contact him and tell him how much he meant to me. I am a daddy myself now, and I will tell my son Victor one day about Brad, that great man I had the privilege of spending time with. I will also tell him that I hope he meets people like him on his life's journey. Brad gave me a book once. He told me to read it carefully, that I needed this to understand myself better, to become greater, larger.

Tank you Brad for that gesture. 

You're there somewhere with us, with your family, and all the people you touched.

Thinking of Brad only reminds me of how kind and accepting he was, when so few were ....

A Tribute from the April 2010 Judo Tournament held in Kenora 
In February of this year, the J&M Judo Club lost one of their long standing members.  Over his 34 years of Judo, Brad Hertz, was a fierce competitor, dedicated instructor and a proud Judo Dad.  He was 8 years old when he started Judo and Merv King was his Sensei during those competitive years.  As many of our young competitors here today, the first tournament is one to remember and Brad won his first medal in Dryden in 1974.  He went on to become a provincial champion 3 times and medaled in the Canadian National Champions 4 times…bringing home a gold in 1982.  He also ranked in the top 5 in 3 US Nationals.  

 

Brad’s training took him to Europe as provincial team member where he toured France, Holland, Austria and Germany.  Competitively, Brad was certainly one of Judoka who put the J&M Judo Club with its humble beginnings on the map.  However, he was an all around athlete who  enjoyed and instructed rock climbing, participated in soccer for many seasons and had fond memories of football from years past.  Brad was the recipient of many outstanding competitor awards and enjoyed his athletics until his illness made it too difficult.  Brad was 45 years old and will be deeply missed in the Judo world as he touched the lives of many people here today and beyond.  That being said, his spirit is also felt here  today among his friends and family and will be for many years to come.  We would ask that you respect a moment of silence to honor Sensei Brad Hertz.

FOR BRAD

I REMEMBER THE BOOK YOU GAVE ME " I CAN DO IT MYSELF "  YOU READ IT TO ME BEFORE I WENT TO SLEEP.  I LIKE TO DO THINGS BY MYSELF!  JUST LIKE YOU ALWAYS DID.

I LOVE THE RED "CARS" BIKE YOU GAVE ME.  I WAS SO HAPPY AND I CAN RIDE SO FAST NOW.

I WILL ALSO MISS GOING TO MC IN DONALDS WITH YOU AND NOT DOING SPECIAL THINGS WITH YOU.

YOU ARE MY SPECIAL ANGEL AND I HOPE TO GROW UP TO BE JUST LIKE YOU.

SEE I DID THIS MYSELF!

WE WILL ALWAYS MISS YOU

LOVE KIEREN & MOMMY  XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXXOXOXOX

Dear Hertz family,
I met Brad many years ago DJing at the local watering hole.  His choice of music kept the dance floor full and the beat going till closing.  After moving to Vancouver we became closer friends at the "Fort" after Brad shared his great knowledge of mountain biking with me and the others on the deck while preparing for that night ride in UBC at 11:30pm on a wet, chilly
evening.  I especially enjoyed Brads wit and humour.  He always had a nice gesture up his sleave to share with people around him.  Although I hadn't kept in contact with Brad ater moving away from Vancouver, his leading the pack attitude will be forever remembered by me and his spirit be with us all.
We will ride together again Brad.

My heartfelt condolences to Sharl. Brodey and the Hertz family. I was deeply saddened upon seeing Brad had passed. Always a smile, a kind word and an update on his son. Brad was always a gentleman with class. Wherever you are Brad, I know you'll be trying to make it a better place. From the gym, to bikes, Haps, and lodge, always a smile. We all are at a loss with your passing.
From the Krisko family to the Hertz family, true and long-standing condolences

I've been away, so didn't hear of Brad's passing until today.  

When Brad and I bumped into each other in various supply teaching situations, I was always impressed by his intelligence and his intensity.

He was a wonderful guy, and he will be missed.

Carolyn Hudson, Kenora

We were so sad to hear of Brad's passing.  Katharine and I had a lot of fun with Brad over the years and we recall fondly our times in Vancouver at the 'Fort', an apartment Brad shared with several friends.  I was lucky enough to be part of many of the rides Darrell Gilmore alludes to in his note about Brad and can honestly say they are among my very best memories of being in Vancouver.  If you ever wanted to have some fun, get into some mischief, or sit and discuss topics in a way you never thought possible, Brad was your man.  He was a vibrant and unique individual, one of a kind, who will be missed by us all. 
Our thoughts go out to the Hertz family at this sad time,
Dave Edmondson and Katharine Norris
Comox, B.C.

