It is with overwhelming sorrow and heartbreak that we say goodbye to Brendan Berg, who tragically lost his life in a car accident last night, alongside his beloved partner, Olivia Michalczuk. The news has left us in deep shock and mourning as we try to grasp the sudden and devastating loss of two extraordinary individuals.
Remembering Brendan Berg
Brendan was one of the kindest, most gentle, and giving souls we’ve ever known. His presence lit up every space he entered, and his warmth, quiet strength, and deep empathy brought comfort and inspiration to all around him. His loss leaves a tremendous emptiness—one that echoes through every part of our lives, personally and professionally.
Brendan Winnipeg
For more than 15 years, Brendan wasn’t just our bandmate—he was our anchor, our motivator, and a true brother. Through countless tours, marathon studio sessions, and all the highs and lows of life in a band, Brendan remained a constant source of strength and positivity. His infectious smile, unshakable optimism, and unselfish nature held us together and lifted us up, time and time again.
Brendan was always the first to step up—whether it was picking up gear, hauling equipment after long shows, or offering an encouraging word just when it was needed. He never looked for praise; giving was simply part of who he was. His generosity, both of spirit and of time, was unmatched.
His Musical Life and Spirit
We still vividly remember Brendan’s first rehearsal with Royal Canoe. We were looking for someone rare—someone who could master the bass, shape synth lines, and blend vocally with the rest of us. It felt like too much to ask—until Brendan walked in and nailed it all.
He was tall, undeniably handsome, and incredibly modest—so much so, we often joked about how unfair it was for one person to have it all. But beyond his musical talent, Brendan had an explorer’s heart and a deep appreciation for life’s little treasures. Whether it was mapping detours through breathtaking national parks, booking remote cabins, or hunting down unforgettable meals, he found joy in the journey and brought us along for the ride.
Brendan was our go-to “food scout”—the one who always tracked down hidden gems. From crawfish boils in Louisiana to tucked-away cocktail bars in Prague, he had a gift for turning ordinary stops into lasting memories. His intuition for finding magic in the moment shaped some of our favorite experiences.
And then there was the ongoing joke about his resemblance to James Van Der Beek—a comparison that strangers often made. Brendan always handled it with that trademark smirk and quiet charm.
Perhaps most special was Brendan’s gift for maintaining friendships. He built deep, lasting connections and nurtured them quietly over time. Wherever we went, even years later, there’d be a “buddy” at the venue waiting to reconnect—someone Brendan had stayed in touch with, simply because he cared.
He also introduced us to music that became the soundtrack to our travels—artists like Sparklehorse, Morphine, Latin Playboys, and Townes Van Zandt. He had a knack for choosing the perfect album for the moment, often cueing up a song from a local artist just as we passed through their hometown—always present, always thoughtful, always setting the tone.
Brendan’s legacy will live on not only through the music we created together, but through the countless lives he impacted. His kindness, his generosity, and his adventurous soul left an imprint that can never be erased.
Honoring Brendan and Olivia
We also mourn the tragic loss of Olivia Michalczuk, whose vibrant spirit and love brought out the best in Brendan. Their relationship was full of light, and the world feels dimmer without them. Their absence is deeply felt by all who knew and cherished them.
To Brendan’s family—his mother, Louise, and his brother, Stephen—our hearts are with you. We share in your grief and send you our deepest love. And to Olivia’s family, we offer our sincere condolences as we join you in remembering two lives so beautifully lived and so suddenly lost.
We leave you with a lyric from Gold Day by Sparklehorse—one of the many quietly profound songs Brendan introduced us to. It’s a fitting reminder of the light he brought into our lives, and the music that now carries his memory forward.
Brendan Berg, we miss you beyond words. Thank you for your friendship, your laughter, your loyalty, and your love. Thank you for holding down the low end—in the music, and in all of our lives.