Branford Francis Chen See
elevated LpSjI Branford Francis Chen See, more notoriously known as Brad, Dad, Grandpa, a polished author of the e-mail essay and cryptic crossword aficionado, left his earthly body surrounded by the love of his children on December 27, 2020. His family is very grateful to the ICU staff at Scarborough General Hospital, who provided exceptional care to Brad in his final days.
elevated LpSjI Born on November 22, 1948 in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, Brad’s incredible wit, intellect, and commitment to lifelong learning was obvious to all who knew him. The recipient of many academic accolades during his formative years, he attended St. Georges College in Kingston, Jamaica, graduating early at only 16 years old. While he was awarded a full scholarship to study Mechanical Engineering in England, Brad opted instead to stay in Jamaica, where his proficiency in the English language served him well during his stint at a local newspaper.
elevated LpSjI Brad’s illustrious career in Information Technology began by happenstance in Jamaica, where he pioneered a computer programming language for an insurance company and travelled to England, the United States and throughout the Caribbean to share his expertise. He would see many professional achievements in his almost fifty years in the working world and ultimately retired in Canada in 2012 as an expert advisor in enterprise architecture and risk management at TD Bank. He used his newfound “freedom” in retirement to pursue his many varied interests such as playing the keyboard, studying Mandarin, practicing Tai Chi and he even started singing lessons!
elevated LpSjI Though he had an undeniable acuity for numbers and language as a member of Mensa Canada, Brad was equally eager to strike up a conversation with anyone he encountered and to lend a helping hand to those in need. His strength, resilience and mental fortitude allowed him to overcome multiple battles with cancer and other health challenges, which often led to long hospital stays and extensive rehabilitation. Brad had the remarkable ability to find a reason to smile during these difficult experiences and strived to help others do the same, volunteering for several years as a counsellor to bring comfort to those undergoing similar struggles.
elevated LpSjI Brad was a man of principle and virtue, and never shied away from hard work; he often recited the Jamaican proverb “short cut draws blood, long road draws sweat” as well as the Latin phrase “carpe punctum”. Through it all, Brad maintained a sense of humour and, by his own admission, was often the first to start laughing at his jokes.
elevated LpSjI A lover of music, the Reggae styles of Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, and others were among his favourites. Brad was a proud Jamaican of Chinese descent and could often be found enjoying jerk chicken, oxtail, or curry goat with rice and peas as well as Hakka style Pork and Yam or stuffed Foo Gwa. He kept closely attuned to the accomplishments of all Yardies, both at home and in the diaspora, and could be counted on to alert his friends and family to the same. Brad also had a passion for the martial arts, ranging from his Taekwondo practice to the philosophical teachings of Bruce Lee, which he enthusiastically imparted to his children. While he was very happy to call Canada his adoptive home since 1978, he never did quite warm up to the winter weather!
elevated LpSjI Brad is lovingly survived by his children, Paul (Janice), Craig, Carrie (RJ) and Megan (Adam) and his grandchildren, Melanie, Jessica, Justin, Jacob, Colin, Jackson and Ethan, whom he treasured dearly. He will also be missed by his surviving siblings Carmen, Icy (Sydney), Phyllis (Eddie), Claudette (Peter), Trevor, Yvonne (Don), Bev (Pradeep) and Micky as well as cousins, nieces, nephews, and many other extended family members and cherished friends. Brad is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Pearl, and siblings George, Sybil, Irene, Veda, Elorene, Mavis and Audley.
elevated LpSjI As a result of the pandemic, funeral services will be accessible only in virtual format. The funeral livestream link below will go live on Wednesday January 6 at 11:50, 10 minutes prior to the start time. Please click the link below to view the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Brad’s memory be honoured by learning something new, helping someone in need, or listening to “Jah Live” by Bob Marley while enjoying a Jamaican beef patty. If you wish, donations can be made to the Cancer Research Society (https://www.societederecherchesurlecancer.ca/en) in Brad’s honour.
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Brad, such a dear friend. I truly treasured the friendship. He always exhibited immense strength and hope during his health challenges.
Joy was a tremendous part of his life. He knew what it was like to laugh, remain optimistic and be happy. Being happy ‘is an achievement for those who can travel within themselves’
My last text from Brad was while he was hospitalized. In it he told me that he was in SGH but typical Brad, he would ‘be outta here soon’.
