Brandon Clarence Donald Tindall
February 19, 2002 – May 20th, 2025
We are saddened to share that Brandon Tindall passed away May 20th, 2025, at the age of 23 years old.
Brandon is survived by his parents Barry Tindall, and Julie Connors; Sibling Samantha Tindall; Grandparents Vivianne Tindall, Cal Connors, and Laura Connors; Aunts Shannon Tindall, and Cheryl Moen, and Uncle Lee Moen; and cousins and friends.
Brandon was predeceased by his grandpa, Dave Tindall.
There will be no formal service held. A celebration of life will take place on June 29th, 2025, in Gravelbourg, SK.
The definition of Addicted according to Oxford Languages is: “physically and mentally dependent on a particular substance, and unable to stop taking it without incurring adverse effects.”
What they fail to mention is that addiction is a family disease. One person is addicted; however, all parties are affected. Unfortunately, when writing an obituary for someone who died of a drug overdose, you’re going to read about two different people within the same body.
Knowing you before your demons took you was a blessing. In your anger, I still saw the soft little boy who would do anything to hang out with his big sister because I was seen as “cool” to you. In your sad eyes, I still saw the passion that would come through. I wanted to believe it would be okay because I still saw the “old” Brandon.
Knowing you before your demons took you was also a curse. It left me in a state of denial. It led me to have a lack of understanding. It didn’t bring me to the reality of what was right in front of me.
What was in front of me was someone who experienced emotional and mental turmoil I don’t think I could even begin to understand. We had the same upbringing, but two very different experiences. Which is normal. Every life is not the same.
What was in front of me was someone who looked and talked like the same “old” Brandon, but was further from the true guy than I care to admit. Someone who had the same mannerisms, but didn’t use them in the same way anymore. Someone who made choices that did not align with the “old” Brandon.
Choices. We all have choices. I chose to love you even when you didn’t want to receive it. I chose to defend you even when you didn’t deserve it. I choose to write this letter and post it publicly in your honour because you’re more than your choices. You’re Brandon.
I’m sorry that as your big sister I couldn’t protect you from these demons. I’m sorry I couldn’t take you away from the pain you had. I’m sorry you felt abandoned and alone. I’m sorry you felt the need to numb yourself to the point of lifelessness.
I hope you don’t hurt anymore,
Forever your big sister,
Sam.
As a family, we’re choosing to speak openly about addiction to create awareness. Brandon’s death will not be in vain, but to help create a space for conversation on addiction. We would like to thank everyone for their kind and thoughtful messages as we grieve this difficult time.
In keeping with the families wishes, a private service for Brandon will take place. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Cara Ashworth, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
I do not know you Sam or your family, prayers for healing. Thank you for sharing; this obituary may open the eyes of others and teach others to love in the midst of mental health and tragedy.
May the peace of Christ be with you all.
Condolences to your family. Although I don’t know you or your family, nor the pain you are going through over the tremendous loss of your precious brother, I am moved by your write-up as to how addiction is a family disease and how it changes a person. Kudo’s to you for your honesty. No doubt your words will ring true to many lives touched by the serious ramifications of addiction. May your journey of raising awareness bring great understanding and compassion to the friends, family, and loved ones of those afflicted with the disease of addiction. God speed to you.
To Samantha, Barry and Julie. I was very much saddened to hear of Brandon’s passing, and the circumstances behind it. I knew Brandon as a typically mischievous little boy before our lives took us in different directions. You are a strong woman, Samantha. The world needs to recognize the dangers of addiction AND it’s effect on family. ♥️
My heart hurts for you and your family. I do not know you and cannot even begin to imagine how unbelievably hard it was for you to write an obituary for your little brother. I admire your courage, strength and openness to share his experiences with addictions and it is my hope that your openness will help others. May time heal your hearts and may memories of your brother comfort your soul. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Very tragic. And brave of you to share your experience which is so accurately described. I’m sad to say how much I can relate to your experience with being part of a family that has been affected by addiction. I know it too well. God bless all of you in your loss of your beloved brother. Two people in one—that is the tragedy.
