Braten Richard Kirkwood

A trust fund has been set up for immediate support or some financial support in the future for Braten's children. 
Money can be auto deposited to: bratenpat@outlook.com

The sudden and unexpected death of Braten Richard Kirkwood, 38 years of Saskatoon, occurred on July 3, 2024.  Braten was born on April 10, 1986 in Saskatoon to Richard and Shelley (nee Welter) Kirkwood.  He grew up in Viscount and took all of his education there.  He played all types of sports growing up, but hockey was always his favorite.  Whether it was shooting pucks on the slough, skating in Viscount with friends, or taking shots on his sister in the basement, it was always on his mind.  Later in life Braten took every opportunity he could to travel to watch his favourite team, the Tampa Bay Lightning.   

Braten was a very determined, motivated person and not afraid of work or trying new things.  He adventured down to Kansas and Australia both on custom combining crews while in high school and shortly after.  Braten was always a hard worker, working various jobs with the rigs and local mining.  No matter where he went he made a lot of friends, and it was during this part of his life that he was renamed by his buddies to “Jimmy”.  One of Braten’s favourite things to do was talk to his friends, sometimes spending hours on the phone catching up.  If you needed something he was there without question, whether to lend a hand or just to talk you through it.  

In 2013, Braten married Tanya Casey in Saskatoon and they were blessed with three beautiful children -Knox, Kynzlee, and Madyn.  He loved being a dad and all that came with it.  He was the ultimate “hockey dad” never missing a game, always ensuring the kids were where they needed to be and always encouraging them to do their best.  He loved camping with them in the summer and had them snowboarding in the winter.  He was so proud of his kids and their activities, and he was happiest when he was running all over the city and watching them do what they love.  They play hockey, baseball, football, and dance.  With each team the kids joined, Braten’s social circle grew too resulting in him receiving the new title as “Uncle Jimmy” to his friend’s children.

After Madyn was born Braten decided to start a small business, 306 Courier, with his lifelong friend Stuart Holcomb.  They started it from the ground up and Braten dedicated his time and energy to ensure it was successful.  He loved the flexibility his business brought him to be home with his kids every day. 

Braten will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Tanya Kirkwood and three children Knox, Kynzlee, and Madyn all of Saskatoon; parents Richard and Shelley Kirkwood of Viscount; sister Ashlen Kirkwood of Saskatoon; parents-in-law Lawrence and Emily Casey of Elbow; sister-in-law Sarah McLean and her children Gray and Linkyn of Steller, AB; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and by an unmeasurable amount of friends near and far.  Braten was predeceased by his maternal grandparents Bill and Tillie (Gusikoski) Welter, paternal grandparents Les and Vi (Rogers) Kirkwood; Uncle David Kirkwood; cousin Amanda (David) Savage and their son Tyson.

We will always remember you for your big laugh, big hands, and very big heart. 

The Funeral Mass for Braten was held on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. from the Cathedral Of The Holy Family, Saskatoon.