Brendan M. Horton
July 31, 1994 ~ March 9, 2016
SCARBOROUGH Brendan Michael Horton, 21, passed away on Wednesday, March 9, 2016 after a courageous six year battle against Synovial Sarcoma under the loving care of the staff at the Gosnell Hospice Center. Brendan was born in Portland, ME on July 31, 1994 and was a 2012 graduate of South Portland High School. Brendan was an outstanding athlete having played hockey and baseball since he was a toddler. Since his diagnosis at age 15, Brendan persevered and did not let cancer stop him from living life and doing what he loved best playing sports. He was a three season athlete for the Red Riots playing football, hockey and baseball during his high school years. After high school, Brendan attended St. Josephs College and Southern Maine Community College where he continued his baseball career. His life focused around his passion for sports, being with friends and family, building a future with his longtime girlfriend Jessica, and living life to the fullest. From crushing home runs at Wilkinson Park to scoring a key goal in the hockey game against Falmouth to throwing a runner out at home plate from centerfield, Brendan made a difference on and off the field/ice. In August 2013, Brendan was a guest on the Jimmy Fund Telethon with Dennis Callahan. He was able to share his experience, show his strength and spread hope for all those fighting cancer. For the past six years, Brendan would fundraise to fight cancer and walk as a survivor at the ACS Relay for Life in So Portland spreading hope and inspiration to all who attended. In November 2015, Brendan enjoyed the beautiful Florida weather with his grandparents and girlfriend. He was given the trip of a lifetime from the Sisters Wish in December 2015. He and Jessica spent an amazing 5 days in NYC where they enjoyed sightseeing, a Broadway show, fine dining, and precious time together. Even after being admitted to Gosnell Hospice Center, Brendan talked and watched sports, and kept up on how all the So Portland Red Riots teams were doing. He enjoyed time with his friends and family and kept them entertained with his sense of humor right to the end. Words cannot express the gratitude for all the love, support and prayers Brendan, Jessica and his family have received from his medical staff, especially oncologist Dr. Larson and Social Worker Liz Murray, coaches, assistant principal, So Portland boosters, friends, and the entire So Portland Community since his initial diagnosis in 2009. From Dr. Larson and Liz encouraging him with treatment opportunities year after year, to Coach Owens providing him with support and opportunity to keep playing baseball, to Assistant Principal Mr. Moore being there for him each and every day during high school and beyond, Brendan was truly blessed and grateful to have these role models, as well as many others, in his life. To all of Brendans friends and their families, he loved you all so much and considered you all family. His face would perk right up each time one of you came to visit him at Barbara Bush Childrens Hospital and the Gosnell Hospice Center. Brendans wish all along has been that a cure for Synovial Sarcoma is found. His fight for a cure continues with his passing. He has donated his cancer tissue to the Maine Medical Center BioBank for research to help find a cure for others battling Synovial Sarcoma. Brendan is survived by his loving family: parents, Michael Horton of Yarmouth, ME and Rebecca Avery of Loudon, NH; longtime girlfriend Jessica Keenan and her parents Frank Lori Keenan of So Portland; grandparents Frank Judy Spencer of Punta Gorda, FL, Michael Evelyn Horton of So Portland; John Francina Campbell of Waynesboro, PA; brothers Zach Caden Horton, and Ethan Avery; sisters Sarah and Sarenna Avery; aunts Michelle Horton-Livingston husband Todd of So Portland, Andrea Tibbetts husband Todd of Steep Falls, uncle Brian Campbell of Waynesboro, PA; and cousins Benjamin Lily Tibbetts, Alex Meghan Livingston, Alexander Horton, and Aiden Campbell. Visiting Hours will be held on Sunday from 1-4PM at the Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Brendans Funeral Service will be held on Monday at 1PM at the Funeral Home followed by burial at Brooklawn Memorial Park, Portland. To view Brendans memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ctcrawford.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to: Maine Childrens Cancer Program (MCCP),c/o Maine Medical Center Development Office,22 Bramhall Street,Portland, ME 04101 Or Brendan Horton Memorial Scholarship,c/o Lori Keenan,44 Appletree Drive,South Portland, ME 04106
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Mike and family, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Mike you were so proud of your son’s accomplishments, I remember your stories. I hope peace finds your family.
