OBITUARY – Herman Braich Jr.
By Ken Herar
MISSION – It was with great sadness that I was informed that Herman Braich Jr. of Mission passed away Feb. 4.
The former high school basketball star, who lead Mission to the B.C. High School Championships in 1978, was remembered as someone who was talented, naturally gifted, and a real gentleman both on and off the court.
I recall a time attending junior high school when I visited the public library. I pulled out the B.C. High School Championship tournament history booklet. Inside was a picture of all the players who were selected to the 1st all-star team in 1978.
Growing up as a young person in the ’80s, it was very inspiring to see someone from my hometown who also happened to be South Asian receive such an honour and recognition as a top athlete and leader.
Searching online and looking at Braich’s personal stats at the provincial championships, his achievements still stand amongst some of the best who have ever played the hard-court game in B.C.
Former Mission Roadrunner head coach Brian Fitcher spoke about a time when Herman had sustained a serious injury and could not play.
Even though he wasn’t able to play, he showed up at every single practice and game to support his team.
He was truly a team player on all levels. Herman’s passing leaves the community with an empty feeling. He was a wonderful son, brother, uncle and friend.
He was devoted to his family, friends, community and Sikh temple and loved them very much.
One touching moment during the service was when his younger brother Kenny Braich shared that Herman had been very proud to carry his father’s name.
His father, Herman Braich Sr. would have been very proud of who his son became, and all that he achieved during his life. Herman Braich Sr. died in 1976.
On another note, I recently received an e-mail from Laura Yake, executive director of The Center for Epilepsy and Seizure Education.
She wanted me to spread the word that her organization is looking for more exposure and awareness in the South Asian community.
She shared the following: “I am looking to reach out to the Punjabi community. March was Epilepsy Awareness Month and we have several Punjabi volunteers who have been working to create awareness within their community.”
What is epilepsy? The Epilepsy Association states the following: “Epilepsy is a medical condition that produces seizures affecting a variety of mental and physical functions. When a person has two or more unprovoked seizures, they are considered to have epilepsy. Seizures can last from a few seconds to a few minutes.”
Jassi Hera from Abbotsford, a South Asian grade 12 Rick Hansen student, shared these thoughts: “I’ve had epilepsy for over a year now. I feel as if there’s not enough awareness for this disorder.
“I volunteered at The Center For Epilepsy because I want to help create more awareness. I know how everyone with epilepsy feels, especially when you endure seizures.
“They are the scariest moments to go through.
“I’ve had real bad times with seizures. I hope to create awareness for epilepsy so we can gain more of an understanding of what it really is.”
For more information, please visit www.epilepsy.cc.
Ken “Kulwinder” Herar is a Mission-based writer and a winner of the champions of diversity award for his columns in the LINK newspaper and other Fraser Valley newspapers. Herar can be reached at [email protected] or view his blog at http://www.kenherar.blogspot.com
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