HIRSCHE, Brock

Brock D. Owen Hirsche

1992 – 2018

Brock D. Owen Hirsche, beloved son of Tim and Sharla Hirsche, passed away on April 8, 2018 at the age of 26, after a courageous battle with Testicular Cancer.

Brock was born February 3, 1992, and was raised in Lethbridge, Alberta. Most people knew Brock for his athleticism. Brock’s love of sports was instilled in him by his parents from a young age. He was the biggest fan, always enthusiastically cheering for his favorite teams. Growing up, Brock spent much of his time with his cousins, his friends, and his neighbors, the Foders, who were like family to him. The Hirsche’s had Brock on the golf course by age 3, where they spent countless hours together as a family. Brock was also an avid sport statistician – he knew every stat of every player, in every sport, in every league. Brock will always be remembered for his gift of knowing everyone’s birthday, often before even meeting them.

At the age of 17, he packed his bags to play for the WHL’s Prince George Cougars, where he was eventually named captain of the team. Prince George became his home away from home. Billet parents, Keith and Cathy, and Frank and Cheryl, warmly welcomed Brock into their respective homes. His biggest fans Tim and Sharla never missed a game, tuning in online or travelling with hockey friends to be at the games. Brock battled through numerous shoulder surgeries over the course of his hockey career. When his injuries prevented him from playing, he was the obvious choice to assist the coaches or provide colour commentary. On or off the ice, Brock was a natural leader – he had an ability to inspire, support, and comfort those around him, and made everyone feel like his best friend.

Following his years in Prince George, Brock returned home and enrolled at the University of Lethbridge. He suited up for the Pronghorns Hockey Team, where naturally, he was named captain in his third season. During this time, in January of 2016, Brock was diagnosed with Testicular Cancer and successfully underwent a variety of aggressive treatments and surgeries.

Since he was a boy, Brock was also known for making the most exceptional blizzards at the southside Dairy Queen so when he was healthy again, Brock used his Dairy Queen savings to purchase a house. It was at this time, he met his angel Sydney Riglin, and they enjoyed several healthy months together before Brock’s cancer returned in the fall of 2017. In February 2018, after unsuccessful treatments in Calgary, Brock made the brave decision to end his treatments, return home, and spend his remaining time with Tim, Sharla, Sydney, and close family and friends. In true Brock fashion, he spent some of his final days setting up a legacy fund with the University of Lethbridge so that future young athletes will receive scholarships for years to come.

Brock is survived by his parents Tim and Sharla; partner Sydney Riglin; grandparents Dan and Pat Peters; uncles and aunts Shane (Lora) Hirsche, Brent (Bonnie) Hirsche, Danny (Wendy) Peters, and Betty Hirsche; and many cousins, friends, teammates, and coaches.

He is predeceased by his grandparents Dewaine and Lila Hirsche; and uncle Gordon Hirsche.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 6:00pm and 8:00pm on Thursday, April 12, 2018, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4th Street South, Lethbridge, AB.

A Celebration of Brock’s Life will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, April 13, 2018, at NICHOLAS SHERAN ICE ARENA, 401 Laval Blvd W, Lethbridge, with Pastor Mark Dyck officiating.

As per Brock’s request, please wear a jersey of your choice, if available to you.

Flowers are gratefully declined, but for those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Brock Hirsche Pronghorn Hockey Award. Donations can be made online at gohorns.ca/for-brock.

Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.