– Maegen Devou
Brendan you were a spitfire when you entered the Boys & Girls Club door making sure everyone knew that you were here. There wasn’t a day that went by that you didn’t have a friendly smile or a hello when you came in or a good-bye when you left. You were always there to help out a younger one if they were having a bad day which I adored about you. Even after you grew up when I would see you or you see me anywhere that you didn’t forget to take the time to stop and say hello. That meant the world to me and I will never forget it. You have left a great mark in everyones heart that you came in contact with and we will never forget you. Heaven has gotten a great young man.
– South Portland
What a battler- in sports and in life. Rest in peace Brendan. Our condolences to the entire Horton family.
– Tommy, Bud, Laura, Clara and James Ellis
Michael ,Judy , Mike, and family I had Brendan in my nightly prayers for all these years his courage and strength was a blessing for all of us my deepest sympathy to you all I am in NC but my prayers will continue for his soul and your healing GOD Bless . Roger
– Roger Borelli
Andrea, Todd, Ben & Lily…sending you all our condolences. We are so sorry for your loss.
– Rick & Carol Regan
Mike, I am devastated for you and your family. The loss of a child must be …I can not even put it into words. Brendan sounded like he was an incredible teenager that lived a normal life, as much as possible. My thoughts are with you. His spirit will always be with you.
– Judy Bell Henri Huot
Dear Judy, and the whole family,Please accept our sincere condolences. Such a handsome, talented young man, too young to have left you so quickly. Ours thoughts and prayers are with you. Cindy & Wes
– Cindy & Wes DeCapua
so sorry for your loss of such an inspirational young man.my heart goes out to all who are feeling this loss, peace to you all
– victoria
What a Beautiful soul in this young man. Prayers to the family from Greensboro North Carolina. May God hold you in his arms in this time of grief.
– Cynthia Murray
RIP sweet Brendan. You have made such a lasting impact on the Neal family. May you fly high sweet soul. Forever in our hearts-love you always. Thought and prayers to the family.Donna, Logan, Alec
– Donna Neal
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, our memories of Brendan we will hold near and dear to our hearts.
– The Kelley’s, Alice, Joe, Eric & Casey
Grief is tremendous, but love is bigger. You are grieving because you loved truly. The beauty in that is greater than the bitterness of death. Allowing this into your conscoiusness will not keep you from your suffering, but it will help you to survive the next day. Rob, Diana, Terresa, Tarra Wellington.
– The Wellington Family
My sincere condolences to all of you. Little Mike and Zach Horton and Shannon Blanchard. Mike and Evie Horton; Judy and Frank Spencer; Michelle and Todd Livingston; Andrea and Todd Tibbetts; Lily, Ben Caden, and Alex. The Keenan family especially Jessica. And all of Brendan’s extended family and friends. I can’t even imagine what you are all going through. right now. Remember the good times and how lucky you all were to have had Brendan in your life. I wasn’t around much so for me, personally, I envy each and every one of you.
– Cathy Boyd
Brendon we only met once when you visited us with your grandparents Jerry and Francina, during your visit at Hawley Church. You were a remarkable young man that left a lasting impression. My condolences go out to your family, they will miss you, and I ask that the Lord watch over them; but the angels are rejoicing in Heaven because you have come home to be with your Lord and Savior Jesus. Blessings and peace.
– Mitch & Deb Shockey
Brendon you are such a joy, and touched many lives. We were so lucky to have had you in are family and our lives. God bless sweetie. You will be missed dearly.. James and are whole family love and miss you so very much. Xxoo
– Terri fournier
You will be forever truly missed and you are in a better place now and some day we’ll all meet each other again rest in peace Brendan
– Southportland
I am so sorry. I am thinking of you and your family.
– Renee Jordan
reading Todd’s incredible comments on Facebook and then reading about Brendan in this morning’s obituary section,brought me back to the loss of my son at 23 years old.Such courage for a young man,I hope your loss with strengthen your ties to family and friends. Your loss is great.Brendan’s memory will never completely leave you. But from what I’ve heard about that young man will guide you and lessen your pain each day.My best to all of your family from the Maloneys and Flahertys. May God bless you.
