The town of Amherst, Nova Scotia, is reeling from the sudden loss of Brad Blenkhorn, a beloved figure in the local sports community and beyond. Brad, who was a familiar presence in both athletic circles and at Harrison’s Home Hardware Building Centre, where he worked since September 2024, passed away unexpectedly, leaving a deep void in the lives of friends, family, colleagues, and teammates.
Brad Blenkhorn’s impact on the Amherst community was far-reaching, with his easygoing nature, sportsmanship, and commitment to others making him a fixture in the region. He was known for his passion for sports, particularly baseball, and his involvement in the Nova Scotia Intermediate Baseball League (NSIBL) spanned multiple seasons. Throughout his career, Brad played for various teams, including the Amherst Dooly’s Blues, the Maccan Royals, and most recently the Amherst MacEachern Insurance Athletics. His strong infield skills, combined with his powerful left-handed bat, made him a respected player. However, what truly set Brad apart was his team-first attitude and sportsmanship, qualities that made him not only a valuable player but also a beloved teammate.
Tributes pouring in from across the region paint a picture of Brad as a man who embodied resilience, dedication, and kindness. Friends, family, and coworkers alike remember him for his ability to lift those around him, whether on the field or in everyday life. Brad’s colleagues at Harrison’s Home Hardware Building Centre speak of how quickly he became part of the company’s family. His presence was warm and uplifting, and his loss has left a significant emotional impact on his coworkers, many of whom considered him a close friend.
Outside of baseball, Brad Blenkhorn had a significant legacy in other sports, particularly hockey and basketball. He represented Canada in the Standing Hockey World Championships, where he helped secure a gold medal, a proud moment in his athletic career. Moreover, Brad was actively involved in coaching and mentoring youth in basketball, where he shared his knowledge and passion for the sport with the next generation. His involvement in these various athletic communities was marked by a genuine desire to help others achieve their potential and experience the joy of sports.
Brad’s resilience was truly remarkable. He overcame a serious accident in his youth that might have sidelined many others, yet he continued to excel in athletics and live life with vigor. His dedication to sports was matched only by his commitment to his family. As a father, Brad was known for being deeply devoted to his children, and his role as a mentor extended to all those he coached and befriended.
The loss of Brad Blenkhorn comes just a few years after the passing of his brother, Kevin Blenkhorn, in 2022. Kevin was a Canadian long drive golf champion and known for his impressive home runs at Robb’s ballfield, solidifying the Blenkhorn family’s legacy in the local sports community. With the loss of both brothers, the town of Amherst finds itself mourning two incredible athletes, but also two exceptional men whose passion, talent, and warmth impacted so many.
As the community of Amherst grieves Brad’s passing, thoughts and condolences are extended to his family, particularly to his partner Sandra, his mother Carole, and his children. Brad’s legacy will live on not only through his sports achievements but also through the lasting friendships he formed and the countless lives he touched with his strength, kindness, and perseverance.
In remembrance, Brad Blenkhorn is honored not just for his athletic accomplishments, but for the person he was—a source of inspiration, a loving father, and a cherished friend.
