BRANDON JOSEPH NIWA

Posted: June 8th, 2020

May 27, 1983 ~ May 29, 2020

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Brandon J Niwa on Friday, May 29th, 2020.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Ashly, parents, Greg and Janice Niwa, big sister, Lindsay (Kris Mathers) and nephew, Parker. As well as his grandma, Marie Niwa, Ashly’s parents, Wendy and Duncan Macdiarmid, sisters-in-law, Kyly (Mike) Houde and Haily Macdiarmid and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his paternal grandpa, Dennis Niwa, and maternal grandparents, Orv and Terry Kope and his best “friend,” Missy, his most loyal companion.

Brandon was born and raised in Medicine Hat. He graduated from McCoy High School in 2001. Brandon made so many long lasting friendships throughout his life, many starting in early elementary school and thru sports like minor hockey. He was able to carry many of those friendships even through the current years. It wasn’t unusual to wake up to his closest buddies Teeg, Leif or Oveson camping on the couches on the weekend. He was there

for so many when support was needed.

When he graduated he went to work with his Dad at Niwa Crane. It was there he spent 20 years working alongside his Dad and Uncle Bruce who was pivotal in him becoming one of the best crane operators around. He loved his job and he worked so hard. He was the backbone of Niwa Crane. Everyone there is going to miss him so much.

August 8th, 2015 Brandon married his best friend, the love of his life, Ashly Macdiarmid. When their busy work schedule allowed you could often find them camped out in the basement or curled up in bed with their fur babies watching movies or Netflix. If feeling adventurous, you could find them touring the world to see Metallica. Whitefish was their favourite getaway and they spent many winter weekends away snowboarding Big Mountain, or cozying up by the fire at the family cabin. In the summer they loved to spend the days on the lake, and in the evening lay in the boat looking at stars and listening to Brandon’s terrible “house music” or Metallica- Nothing Else Matters. And just be there. July 4th was always spent in Whitefish with family, where Uncle Brandon would be Parker’s hero buying out every firework vendor and putting on a show that usually ended up with a small disaster.

Aside from work and married life it was not uncommon for Brandon to spend time with several of his closest friends, playing poker, causing innocent trouble and playing numerous pranks. As one of his friends aptly put it, “Brandon was a walking memory…” These memories and stories will make us laugh for years to come. We will miss him terribly. He was loved by so many…

A private service is to be held. The family is planning a celebration of Brandon’s life in the future with details to come as well as Cubs Alumni game.

In lieu of flowers or food please consider a donation to the Niwa Family Fund c/o the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta, (430 6 Ave SE #104, Medicine Hat, AB T1A. Through our Family Fund, donations go to our Communities greatest needs, we will keep Brandon’s memory alive for many, many years to come.

(Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is

Cook Southland Funeral Chapel Crematorium & Reception Facility, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455 www.cooksouthland.com “Locally owned & directed”