– buzzpaul@aol.com
Evie and family,No words can express my sorrow for your loss. Losing a grandchild/child is a horrific loss and my heart goes out to each of you. May he rest in peace and as you look at the stars each night, remember that the twinkle you see is the twinkle in his eyes as he watches over you all and sends his love. Evie, I am so sorry!
– Libby Greenleaf
My message is to Brendan’s grandparents, Judy and Michael or anyone else that it might help, in this very difficult time. Stan Davis sent me a condolence card, after my mother’s death, and it gives me such comfort, daily. It states, “The angels are always near to those who are grieving, to whisper to them that their loves ones are safe in the hand of God”.
– Donna Hinds
The heartfelt condolences that have lit up Facebook over these past few days are just a testament to how many lives you touched during your lifetime,although a short one. We will all miss that smile but know your spirit will live on in all of us. The world was a better place with you in it. I will miss you and think of you often.I love you Brendan,may you rest in peace.Give Grammy a kiss for me.
– Fifi.Vessey
Judy and family, We are so sorry for your loss of a wonderful and talented grandson. The unconditional love of his family is ever present and a gift to Brendan. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you all take this difficult journey. Peace be with you all….
– Bob & Georgia Taylor
Prayers to everyone and many thoughts. Brendon will be missed by many and leaves many happy memories to so many
– Dick Matthews
Rest in peace 45, everyone could learn from you buck! You showed us the true meaning of courage, friendship and strength. Thank you for being my friend and I’ll never forget all the great times we had. You made my life better and influenced everyone you met in a positive way. Rest easy B
– The Lee Family
My relationship with Brendan,started out @ Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital.Working in the child life dept,along side the wonderful nurses,doctors and social workers,I learned alot from Brendan.Not only did he attend high school with my son’s Jacob and Trevor,his love for his friends and family shone through.Especially Jessica who is an amazing CNA nurse on the floor. Brendan was very proud of all the hard work she does on bbch.His love of sports,and the south portland community was endless.Brendan saw me @ The relay for life walk this past summer.He ran up to me,to say hi.He always showed his appreciation for anyone that helped him along the way.I would give him iTunes cards,while he was admitted,and we would talk about school,his friends,etc.The little kids @ bbch going through a tough illness,Brenden would take the time to talk to them,or wave @ them from his room.Brendan truly showed bravery and compassion for all he knew.He is loved by many and will be a fighting hero remembered always.Brendan you are a true star,I am proud of your courage,and I will miss you.My thoughts and prayers are with your family,friends and Jessica…Peace,Alice and son’s Jacob and Trevor.
– Alice Burrowes
My relationship with Brendan,started out @ Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital.Working in the child life dept,along side the wonderful nurses,doctors and social workers,I learned alot from Brendan.Not only did he attend high school with my son’s Jacob and Trevor,his love for his friends and family shone through.Especially Jessica who is an amazing CNA nurse on the floor. Brendan was very proud of all the hard work she does on bbch.His love of sports,and the south portland community was endless.Brendan saw me @ The relay for life walk this past summer.He ran up to me,to say hi.He always showed his appreciation for anyone that helped him along the way.I would give him iTunes cards,while he was admitted,and we would talk about school,his friends,etc.The little kids @ bbch going through a tough illness,Brenden would take the time to talk to them,or wave @ them from his room.Brendan truly showed bravery and compassion for all he knew.He is loved by many and will be a fighting hero remembered always.Brendan you are a true star,I am proud of your courage,and I will miss you.My thoughts and prayers are with your family,friends and Jessica…Peace,Alice and son’s Jacob and Trevor.
– Alice Burrowes
I never met Brendan, but I was a close family friend of some of his friends, the Mazurs. They talked about Brendan all the time– about his strength, humor and his seeming inability to give up in the face of such an awful disease. A little over a year ago, I was diagnosed with stage-four brain cancer. Again, the Mazurs told me about Brendan and how determined and positive he was– living his life to the fullest, and being a happy despite his predicament. Hearing his story and his desire to just be a normal kid truly inspired me and made me feel so much better. I thought of him often from afar. I am sorry that I never got to meet someone who inspired me so much. I know this is about Brendan, not me, but I hope Brendan’s family and friends can take some form of strange comfort knowing that he was such a remarkable figure to those who never even met him.
– Erin Brennan