In memoriam: Brendan Berg of Royal Canoe

Anyone involved in the local music scene (and beyond) in Winnipeg is probably aware of the tragic accident on Canada Day that led to the death of Royal Canoe bassist Brendan Berg and his partner Olivia Michalczuk.

Brendan (along with Royal Canoe drummer Derek Allard) was on a very early episode of Witchpolice Radio back in fall 2014, so this is a reissued version of that episode for those who want to remember him.

I've had a lot of good feedback from people who have listened to previous 'in memoriam' episodes, saying they appreciate the opportunity to hear the person being remembered's voice again... but I hate that I ever have to do these at all.

I knew Brendan a little bit. Great guy, incredible musician. And Olivia, who I didn't know super well, was involved in our local podcasting community early on as the co-host of Paper Cut Podcast. Big loss for the local arts community on both fronts.

Royal Canoe announced this week that a celebration of life for Brendan and Olivia is taking place Tuesday, July 15 at the Burton Cummings Theatre, with a traditional funeral happening Monday at Sts. Volodymyr and Olha Cathedral. 

Positive vibes to Brendan and Olivia’s family and friends, and to everyone connected to Royal Canoe. This is a big loss and I can’t even imagine what you’re dealing with right now. Love to all of you.

Here's what we originally said about the Royal Canoe episode back in fall 2014: 

Coming off a 2014 Juno nomination for their critically-acclaimed Today We’re Believers record and a jam-packed, festival-heavy summer of touring, Winnipeg’s Royal Canoe are headed back out on the road before hunkering down and working on a follow-up. 

The group’s rhythm section — our pals Brendan Berg and Derek Allard — stopped by the basement to reminisce about old times, share road stories, and get passionate about their hometown.

R.I.P.