BRADENTON – Longtime Anna Maria Island resident Brian Haddix passed away at Tidewell Hospice on June 21.
Brian was 52 years old when he passed. That day, Brian’s son, Elijah, shared the news of his father’s death on Brian’s Facebook page.
“I’m here to pass on the very sad news that my father is no longer with us. Please feel free to remember and tell stories in the comments below. Thank you, and God bless,” Elijah wrote.
Elijah’s post produced 116 comments as of Sunday morning.
Tracy Wimpy wrote: “Sweet Elijah, I’m so very sorry to hear of your daddy’s passing. He was such an amazing and sweet friend to us and everyone he met.”
Shana Sawyer Miller wrote: “There’s so many memories I can think of, but I think the greatest ones I’ll ever have of your dad Elijah is the first time I saw him in 35 years and got to hug him, and when we slow danced on the beach at sunset to a playlist I made of songs that we’d sent each other over time. ‘Come Away with Me’ by Nora Jones was the first song. Some friends helped me out and set up white lights around a beach tent. I surprised him with that, and we danced under it. He’ll always be a part of me wherever I go and whatever I do. He made me appreciate the little things again. He loved the wrestling event you brought him to. I know he was afraid he’d be too sick, but he made it and he had a great time.”
Mike Larimore wrote: “The lasting memory of your dad is that ‘Core’ smile and his upbeat take on life in general, regardless of circumstances. He was a good man and we were lucky to know him.”
Sissy Quinn noted Brian’s active Facebook presence and wrote: “I for one will miss his many posts of beauty, kindness, education, etc. He was a real treasure!”
Darcie Duncan wrote: “Your daddy was such a sweet friend to me and so many others for so many years.”
Cindy Thompson wrote: He was a one-of-a-kind soul and has a huge tribe of friends, and island locals who can all remember a “Hardcore” story from first-hand experience. He will be missed and remembered in every island sunset.
Christopher Banan wrote: “His kindness and humble spirit was a great example of the Island brotherhood we experienced back in the day that barely exists now, mostly because everyone has gone their separate ways and a lot of old school friends have moved away or passed on.”
Before his passing, Brian Haddix and his dog, Roscoe, enjoyed a boat ride provided by his friend Rob McGrath. – Rob McGrath | SubmittedRob McGrath helped organize the Brian Haddix benefit at Bunny & Pirates Bazaar in Cortez last December. On his own Facebook page, McGrath wrote: “I’m very sad to hear of your passing today. I am very thankful that you were in good hands and not suffering at the Hospice house. I’m really glad we were able to pull off the benefit for you. I know it provided for you while you couldn’t work. I’m glad you got to take the train ride you always wanted to do. I’m also glad your heart found love in your last days. I’m thankful I was able to get you out on the water one last time too. You may not have died with all the toys, but you had a lot of friends who truly cared about you and that says so much more than any possessions. You always had a smile to share and the biggest heart. That’s probably why you had so many friends. You will be missed by many, but all the great times we all shared together will last us forever. Here’s to all the good times, the scraps, the early days at The Center and the tears of laughter we all shared with each other. Most of all, you will be remembered for that great big heart of yours.”
To McGrath’s post, Rose Lipke added: “Fair winds and following seas my friend.”
A memorial service/celebration of life for Haddix is currently being discussed, but no plans had been formalized or announced as of Sunday.
