DAKIN, C. Brett - (February 20, 1974 - July 17, 2020) -
Brett, B, brother, Uncle Brett, KidNRG, Paradigm – a man of many dimensions who was a caring, compassionate, honest and deep soul. Brett loved and cared about people and invested intensely in his relationships with family, friends and colleagues.
Brett was the beloved son of Linda Dakin and Ted (Diann) Dakin, big brother to Cara (Tobias) Bourdeau, and best uncle to Noe and Maddox Bourdeau.
He was Dog Dad to Quinn. Step-brother to Trevor, Andrew, Kate and Creina. Adored cousin to Cameron (Michele), Brad, Shaun (Samantha), Michael (Leanne), Rosanna (Michael), Mark (Danielle), Bradley (Heather), Matthew (Tanya), and Ian; and brilliant nephew to Patrick, Allan (Heather), and Anne.
Waiting on Brett’s arrival for the party to start are his lifelong friend Barton, uncles Barry, Mike and Cameron, aunts Trish and Yvonne. Wrapping him in love will be grandparents Grandad and Gram Hawley, Grandma Hughes and Grumpy, and Grandpa and Nancy Dakin.
As a young boy, Brett proudly collected and kept mint-condition Marvel comics and loved reading fantasy books. He had the most creative imagination and captured his ideas in intricate drawings. He loved all kinds of music and cherished his albums. After years of piano lessons, Brett was adamant he didn’t need to be constrained in this way- and he was right. Brett was a talented musician who played exclusively by ear and memory. He mastered the tools of keyboards, mixers and turntables to translate the beats and lyrics into sound to share. He graduated from mix-tapes to CDs to professional studio work while still in high-school. Writing lyrics was Brett’s conversation with the world; a verbal journal of his life experiences, deepest desires, traumas and heartaches. Making music was his lifelong passion. If you had the thrill of hearing him or collaborating with him (in the studio, the park, at home, or walking down the street), you saw him at his very best- and in his most natural element.
Brett forged friendships like no other. He had an amazingly hearty laugh and fun good humour! Whether you met in at nursery school, or Tecumseh PS, or Hillcrest PS, you made a friend for life. He attended Lorne Park SS (‘88-‘92), but you might have thought he attended Clarkson with the amount of time and great friends made at both. Wonderful memories, with appropriate amounts of debauchery, were made while camping at Sherkston, Kill Bear, Grand Bend and Algonquin; hanging at Bart’s cottage; eating wings at the Firkin and Clarkson Pump; and partying and performing as KidNRG and with the BaddXample crew at Sharkey’s, Superstars nightclub, on Electric Circus, and more. More deep friendships, including his Delta Upsilon brothers, were forged at the University of Guelph (92-96). He was connected with so many artists who understood and inspired him.
Brett had long term relationships and desperately wanted to marry and have a family, but somehow time and circumstance did not cooperate. He was grateful for the company of his furry boy, Quinn, and neighbours will miss seeing them out for walks.
Brett enjoyed travel, particularly to escape Toronto winters. He loved getting away with a friend and inevitably made more wherever he ventured. How he managed to remain connected through regular phone calls, messages, and meet-ups with so many people remains a mystery to his family but is a testament to the love and care Brett had for others, and that they had for him. It takes a village, and Brett was at the heart of the very large village.
He extended his village with colleagues and friends made during his admirable career in radio sales at Standard Broadcasting, Astral Media, Bell Media, University of Guelph-Humber (teaching), and finally at Indie88. He loved a challenge, but even more, he loved helping people find creative solutions to their problems and to see clients, colleagues, teammates achieve their own success. If he mentored you, you learned from the best and will carry on his legacy.
Brett was a life-long believer in self-help and investment in one's own development. He was self-reflective and actively worked on himself, personally and professionally. He grew to share bravely about substance abuse disorder, mental health and abuse, and sought help throughout his life, relying often on community supports and leaning on his dear friends and family. He was an excellent listener; caring, thoughtful and empathetic and would spend hours on the phone supporting and being supported by his village.
Brett fought for the underdog and put his arm around the outcasts. If you were on the outside, Brett would bring you in. If you needed a friend, he would be yours. If you were a small business, he went out of his way to support you. If you were a Toronto sports team, he’d be ready to cheer you on. He was forever optimistic and positive about the future.
Brett was a light in his Mom’s life. She will miss his heart hugs, his support in her daily activities (particularly IT!), and their walks, talks, and texts, where he shared his insights and eternal love. Dad is cherishing the archive of many emails shared over the years, and their long walks together. Cara is feeling the loss of her life-long protector and remains inspired to chase her dreams. Dear son and brother, feel peaceful and safe, wherever you are.
When Barton died, Brett wrote and recorded Harsh Reality. His own pain from a great loss is echoed by us all again now.
“I’m tryin’ to be a life addict…
So even when I’m standing in the rain
Wishing you were here to wash it all away
And even though the future is a blur
I’m still looking for the words lately.”
To Brett’s many brothers, friends and co-workers, thank you for being a part of his journey. He lived more than a lifetime in 46 years, thanks to your love and support.
While Covid makes it impossible to gather as Brett’s village, please lean on each other and create your own small celebrations to honour your relationship. When it is safe to do so, we’ll celebrate Brett’s life together. If you wish to share photos and memories with the family, please email
Brett was a beautiful and tortured soul. He sought support from CAMH and suffered when they were too overwhelmed to help. He also knew the challenges of life in the music industry and would have loved to see others in Canadian music supported with counselling and financial assistance. In lieu of flowers we hope you will overwhelm his memory by donating to www.camh.ca or www.unisonfund.ca.
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