To Samantha, Barry and Julie. I was very much saddened to hear of Brandon’s passing, and the circumstances behind it. I knew Brandon as a typically mischievous little boy before our lives took us in different directions. You are a strong woman, Samantha. The world needs to recognize the dangers of addiction AND it’s effect on family. ♥️
Sending my love and prayers to you and your family Sam. ❤️ Breaks my heart knowing what you’re all going through. I wish things were different
Thank you for your beautiful honesty. I am so sorry that Brandon is gone, too soon, too permanent. As a parent of an addicted child I feel your heartbreak and sadness. I understand the loss you felt, even before Brandon passed, as the drugs take our loved ones and keep them hidden away from us. The demons take over and the real them is suffocated. Thank you for your honesty, your bravery at such a difficult time, and for sharing the truth of addiction.
Sam, so sorry to hear . That is a wonderful tribute and I can’t imagine how hard it is for you and your family.
Please accept my condolences and stay strong.
Cal, Laura, Julie, Samantha , Cheryl & families, I didn’t know Brandon only thru Cal. My sincere sympathy to all of you. Addictions of all kinds are so sad & all the love & support doesn’t seem to be enough.
He is at peace from all the demons.
Cherish the good memories
Heartfelt condolences .I do not know your family or your loved one Brandon.You letter and openness about addiction touched a place in my heart.So very many people i know have lost loved ones through addiction.I pray your family find strength in the good memories to help you smile through the tears .Sending warm hugs to all of you
Thoughts and prayers are with you all Sam. Truly heartfelt tribute. Here for you if you ever need anything!!
Very sorry for the loss of your brother. I do not know you, your family, or your brother. But thank you Sam, for putting into words what so many family members and friends experience when someone they love is addicted. Never doubt that you are a wonderful big sister and always will be, as you knew it wasn’t really your brother, it was the addiction that took a hold of him. I’m a former addict, and in my roughest times I was still really appreciative of those who stayed by me. I have no doubt that your brother was grateful for you and felt the love you gave him, even during the times he couldn’t show it. Sending you love and strength during this time. Please know that you are not alone, and that your brother is always with you.
Barry, Samantha and family, our heartfelt sympathies to you on the loss of Brandon. I only knew Brandon as a young kid but what a beautiful soul he had.
Our condolences along with much love to all of you. Thank you for sharing these experiences and bringing further awareness of the effects of addiction to all those involved.
Our most sincere condolences to the Tindall/Connors families. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.Sincerely Doug & Monique Mann
Sending so much love and strength. I don’t know you but my heart goes out to you. So brave and courageous of you to speak up. Another good friend of mine just wrote a children’s book about addiction (her story)… I can’t imagine the pain in all of this, but you are and will be stronger than you think! You will do exactly what u said you would do, make something good come out of this because the world needs you…. So many other families need your support.i am so sorry for your loss.
This is very well said. Thank you. I also lost my little brother to addiction in January xxxx Take care of yourself.
Sending your family deep love and prayers during your journey of grief, loss, and suffering. You have beautifully written words and have shared in hopes that others will find an understanding of addiction. May His Memory be Eternal. Thinking of Brandon in his young years at school and how your family will always hold a special space in our hearts.
Very respectful and appropriate obit. I’m so sorry for your loss. Be gentle with yourselves. Thank you gor your honesty. It may help someone else.
So sorry Sam. I lost a nephew to addiction so I do understand. Love and hugs. Connie
Barry, so sorry for the tragic loss of your son. May you find peace and comfort in the fellowship of your friends and family and memories of happier times.
I’m so sorry for your loss of Brandon. My heart goes out to you. I appreciate you so much for sharing the beautiful but sad life of your brother. Awareness needs to be shared. For all of us and those that grieve in silence. You are not alone. Thank you.
Brandon Tindell was my true best friend we were there for each other in the darkest times. I sure will miss calling him and will always be lover by me no matter what. My condolences to Brandon’s family.
On warm summer evenings, Brandon and I would often sit under the carport next to Dave and Viviane’s place and discuss everything from the rings of Saturn to the neighbor’s cat across the street. He would often come and talk to me about some of the demons that clenched to his back. I often wished I could have had a magic wand and touched him on the head where he would have gotten instant freedom from his problems. Having struggled with addiction myself, I knew it would never be that easy, however I did try. And no matter what happened to take him to where he is today, I’ll always have a warm feeling when I think of the great conversations we had over the years. May God bless his soul.
What an educational, meaningful, honest and loving obituary. This must be all so hard for Aunty Vivianne, Sam and and his friends. There is way too much of this going on, young lives cut way too short. A solution needs to come around soon. My sincere condolences from Marc, myself and our family. We look forward to seeing you at the celebration of live(s).