Obituary of Alan Drew Brant

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Alan (Anataras) Brant of Tyendinaga on Friday, November 8th, 2024 at the age of 61. A beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many, he was guided into the next step of his journey surrounded by family and friends. Not only have we lost a kind and gentle man who has left a positive impact on many, but we also lose a holder of a wealth of cultural Mohawk knowledge.

Son of Dorothy and Arnold Brant.  Cherished dad of Tsiokeriio (Jim), Tenhikie, Rawenrontie (Lisa), Iekonsiio (Jacob), Dani-Lyn, Cyndi (Andrew) and Jaenine.  Treasured grandpa of Keiyaunna, Nova, Isla, Thora, Victoria, Avery, Ellie and James.  He will always be remembered by his sister Kathy Hill (Mike) and his niece and nephews Mike (Jennie), Samantha (Adam), Jordan (Kayla) and their children, and his aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Al was the kind of man who helped others not out of obligation, but because he believed that seeing someone in need and having the means to help was a responsibility that we all have to each other. And if we all shared that belief, the world would be a better place. His family and our community will certainly feel the weight of his absence. Aside from his positive presence, he will be missed for his sense of humour befitting a father, his passion for music and guitars, and his ability to captivate people with speeches and storytelling.

Born in Belleville, Alan grew up on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. But, there are many communities that would call him a friend and mentor. It wasn’t uncommon for him to find himself in academic settings, sharing his teachings as a guest at Queen’s University, Loyalist College, and had spent some years working at the Iroquois Museum in Howes Cave, NY. In his later years, he worked as an Elder with Correctional Service Canada. Al was the kind of person who could see the good in others that they might not even see in themselves, and found fulfillment in providing spiritual guidance to those who found themselves in the darkest times of their lives.

When he had the time to direct his energy toward his personal interests, Al had a love of music and audio engineering. If one had to put together a playlist of his favourite music, it would be plentifully populated with RUSH, YES, Steve Vai, ZZ Top, and many more bands that heavily feature skillful guitar solos that at one point in time he would have been able to play with his friends in their own band. He shared his love of music with his children and nephews, who to this day carry that love of music as well.

In celebration of his life, there will be visitations at M. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home in Deseronto on Monday, November 11, 2024 between 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday, November 12, 2024 from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. with a service to follow at 11:00 a.m. If you would like to make a donation in Alan Brant’s memory, food and monetary donations will be collected on behalf of the Tyendinaga Food Bank.

Thank you to everyone who has shared their kind wishes to the family in this difficult time. A big thank you to the wonderful staff at Kingston General Hospital who helped Al through his final days in comfort and care, and to the M.J. Smith & Son Funeral Home for helping guide the family through this process of honouring Al’s memory. Nyawen’kó:wa.