Brooks Austin Wilder Bernard

Our beautiful brave boy, Brooks Austin Wilder Bernard, passed away peacefully in his mama’s arms on October 9th 2026 at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto while surrounded by music and the endless love of his parents.

At just 145 days old, Brooks fought harder than most people will ever have to in a lifetime. Although his time here was heartbreakingly short, the impact he made on our lives will last forever.

Brooks was born six weeks early on May 17th 2026 at the IWK. A mighty 4lbs 15oz just beginning a journey that would show the world just how strong a tiny little boy could be. Diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), a rare and serious congenital heart condition, Brooks faced more challenges in his first five months than most people face in a lifetime. He underwent multiple life-saving heart surgeries, 5 open chest surgeries overall. He endured countless procedures and complications, and spent all his life in the hospital. Through it all, he continued to show us a kind of strength that words could never truly describe.

But Brooks was so much more than his diagnosis, his surgeries, and his warrior scars. He was our sweet, yet so very stubborn little boy with a personality all his own. He had an attitude that could fill a room, knew what he liked and didn’t like, and made sure everyone around him knew exactly who was in charge. He was a little spitfire through and through, and even in the hardest moments, his personality shone through in ways that made us laugh, smile, and fall even more in love with him.

Brooks loved nothing more than cuddling up with his mama or laying on his daddy’s chest for a nap, where he could be close to the two people who loved him more than anything in this world. He was such a little cuddle bug who loved being snuggled, and those moments of having him tucked into our arms will forever be some of our most treasured memories.

Brooks loved lights and music, especially his little light machine and fish tank toy, and he absolutely adored his little purple hippo rattle. He loved sitting up so he could see everything going on around him because he never wanted to miss a thing! He always wanted someone close by, whether it was someone rubbing his little head, which he loved so much, holding his soother in for him, or even just holding his hand so he knew you were still there.

His life was spent fighting battles no baby should ever have to face, but Brooks never stopped being Brooks. He was brave, determined, full of spirit, and so incredibly loved. He taught everyone around him what courage looks like, what it means to keep fighting, and how much love can exist in even the smallest of moments. His strength inspired the people who cared for him, and his journey touched hearts far beyond the hospital walls.

We wish we could have given him a lifetime of cuddles, adventures, laughter, and all the little things that make childhood beautiful. Instead, we were given 145 days with a little boy who changed us forever. We would live every second of the heartbreak all over again if it meant getting those 145 days with him.

He may have been small, but his fight was mighty. His life was short, but his love was immeasurable. And although his heart was never meant to work the way it should have, it filled ours in ways we never knew possible.

Brooks will be forever loved and missed beyond words by his parents Madalyn Walton and Aaron Bernard. He will also be lovingly remembered by his grandparents, Charlotte and Howard Bernard, Andrew Walton, Denise Arseneault, his uncles, Corey Bernard, Joshua Hathaway, Austin Walton, Graysin Walton, his special chosen family - his aunts, Cora Fraser, Alyssa Wortman and all of the extended family and special people who loved him dearly.

Brooks was predeceased by his big brother, River Wilder Andrew Bernard, and we find comfort in knowing our boys are together.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and entire cardiac care team at Sick Kids who cared for Brooks throughout his journey. Those who held his hand, comforted him, advocated for him, celebrated his little victories, and loved him as their own, thank you for being part of his story. You helped fill his days with kindness and love, and we will never forget it. as well as everyone who loved him, supported his family, prayed for him, and followed along with his story.

Brooks will forever be our brave boy, our heart warrior, and our beautiful reminder that the tiniest lives can leave the biggest mark.

A celebration of life will be held on November 7th at Ayr Motor Centre, Woodstock from 2-4 PM.