In recent years I delighted in his rants about ‘President’ Trump. My second thought upon hearing of Brad’s passing was joy, joy that he was aware that Trump had lost the election. I will forever wonder how he would have captured this period between the election and January 20, 2021. This period being one of denial and petulant behavour.
I’ll be drinking a toast to Brad while watching the inauguration of President elect Joe Biden and Vice President elect Kamala Harris.
Rest in Peace my dear friend. You will be missed and always remembered. Thank you for the laughs.
Carl joins me in expressing these sentiments
Lovingly, Laureen
My heart and prayers go out to the Chen See Family.
I knew your dad as Daddy! with his smile infectious smile that would lift up the room, his laughter absolutely priceless. I’ve known Daddy for over 25 years, as Craig is my best friend; my family. With a heavy heart Family meant a lot. All my years I’ve never seen him upset, always smiling and laughing no matter what is happening. His amazing since of humour, when you had a bad day or you were sad he was always there to make you forget whatever that was bothering you. Daddy will be sadly missed but was loved by everyone. My deepest deepest condolences to the Chen See Family and friends. Remember he lives in all of you! When you smile; he’s smiling along side you. Thank you for all your laughter and smiles.
Rest in Peace. Gone but not forgotten! For you are Angel Smiling and Laughing.
Love Dee
As one of Brad’s older siblings—half sister—he sent me this message, (which I have kept), several years ago:
“ I wish them (my siblings) all the happiness and the very best life has to offer.” What a beautiful wish which reflected his sincerity. Always enjoyed corresponding with him. May he Rest In Peace for evermore.
Phyllis/Eddie
My dear brother Brad,
It is difficult to accept that you are gone. I had not seen you in many years, but we exchanged a lot of messages. I marveled at how thoroughly you understood our American politics. You were so happy when Biden won.
I think back to our early childhood and how close we were. We protected each other, walked to and from school together, experienced a bad earthquake in 1957, climbed the mango tree in the church yard, and bit into those stringy mangos.
How could I have guessed that we would never again live in the same town, same country! We all went to where we were destined, and fulfilled our purposes.
You are without pain now, and have no doubt reunited with our parents, other family and friends.
Thanks for all your insights, your courage and your strength. You have set an example of how to live with serious illness and how to die with Grace.
I love you, my brother, and will always cherish the good memories. RIP.
Your loving sister,
Bev
My heart and prayers go out to the Chen See Family. My deepest deepest condolences to the Chen See Family and friends. Rest In Peace. Gone but not forgotten!
My heart felt condolences to the Chen See family. …Gurpreet ( Craig’s Colleague at Bell)
Brad was my idol.
I learned many life lessons from him. Once he told me to try this … when life is hard on you, turn on the cold shower and stand under it for a few second and say to yourself…”this too shall pass”.
Brad, you were right, as always.
May you rest in peace.
Brad , so happy to have had you as a friend. i will miss your witty remarks and funny exchange. YOu always bring a smile to a conversation and manage to pull through some tough times!
May you RIP and strike up a good Jamiacan connection with the almighty above!
Uncle Brad –
My fondest and clearest memory of you was when we came to Toronto to see you in 2003. I had just randomly met the band Def Leppard (and their one armed drummer, who was a hero of mine) in the airport bar. I was on cloud 9. I think that seeing the family together, though, and seeing you pull through that cancer scare at that time eclipsed that excitement of seeing Def Leppard:)
May you rest in peace with grandma and grandpa and other friends and family. My thoughts go out to Paul, Craig, Carrie, and Megan and families.
Dear Brad – (I must have faith you may already know this or, more realistically(!)…can somehow still read it)…
I am deeply grateful for the intersection of our lives – the great adventure followed by lifelong supportive friendship and collaboration…it has been an immense blessing to share in your wisdom, your fundamental kindness, incredible quick mind and even your (often terrible) puns. I will also miss your nocturnal philosophical musings and/or acute political commentary… the inspired and treasured reading over morning coffee.