Our thoughts are with you at this sad time in your lives.  May you find comfort in the memories you shared.

Bill, Rose and Renae Zurkan
Brighton, Ontario

We were saddened by the news that Brad had passed to his Heavenly home this soon.
The whole family has our sincere condolences. Be assured of our prayers for him and for you.

Bill and Janet Toner

Dear Sharlene, Bob, Lael, Brodey and All the family;

I was terribly saddened when I heard of Brad's passing.  Brad was more important to me than I can even say.  We had a special friendship that I will remember and treasure for the rest of my life.  This world as we know it will never be the same without him in it.  He was amazing, caring, thoughtful.  He got me through some hard times myself and I have a hard time even believing I will not see him again.  I am so sorry for your loss.  He had a twinkle in his eye I will never forget and I see that same twinkle in his son's eye.  What a treasure his son is.  May Brad rest in peace.  I will never forget you my friend. Much love.

Debbie Groshak-Coulis

To Brad's friends and family, my thoughts and sincerest condolences for the loss of a very special friend, father and family member.  
The experiences we shared will always hold a special spot in my life - too many and too important to list.
The world is a less magical place without you here.
Rest in peace my dear friend - you are missed.

To Brad's family from the Gilmore's...we express our deepest condolences for your loss. Brad was a wonderful man, so full of fun and love. We will miss his thoughts, his laugh and his friendship.
To follow is a first of a few of Darrell's memories...enjoy.
                                                 REMEMBERING BRAD

        
One of the first memories I have of Brad involves two wheels and pain. We were dirt bike racing against each other as 14 or 15 year olds, at the sandpits down the Homestake Road, in Jaffrey-Mellick. Brad was driving a Yamaha YZ80 while I was driving a Honda XR75. I was leading the race, but not by much, and had just driven down a steep 10 ft. high hill close to the finish line. I looked back to see if Brad was catching up. He was definitely closing the gap, but he was going too fast as he headed towards the drop off. Brad and his bike launched into the air from the top of the hill. He landed front wheel first near the bottom, and fell hard into his handlebars, nearly going end over end. The force of impact caused him to lose his breath and for a few scary moments it looked like he might have been seriously injured. Brad recovered sufficiently after a few minutes, but the race that day was over. I had no idea then that we would one day have many more two wheeled rides together.
       Some of our best mountain bike rides took place in the UBC endowment lands near, “The Fort”. We would ride about 30-40 km at a time usually in groups of 3 or 4 and sometimes with as many as10 riders. We must have done that ride well over 100 times in the 2 to3 years that he lived in Vancouver. I think Brad preferred to ride at or near the front of the pack as I rarely had enough of a lead and he always fought to regain it. One of our most memorable rides was happened in the mountains and logging roads around Pemberton where I lost a considerable amount of skin on a downhill run and Brad suffered severe quad cramps on a long uphill climb. Other notable rides included the technically difficult North Shore Mountains, and the not to be forgotten trails of Hornsby Island.
Brad was a good friend and one of the most interesting people I’ve ever met. I miss him dearly.

To the Hertz family: I would like to send my condolences to everyone, I went to school with Brad. Sharlene, you were a tower of strength, if this ever happens to me, I hope that I can be as strong as you were for my child. Thank you for all the treats you sent to us in admitting, always thinking of others even in really hard times! We will miss having you around, always a pleasure to see you in admitting.
Take care, sending lots of prayers.
Lynne La Selva

Dear Ray, Lael, Lauren, Jacob, Shar & Family:
So terribly sorry to hear the loss of a very special Brother, Son, Dad and Uncle.  There are no words to really comfort you at such a difficult time, but know that we are sending our love and support for you all. Just looking at all the beautiful pictures of Brad on the website, one could tell what a remarkable, loving and kind person he was. Know, that for some reason, God picks the best flowers for Himself, but one day we'll all meet again.
With deepest sympathy,
Love You, Uncle Bud, Aunt Diane Blackmore & Family, Paris, Ontario

