Brent Cuthbertson

In Memoriam: Dr. Brent Cuthbertson

It is with deep sadness that the Lakehead University community learned of the recent passing of Dr. Brent Cuthbertson, a professor in the School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism. He passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 in his 54th year in the presence of loved ones.

Brent was born on June 2, 1961 in what is now Zambia. His family moved to Canada when he was young and he spent most of his childhood and adolescence in this country. He earned a BEd (1989) from the University of Winnipeg and an MA (1992) and PhD (1999) in Outdoor Education from the University of Alberta. Brent joined the School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism in 1996. He was the Director of the School between 2007 and 2011. He was also an adjunct professor in the Faculty of Education. Brent was internationally recognized for his expertise in outdoor leadership and known as a brilliant instructor revered by his students.

He will be deeply missed by his “greatest love”, wife Kim (Leach) Cuthbertson, stepdaughter Breanne Leach, parents Ann and Bruce Cuthbertson, sister Debbie  Dodds (Brooks), brother Alan, mother-in-law Norma Leavoy, brother-in-law Ken Leavoy (Senja), nephews and nieces, and many friends.

The family would like to thank first responders Andrew Rauh and Matthew Hartman, the paramedics, and the staff in the emergency department, cath lab, and the Intensive Care Unit of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, particularly Dr. Bryce Brown and the very special ICU nurses involved in Brent’s care in his final days.

Click here for the online book of condolences.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2014 from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the Valhalla Inn (Scandia Room), Thunder Bay. Two buses will be available to transport students, staff, and faculty from the Agora at Lakehead University to the service and back. Buses will depart at 1:15. 

This Thursday, Lakehead University's Thunder Bay campus flag will be lowered to half mast for the memorial of Dr. Cuthbertson.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations in Brent’s name to Lakehead University's School of Outdoor Recreation Parks and Tourism. 

Donations* can be made online by clicking here, or may be sent to:

Office of External Relations
Lakehead University
955 Oliver Rd.
Thunder Bay, ON
P7B 5E1