Thank you for the full-hearted soul and insightful calm joy that you brought into the every day business of life…and now…wherever you’ve journeyed, please know that you’ve left us all encouraged and enriched from having known you. We remain here, thinking of you with great affection and trying to smile bravely through our tears…
With much love always … Nancy
It was an honour to be able to work with Brad for many years at the TD. Brad was one of the most technical persons I know and was always able to stay calm, composed & logical when we encounter & resolve problems. This was a real surprise to me….I only exchanged emails with Brad in mid-December 2020.
Rest in peace, Brad.
My prayers and condolences go out to the entire family during this difficult time.
No one can ever prepare for us for the loss of loved one. Praying for Chen See family’s peace and comfort during this difficult time. Cherish all of uncle Brad’s wonderful memories. Sending Chen See family members virtual hugs. I am here for you all.
My condolences to the Chen See family and thank you for sharing Brad with us at TD.
Dear Brad aka Rastaman. This is Brammo.
Thank you for all you thought me. Whether on the Tandem system , personal stories about life , music and politics.
I have so many fond memories and laughs about our West Indian culture. Your unique laugh.
I know your happy that your favorite person (laugh) Trumpty Dumpty lost and will be out of office very soon.
I will never forget the many, many chats at all hours of the night during the many system changes. Even if things went south you always brought us back to reality.
I know you will be front row listening at the next Bob Marley concert.
You will be missed by many.
One Love.
JAH Live
Brampston
I’ll certainly miss Brad, I considered him a good friend and mentor and always enjoyed our “chats” during our time at TD. Some of my fondest memories of Brad are from my early days at TD when we worked at College Park. Brad and I were frequently the last two in the office, long after everyone else had gone home. We’d both be hammering away on our keyboards working on code. Brad would often stop by my desk around 10PM and ask, “One more pot of coffee?” I rarely refused his generous offer.
Brad I will miss your ability to put a smile on my face even when I am experiencing a bad day. I am glad after your retirement you stayed connected via email to keep us laughing. I always admired your strength and perseverance thru your health challenges to remain positive and upbeat. Rest in peace my friend and may the God of all comfort give peace and solace to all your family.
Your trini friend
Theressa
Dear Brad – the first time I met you was when I came to Jamaica with Bev, following our marriage, and we went to Ocho Rios and stayed on the beach. You were very gracious, and friendly and very smart. Over the years you demonstrated a love of family, wisdom, and a desire to find common ground. We saw the intense period with your cancer and it was a miracle that you were able to manage it – you always had a good outlook on life and we all benefited from it. You were able to rekindle your strong relationship with Bev, and that was wonderful to see. I admired your patience and perseverance. You have run the good race and now are back home with the Lord.
You have a loving family and we have enjoyed connecting with them again. You did well as a father and your legacy lives on. Pradeep Nijhawan
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. Love, Our deepest sympathies. Miss Jen & Kevin
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. Love, Our deepest sympathies. Miss Jen & family.
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. Love, Our deepest sympathies.
Hey Craig, Let the divine peace abound in your’s and your family’s heart at this moment. Reading about him gives me an uplifted spirit today – from your friend and colleague from Bell Canada – Serene
My Deepest condolences and sympathies to Craig and the Chen See family. I never had the pleasure of meeting Brad, but reading about how he has lived life with passion and how he has touched the lives of many is inspiring.
From your friend and colleague at Bell
Kevin.
While all who knew Brad will feel the loss, we also gained something in knowing him and having him in our lives. Like some of the other people who posted remembrances of Brad, we worked together in Technical Support at TD for many years. I will always remember Mr. Chen See as smiling, if not laughing, at almost anything. He could find the humour and positivity in any situation. While he was immensely intelligent, he never made anyone feel anything but intelligent also, treating everyone with respect and valuing their contributions. I am glad to have known Brad and will forever remember him in a positive way. Rest in Peace Brad.
When you hung out with Brad or just had a passing hall conversation with him you felt better after that brief interlude with him. He was one of those people who accepted you as you were with no judgments.
His calmness exuded so much strength and that laugh he possessed made everyone smile. I am grateful for knowing him and working with him and for the knowledge that he imparted on me.
Thank you Brad.
My apologies, I only across Brad passing away today. My sincere condolences to Brad’s family. Brad Rest In Peace, may spirit will always be with us forever.
Brad and I worked at TD SOC and spend many valuable hours together. Brad was an inspiration and down to earth intelligent human I will miss. Go in peace Brad.