The Hertz family, i am so saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you at this time. May the  happy memories you have of Brad help you get through this difficult time Brad will always be in our hearts. Mae Bayly

Dear Bob,Shar,Lael and families. My heart is saddened to hear of the loss of Brad. I feel very greatful to have shared some special moments with Brad. When we watched Brodey come into the world. And how proud he was to hold his son for the first time. He was an amazing father. I remember Brad teaching Brodey to play soccer at a very young age. Gaelyn and i watched from the window. We could see what a close bond they had even then. It was very touching to both of us. I was so happy to see Brad in Thunder Bay. When he came in December for Brodey's soccer game. We had a great conversation. We laughed and i gave him the biggest hug before he left.   I feel honoured to have known Brad. And feel greatful that he gave us such a wonderful gift (Brodey). He will be truly missed. Shar, Bob and Lael. You all have an amazing strength within. And i see that in Brodey. My thoughts and Prayers are with you at this time and always. Love always,melody,Chris and Avery Engelmann

I was saddened to read about Brad's passing. I knew Brad to see him and of him, until one day in Grade 11 when he turned to me and said he wanted me to help him do a Beaver Brae newspaper. Which was odd, because we hadn't really spoken much til then. It was in Mr. Geddert's geography class. We created a paper together  and continued for a couple years after and became very close friends. When my Father passed in 2003, Brad was one of the first to email me condolences. I will always remember him as a true renaissance man, a bit of a rebel with a kind heart of acceptance and understanding. The most frantic or pannicked I ever saw him on deadline was a sigh, a big breath, and a smile. 'Fred you have to learn to relax; these deadlines are artificial," he would say. A dreamer for sure and a talented one at that. I trust he'll dream in peace.

Dear Brad and for Brad's family;
I am so very sorry to hear of our loss in Brad's passing; much too early.  I had such great times with Brad and friends in Vancouver at the "fort" and surrounding area.   He loved his time while living here and I was lucky to be a small part of that time in his life.  Much thought and reflection is in process now and my warm memories of him will carry on.  Peace be to you and your family at this time and onwards.

To Brads family, friends and all who held him close. My deepest sympathy for the loss of someone so special and unforgetable.

You will be sadly missed, Brad. 

I will always have special memories of you my friend. You were very influential in the many lives you touched and leave a wonderful legacy behind. While I am sad for this world to have lost you, I am glad you are no longer suffering.

God Bless You.

Sincerely, 

Derek.

Lael and Family
I am so sorry for your loss. Brad was a wonderful and loving brother, son, father and friend. He will be missed by all who loved and knew him. Although we want to say he is in a better place now, and know that he is, it still seems so unfair that he was taken so soon. And even though it is hard to accept now and many times to come, God does have bigger and better plans for him. He is free from pain. His life and memory will live on through is son Brody and all those that loved him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. 
With Love Kim Tintinalli

It was with great sadness that we hear about your loss please accept our deepest sympathies.

Cel,Joe, Hugh and Brian Rosmus

Dear Bobby, Laielle and the rest of the family. We are all deeply saddened to hear the news of Brad's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this trying time. 

Once again, sorry for your loss

The Fors Family

Dear ,Bobby and Laielle, I was deeply saddend by the news of Brads passing, I remember all of you so fondly from my time on superior street in Keewatin, I hope it brings you some comfort to know that my thoughts are wi th you and yours in this time of deep sadness.  with sympathy and love from your cousin and her family. Heather Karpowich(nee Allison) .

Shar and families
When we spoke on the phone about Brad's health I could feel the deep caring and love that you have for your son. Even though I have never met either of you, Brad was very lucky to have such a  wonderful caring Mom, and you in turn very lucky to have had Brad.
I, we are so sorry for your loss. May you continue to be a strength for your family and they a strength for you.
May your memories forever be your treasure,and may Brad soar with the angels.
As only a mother would know our hearts go out to you and yours. 
Lee, Michele & Kieren.

It is with deep sadness i hear of the death of Brad. I went to school and grew up him and in Keewatin. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. 
Rest in Peace Brad

Ray Bissonnette

OBITUARY

Mr. Robert Braden Hertz

June 30, 1964 – February 17, 2010

Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre

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