Brent Armstead Memorial Fund

My Dad was known for how much he loved and supported his children. As many of you know my Father passed away June 18th, 2020 due to conditions unrelated to COVID-19. He was a kind man with a huge heart, and he will be missed by many. This fundraiser was created with the intent to assist in supporting my four younger siblings. Our Aunt Ann initiated the creation of education funds for Tim, Elijah, Mya, and Emmanuel since their Adoption through Expansion Loan Financing.   We would use any additional monetary donations given in my Father’s memory to supplement these funds.

I had the privilege of attending University and walking across the stage on my graduation with my dad in the audience cheering me on. He always believed education was important especially for his children. When I was going into Grade 7, he told me he would give me $10 for every A I earned and $5 for every B.  It was the motivation I needed because before that I was getting only C’s and D’s. He saw my potential and always believed I could do anything I set my mind to. Little did he know Canada has 3 report cards a year and 13 grades for each report card. I never got a C again. 

My dad took great pride in posting on Facebook about Tim, Elijah, Mya and Emmanuel’s schooling. Sometimes with funny stories, but mostly just how proud he was to see them succeeding and making honour roll at such young ages. 

And when they weren’t doing so well he would never fail to encourage them and motivate them, just like he did for me.

On January 21, 2019 my dad shared the following on his Facebook: Lately I've been trying to encourage my kids to play all the sports they can because they only live once. My daughter Mya, she is going to be around 6'2" and I'm talking to her about basketball and volleyball because of the advantages she will have with her height. She needs a good scholarship to save money on a college education. I'm also pleading with them to get good grades but not chastising them if they get a "C" even though Timmy struggles, he is college smart. Jaycee was/is college smart, I mean University smart, and she just needed a little nudging and she was valedictorian, couldn't be prouder of who she is! I had all the opportunities in the world and didn't use my time wisely, I did play some sports but not nearly as much as I should have. I had Division One offers for football but never followed up, and Ferris St. offered me a full ride even though I didn't play football my senior year. Anyways, I want better for my kids, all our kids for that matter! 

Even during this unprecedented time where our homes have transformed into classrooms, he went out of his way to make sure they were able to get their schoolwork done.  Although this is an extremely challenging time to navigate, we are choosing to keep his memory and look back on the countless laughs and good times we were blessed enough to share. My siblings deserve every opportunity life gives them. They are the most resilient children I have ever known.

 We understand that not everyone may have the means to contribute financially at this time,  so we ask that you only give if you feel led and are able to. Please keep my family in your prayers as we navigate this difficult time. 

With Love, 
The Armsteads