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Obituary: Bradley “Brad” David Antchak, Baseball 2016-17December 11, 1995 – August 18, 2024  With great sorrow and heavy hearts, the Antchak family announce the passing of their beloved son, Bradley Antchak, after a long and courageous battle with brain cancer. Brad passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family. Although he is no longer with us, there is solace in knowing that he is free from pain and in the hands of God. Brad was born in New Westminster, B.C., two years after his sister Nikki, with whom he shared a very special bond from day one. They spent their childhood playing together, attending swimming and skating lessons, and exploring the outdoors. Brad was always active—whether running around, riding his bike, or playing street hockey with friends in the cul-de-sac. By the age of three, his passion for baseball was undeniable, as he spent hours batting balls across the yard with his buddy, Chevy, our Border Collie. Brad was a gifted athlete who excelled in both baseball and hockey. Even at a young age, he demonstrated leadership on and off the field, always offering encouragement or a helping hand to his teammates or anyone in need. His sportsmanship, camaraderie, and presence on the teams at Whalley Little League and Cloverdale Minor Hockey allowed him to compete at the highest levels, where he thrived. At 14, Brad dedicated himself to baseball and played for the North Delta Blue Jays. Upon graduation, he received a scholarship to Oklahoma A&M College and was drafted by the Houston Astros in 2014 as a shortstop at the age of 18. Brad chose to further his education in business and baseball development, playing NCAA Division I ball at the University of Louisiana Lafayette in 2016-2017, before spending a season with the Quebec Capitales. Brad’s skills, dedication, and work ethic were recognized over the years with several MVP awards, Gold Glove awards, selection to the All-Region team, and notably, the Rookie of the Year award with the Quebec Capitales. After his remarkable baseball career, Brad returned home to work as an apprentice sheet metal worker in the family business in Surrey, B.C. He was close to completing his Red Seal certification when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2021. Following surgery and treatment, the family relocated to the Shuswap area, where Brad continued his rehabilitation and returned to work, eventually completing his Red Seal Certification. In March 2024, Brad faced another challenge when a new brain tumor was discovered, diagnosed as a grade 4 glioblastoma. Despite the grim prognosis, Brad never gave up hope and fought with incredible determination. With the love and support of his family and community, Brad was cared for at home until his final week, when he entered hospice care, where he passed away peacefully. Brad and his family had so many fun and exciting adventures over the years with all of the traveling, tournaments and road trips. The memories he brought to the family are immeasurable. Brad was a kind and playful soul with a great sense of humor and an infectious smile that left a lasting impact on everyone he met. Brad had a love for skiing, fishing, gaming, and swimming in the lake with his dog, Hugo. Some of his fondest memories were spent golfing and wake surfing with his best friends, Ryan and Dustin. Brad is survived by his loving parents, Tami and Dave; his sister, Nikki; brother-in-law, Joel; and his cherished nephews, Jace and Brody. He is also remembered by his grandparents, Sarah, Dave, and Bill, as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, close friends, and his loyal companion, Hugo. He is predeceased by his grandparents, Janina and Vincent Antchak; his uncle, Frank Antchak; and his aunt, Michelle Ellis. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 7th at 11:00 A.M. To view the services via Zoom, please follow this link: In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Shuswap Hospice Society in memory of Brad.
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