Kitchener, Ontario –The Kitchener community is in mourning following the sudden and tragic passing of Brendan Lennard, a man known not only for his skillful hands behind the barber’s chair, but for the heart, humor, and humanity he brought into every room he entered. Brendan was 33 years old.
His passing has left a gaping void in the lives of his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless individuals who were lucky enough to know him—even briefly. Brendan was a vibrant thread in the fabric of this city: a trusted barber at The Green Room, a passionate musician with the band Weigh The Anchor, a gifted writer, and a gentle soul who wore his heart on his sleeve.
Born in Toronto and raised in the Greater Toronto Area, Brendan later made his home in Kitchener, where he quickly became part of the community’s creative and social spirit. Whether he was cutting hair, writing music, or sharing stories, he had a way of making everyone feel seen. Clients didn’t just leave his chair looking better—they left feeling better.
Those who knew Brendan best describe a man who felt deeply and loved openly. He laughed loud, listened intently, and carried both joy and sorrow with quiet grace. He was open about his struggles, but never let them define him. Instead, he turned to music, writing, and community as lifelines—not only for himself, but for others who needed encouragement or a safe space to land.
His music with Weigh The Anchor captured much of his spirit—raw, honest, energetic, and real. Every beat of his drum was a heartbeat shared with those around him. He lived his life like he played: with rhythm, intensity, and purpose.
Brendan studied Marketing and Advertising at Conestoga College, where his creativity blossomed into an ability to connect with others on a deeper level. His classmates and professors remember a student with curiosity in his eyes and kindness in his tone. He always had time for others, and he never held back his voice—on the page or in person.
He is remembered with profound love by his long-time partner, Alaya White. Their bond was deeply rooted in shared dreams, mutual respect, and unwavering support. They built a life together filled with laughter, creativity, and quiet moments that now echo with absence. Alaya, family and friends recall, brought out the best in Brendan—and he in her.
The pain of Brendan’s loss is felt especially deeply by his Bonus Mama of 25 years, who lovingly wrote:
“I want my mommy. But I am happy Brendan went ahead to greet Him. I am blessed to have been his Bonus Mama and so thankful to his mother for sharing him with me. I am heartbroken for my children, Sarah and Josh, who now must carry the same heavy load I once carried—the loss of a brother far too young. And to Rick, his father—your anguish is unimaginable. We saw this pain in our parents and prayed never to know it ourselves.”
A shining light, a compassionate listener, and a true original—Brendan Lennard was deeply loved, and is already deeply missed.
As his loved ones prepare to say their final goodbyes, there is comfort in knowing that Brendan left behind a world touched by his presence. From the chair where he worked his craft, to the stage where he pounded out his soul, to the hearts of those he loved—his story will continue.
Fly high, Brendan. In the arms of an angel now, your rhythm plays on in every memory, every heartbeat, and every story yet to be told
