BROCK D. OWEN HIRSCHE

1992 ~ 2018

Brock D. Owen Hirsche, beloved son of Tim and Sharla Hirsche, passed away on April 8, 2018 at the age of 26, after a courageous battle with Testicular Cancer.

Brock was born February 3, 1992, and was raised and educated in Lethbridge, Alberta.

Most people knew Brock for his all-around athleticism on the baseball field, the golf course, and in the hockey rink. Brock’s love of sports was instilled in him by his parents from a young age. He was the biggest fan, always enthusiastically cheering for his teams: the San Francisco 49ers, the Calgary Flames, and the New York Yankees. Growing up, Brock spent much of his time with his cousins, his friends, and his neighbors, the Foders, who were like family to him. Brock’s life revolved around sport, playing street hockey, basketball, and chipping golf balls in the backyard with his friends and family. The Hirsches had Brock on the golf course by age 3, and he was a lifelong member of the Lethbridge Country Club, where they spent countless hours together as a family. Although not nearly as accurate as his slapshot, his tee shot was equally as strong.

Brock was an avid sport statistician - he knew every stat of every player, in every sport, in every league. Brock will always be remembered for his gift of knowing everyone’s birthday, often before even meeting them. One of Brock’s lifelong dreams came true at the age of 17, when he packed his bags to play for the Western Hockey League’s Prince George Cougars. Prince George became his home away from home. Billet parents, Keith and Cathy, and Frank and Cheryl, warmly welcomed Brock into their respective homes. His time in Prince George provided Tim and Shar, his biggest fans, regular entertainment for five years. They never missed a game, always tuning in online or travelling with hockey friends to be at the games. Brock has always been a warrior, and he battled through numerous shoulder surgeries over the course of his hockey career. When his injuries prevented him from playing, he was the obvious choice to assist the coaches from the bench or provide color commentary in the press box. In his last year with the Cougars, Brock was given the “C” and named captain of the team. On or off the ice, Brock was a natural leader - he had an ability to inspire, support, and comfort those around him, and made everyone feel like his best friend.

Following his years in Prince George, Brock returned home and enrolled in classes at the University of Lethbridge. He suited up for the Pronghorns Hockey Team where, naturally, he was again named captain in his third season. During this time, Brock was diagnosed with Testicular Cancer while on a roadtrip with the Pronghorns in January of 2016. Upon his diagnosis, the doctors could not believe that he had been playing competitive hockey just days before - speaking to his strength and the warrior he always was. Brock successfully underwent a variety of aggressive treatments and surgery for his illness.

Since he was a boy, Brock was also known for making the most exceptional blizzards at the southside Dairy Queen. People say he captained the Dairy Queen, not just his hockey teams. Once he was healthy again, Brock used his Dairy Queen savings to purchase a house. During this time, he met his angel Sydney Riglin, and they enjoyed several months together as normal 20-somethings - time with friends, road trips, rounds of golf, and visits with family. In the fall of 2017, Brock’s cancer returned and he underwent more aggressive treatments. In February 2018, after unsuccessful treatments in Calgary, Brock made the brave decision to end his treatments, return home, and spend his remaining time with Tim, Sharla, Sydney, and close family and friends. In true Brock fashion, he spent some of his final days setting up a legacy fund with the University of Lethbridge so that future young athletes with similar characteristics will receive scholarships for years to come.

Brock is survived by his parents Tim and Sharla; partner Sydney Riglin; grandparents Dan and Pat Peters; uncles and aunts Shane (Lora) Hirsche, Brent (Bonnie) Hirsche, Danny (Wendy) Peters, and Betty Hirsche; and many cousins, friends, teammates, and coaches.

He is predeceased by his grandparents Dewaine and Lila Hirsche; and uncle Gordon Hirsche.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 6:00pm and 8:00pm on Thursday, April 12, 2018, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4th Street S, Lethbridge.

A Celebration of Brock’s Life will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, April 13, 2018, at NICHOLAS SHERAN ICE ARENA, 401 Laval Blvd W, Lethbridge, with Pastor Mark Dyck, officiating.

As per Brock’s request, please wear a jersey of your choice, if available to you.

Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Brock Hirsche Pronghorn Hockey Award. Donations can be made online at gohorns.ca/for-brock, or with a cheque made out to the University of Lethbridge and mailed or delivered in person to: University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Attn: Pronghorn Athletics.