It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we announce the untimely passing of BRADLEY DARRYL HOWELL, who left this world on February 19, 2026, at the age of 43. Though his passing was not sudden, it came far too quickly, and his absence leaves a void in the lives of those who loved him.

Brad was born on July 8, 1982 in Red Lake, Ontario to Darryl and Caroline Howell. In 1983, he and his family moved to Winnipeg, where he spent his childhood alongside his brother, Kris. Some of his fondest memories were made at the family cottage in Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba with his beloved Grandma, Chloe Norman. It was there she taught him how to play crib — a game that became a lifelong passion and a symbol of the friendly competition he loved so much.

Brad was predeceased by his grandparents Bertram and Chloe Norman, his auntie Deb and uncles Bob, Bart and Dale.

In 2006 Brad became a dad for the first time when he welcomed his son Noah, who was born in Calgary, Alberta. In 2007, Brad accepted a transfer with Sport Chek and moved to Lethbridge, where he built not only a career but a wide and loyal community of friends.

Professionally, Brad worked in numerous roles at Sport Chek before taking a leap of faith in 2018 with two close friends to co-found Bridge Bud Supply. Together, they built an ultra-successful ten-store business, which they proudly ran until 2024 when it was sold to FIKA Company. Brad continued working with the new ownership — whom he deeply respected and appreciated — until his final days. He was not only an exceptional businessman but an incredible employee, teammate, and leader. He was reliable, hardworking, and brought a contagious energy everywhere he went.

In 2013, he met the love of his life, Kari Nakama, and they began dating in 2015. Together they built a beautiful life and welcomed their daughter Chloe in 2017 and their son Blake in 2019. The family grew even brighter this year with the addition of their beloved dog, Ben, who Brad adored.

Kari, Noah, Chloe and Blake were the center of Brad’s world. His pride in his children was unmistakable, and his devotion to Kari was steady, playful, and deeply rooted in friendship. She was his greatest love, his Tuesday night date, his partner through everything. Their home was filled with fun, laughter, community, music, friendly competition, delicious BBQ and a kind of warmth and energy that truly reflected Brad’s heart.

Brad was a sports fan his entire life — first as a kid on the basketball court, where he played through his school years and, even to this day, still loved nothing more than shooting hoops out back, faithfully participating in annual fantasy football drafts, and never missing an opportunity to cheer on his beloved Winnipeg Jets.   He also loved to strap on the old skates for a lap or two with his ‘Stagz’ hockey team but if you asked him, the best part of playing hockey wasn’t the game — it was the after-game “shower beers” with his buddies. Often the first one in and the last one out, Brad lived for the time spent with his friends after the game in the locker room.

He was also an avid sneaker collector, always on the hunt for the next pair to add to his impressive collection, a hobby that brought him much joy.

Most Tuesdays, Brad could be found at Backstreet West for “Name That Tune,” a weekly tradition he cherished with Kari and dear friends. It wasn’t just trivia — it was community, joy, and something he genuinely looked forward to each week.

Brad leaves behind his devoted partner, Kari; his children, Noah, Chloe, and Blake; his dog, Ben, his parents, Darryl and Caroline Howell; his brother, Kris; his grandmother Charlotte Macfarlane and countless extended family members and lifelong friends who will forever feel the space he leaves behind.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date, as Brad himself had thoughtfully planned. It will be an opportunity to share stories, raise a glass, laugh, and celebrate in all the ways our beloved B-Rad Dad Brad aka The Toxic Avenger aka Boz LightYear would have wanted.

Brad’s legacy is one of love, laughter, loyalty, and living life fully. He didn’t do anything halfway — he loved big, worked hard, celebrated loudly, and showed up wholeheartedly. “Keep the negatives out of your positives” wasn’t just a phrase to Brad it was the way he chose to live his life. The world is certainly quieter without him, but infinitely better because of him.

 

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2026-02-19
• Location : Lethbridge, Alberta