Lawrence “Buddy” Thomas BRULOTTE

Buddy had Fernie running through his veins from the very beginning, having been born just a few blocks from downtown on November 10, 1958. Though not common knowledge, the name he was given when he entered this world was Lawrence Buddy Thomas Brulotte. But to those who knew and loved him, he was simply Buddy.

Born into a family of nine children, he learned early that if he wanted to be noticed, he would have to make himself larger than life. And that is exactly what he did. Buddy was destined to be a rascal, proving it from his earliest days right through to his last breath.

There never was, and never will be, anyone quite like Buddy. His presence could not only be recognized immediately, it could often be heard from a block away. Forever mischievous, he never missed an opportunity to do the unexpected. Whether it was barking instead of offering a greeting, placing unwanted items in strangers’ grocery carts, or intentionally calling someone by a name he had chosen for them—usually something like Helga or Ethel—Buddy delighted in keeping people on their toes.

A creature of habit, he could be found faithfully visiting his favourite places around town, never missing an opportunity to strike up a conversation and make someone laugh. His humour was often so outrageous that laughter was the only possible response. And no outing was complete without a coffee, almost always his beloved Americano with four—yes, four—shots of espresso.

On the surface, what many loved most about Buddy was his ability to make people laugh, even if it meant making himself look ridiculous in the process. Nine times out of ten, he was attempting to wear some ordinary object as a hat. But beneath that humour was a rare and unwavering dedication to serving others.

Buddy would work tirelessly, setting aside his own needs whenever someone he loved needed help. Through calloused hands and a sweaty brow, he poured his whole self into everything he did. He never shied away from hard work if he believed it could make life easier for someone else. And when Buddy loved someone—truly loved them—his loyalty never wavered. Once you had a place in his heart, you had it for life.

Buddy’s happiest days were spent outdoors, surrounded by towering trees and tending to a roaring fire. As a young man, he and his companions built a cabin deep in the woods of Coal Creek, where they spent countless hours creating memories that would become the stuff of legend.

Many of Buddy’s greatest adventures were shared with “The Bigfoot Snowshoe Club” and lifelong friends, including Fernie originals Wayne Hornquist and Andy Burgess. He would often grin while recounting stories so outrageous they seemed impossible to believe. Yet the twinkle in his eye made it clear that these stories, these adventures, and these friendships were among the treasures he held closest to his heart.

Throughout his working years, Buddy contributed to projects including the construction of The Annex and James White Park, worked for BC Hydro, and eventually found his way to the mines at Greenhills. But before all of that, he fell in love with a beautiful woman from Cranbrook. He and Janice were married in 1983, put down roots in Fernie, and began raising their family.

Buddy never missed an opportunity to show his love for his children: Bethany, Tabitha, Joshua, and Grace. Through life’s many challenges and hardships, he remained their protector and provider. His broad shoulders carried his family through every hurdle, growing stronger with each one. His greatest goal in life was to give his children every opportunity he could and to see them thrive.

In doing so, he passed pieces of himself on to each of them—his golden heart, his infectious smile, and his unmistakable laugh. He instilled in them a deep love of Fernie, a strong sense of community, and a profound connection to nature. His influence shaped who they became and left each of them with a desire to carry his legacy forward.

At the heart of Buddy’s life was a deep and unwavering faith in God. Long before most people were awake, Buddy could often be found at his dinner table with a cup of coffee, his Bible, and a notebook in hand. Morning after morning, he faithfully filled page after page with scriptures, reflections, and devotions that spoke to his heart. Over the years, he filled dozens of notebooks, creating a written record of a faith that guided him throughout his life.

His prayers were just as steadfast. Each morning, Buddy and Janice diligently prayed for every one of their children, each of their grandchildren, and the friends they held close to their hearts. He offered special prayers for his daughter Grace as she faced her daily battle with pain, and for his youngest grandson, Silas who is a replica of Buddy!!

Buddy passed away on June 15, 2026, while visiting his happy place in the outdoors he loved so deeply.

He will be forever remembered by his wife, Janice; his children, Bethany (Cory Greidanus), Tabitha (Chris Ball), Joshua, and Grace (Anson Mack); and his five grandchildren, Gabriel, Micah, Silas, Benjamin, and Roseanna, whom he utterly adored. He is also survived by his siblings Bob, Elaine, Paulette, and Marilou.

He was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Mary, and by his siblings Bill, Ricky, Russell, and Albert.

A celebration of Buddy’s life and legacy will be held at Mountainside Community Church on July 2, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. The family warmly welcomes all who knew and loved Buddy to attend and invites guests to share a favourite memory during the service.

Buddy or “Trouble” as many nicknamed him will never be forgotten—not by those who loved him, nor by the community of Fernie that had the privilege of knowing him. Though Fernie may never be quite the same without him, his legacy will live on wherever there is mischief, laughter, hard work, loyalty, faith and joy.

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