Several fundraisers were held in support of Brady Grasdal’s family after the 21-year-old unexpectedly passed away during a trip out of the country on December 16th, 2023.  

Grasdal was a dedicated member of the hockey community. He began skating when he was two and played for a number of teams, before transitioning into a leadership role as a coach for the U15 AA Warriors. He had aspirations of joining the RCMP in the future.  

Fundraisers held included a 50/50 during a U15 AA Warriors game, and a Rib and Caesar Salad fundraiser at Bugsy’s/Smitty’s. 

The fundraiser at Bugsy’s also included 50/50 draws that saw the winners donating their portions back, as well as raffles of donated items. 

Owner of Bugsy’s/Smitty’s, Mark Abbey, explained why they held the fundraiser. “Brady was just becoming a regular customer at our establishment, and his parents were also regulars for the last 10 years. We thought that it would be time to stand up and do something for the family to support them in their time of need.” 

Abbey said they got a great response from the community on the Rib and Caesar night. “We sold lots of tickets, raised lots of funds for the family, and it was a pleasure to be a part of it.” 

An additional fundraiser was organized by Grasdal’s friends, who designed a hoodie with his tattoo (Family over Anything) to honour him, including Bryan Thomson, Hayden Wiebe, Jaxsen Wiebe, Matt Dueck, and Reece Newkirk. 

Grasdal was a member of the Portage Terriers Junior A hockey team for three years, and they also held a tribute for him at their game yesterday.  

The Grasdal family submitted a Thank You letter addressed to the community as follows: 

 

Words cannot begin to describe the shock and sorrow we feel from the loss of our youngest son, Brady Grasdal.  

To know Brady, was to love Brady. He had such a zest for life that was second to none. He was so excited to return home to continue pursuing his dream of becoming an RCMP officer.  

This sudden and accidental loss has affected so many and we didn’t fully understand the reach Brady had on so many communities.  

We would like to thank each and every person who has reached out to support us all. The beautiful flowers, food, kind words, donations, sharing of stories & memories that overwhelmed and touched us deeply.  The power of love! 

We would like to bring special attention to a few that have gone above and beyond for us: 

-Brady’s U15 AA Warriors team, coaches, parents and the MJ Event Centre for hosting and dedicating a special game in his honour.  

-Bugsy’s/Smitty’s for not only opening their doors to a recent Rib and Caesar fundraiser but also for their generous donations over the last weeks.  

-Moose Jaw Funeral Home: Michelle & your staff have been extraordinary during such a painful and heartbreaking time. The care you showed us, as well as Brady, will stay in our hearts forever. 

-Charlotte’s Catering for providing the lunch at the service and Alliance Church for hosting so many of Brady’s loved ones with grace.  

-Evans Florist for the beautiful arrangements . 

Our family is forever grateful to the community for all of your support and condolences.  

If love could bring a person back, Brady would be here! 

We will be forever changed and will miss the amazing young man he was.  

 

Our sincerest thanks to all,  

With Love and Appreciation, 

 

Amber, Graham, Austin and family. 

Brady GrasdalBrady Grasdal (Photo: Shelan Dueck)