Brandon Rauser

A huge part of the trauma of our accident is that the other driver lost his life. We knew he wasn't from around here, but we wondered who he was. Then his girlfriend's parents came through the gate to Waterton National Park and told Teegan Keeler that they were coming to be with their daughter whose boyfriend was killed in a car accident the day before. And they told her he was from Viking. I looked up Viking funeral homes and found his obituary. It was emotional and healing to learn about him. He was a loved young man. I also learned a couple other things from looking him up on Facebook and from the tow truck driver who met his dad. He was born premature and only weighed 2 lbs 12 ounces or something like that, so it was a miracle that he even lived. His mom passed away from breast cancer when he was 8. So each time I drive past the site of the accident and see his skid marks, I think about how his angel mom and others were there to take him to heaven.

I did order a potted flower to be sent to his funeral. The card said, we are sorry for your loss. Our community is praying for you. Love, Barb & Kaylynn the passengers in the other car

Brandon's dad did message Barb on Facebook to tell her thanks for the flowers and he hopes she heals quickly.

Brandon Cameron Rauser was born June 3, 2004 in Edmonton, Alberta and passed away suddenly on October 2, 2022 at the age of 18 years.

Brandon is survived by his dad Jay and sister Kelly. Grandparents Lance and Connie Rauser, Norman Safranka, and Sylvia Hoffman (Donnie), Great Grandmothers: Norma Hogstead and Rose Safranka, Aunts, Uncles and cousins: Michael Safranka (Angie), Axel, Avery, Christine Zarski (Sheldon), Brayden, Quinton, Kailyn, Melanie Zarski (Dennis), Carson, Madison, Brian Zarski (Lisa), Brett Winczura (Darren), Kami Brittain (Gary), Presley, Sloan, Corbin, Morgan Rauser, his girlfriend Madalynne Ruzicka, numerous friends and extended family. 

Brandon is predeceased by his mom Cindy, Grandma Cheryl, and his Uncle Doug.

He was loved by all who knew him. His generosity, work ethic, and huge heart were admired by all. Brandon enjoyed playing football, basketball, hockey, riding his quad, golfing with his dad, fishing, boating, and he loved doing yard work! He loved to mentor and torment his young cousins whenever possible. Brandon had a strange obsession with LED lights and online shopping. He was always looking for a charity to donate his hard earned funds to that would benefit sick children, animals, and breast cancer research. Brandon lit up any room that he walked into and was always on the hunt for someone to converse with, often seeking out his former elderly mowing customers, and loved receiving payment in cookies! Brandon tended not to be a very early riser; that could have been due to staying up until the middle of the night watching tiktoks and sending them to former customers and school teachers, or the late nights of eating snacks and playing games. Brandon was a very fit young man, you would not be able to tell by looking at him that he could and would eat a bucket of chicken, a dozen donuts, and a case of iced tea; that just being the appetizer. Small tasks often took much longer than necessary because Brandon was easily distracted by blaring the music in his truck or playing with his cats. Sharing our fond memories and stories of Brandon will bring us happiness and keep his memory alive. Brandon will be forever remembered by all who knew and loved him. 

A service will be held at the Viking Community Hall on October 12, 2022, at 2PM with an inurnment to be held at Golden Valley Cemetery, Viking, Alberta to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Dan Gillis from Sedgewick, wrote on Oct. 5, 2022

A Dedication to be read at our home game tonight (October 5). Thanks to the Rauser family for raising such a wonderful athlete and friend. In Memory of Brandon Rauser #89 WR We pause to honour a Ram’s Alumni, #89 Brandon Rauser from Viking. Brandon passed away suddenly last Sunday and we wish to honour him and his family today with some thoughts. Sports has a unique way of bonding athletes together through hardship and struggle. After any game, many would only remember the score and some highlights. The players will experience the game in a more meaningful way and it shapes who they are. Brandon’s impact on the lives of those who knew him would shape theirs. He was the consummate teammate - he was positive and encouraging in challenging times. He pushed himself physically through pain and injury to support his friends. He is remembered for being outgoing and athletic in many sports. Perhaps the most important was his connection to the community and special causes. His father, Jay, remembers how Brandon would take the time for others, including elderly folk who he served in the community. Brandon’s example of using his gifts and talents to help others is something we should all strive for. Please join with us to honour Brandon. His jersey number 89 will be retired this year as a reminder of how sports can make caring communities and powerful people. Thank you.