Brent Canode Portland OR Death, Obituary: It is with immense sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the untimely passing of Brent Canode, a visionary leader, advocate for recovery, and beloved figure in the Portland, Oregon community. Brent’s death has left a gaping hole in the hearts of his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless individuals whose lives he touched through his work.
He was not just a co-founder of organizations like Peak Recovery PNW, RecoveryLink, Harmony Academy, and The Recovery Gym; Brent was a driving force behind the recovery movement in Portland and beyond. His legacy will live on in the many lives he saved, the communities he built, and the unshakeable belief he instilled in others that recovery is possible, no matter the odds. Brent was born and raised in Lakeport, California, and from an early age, he demonstrated a deep connection to the world around him. He was a man of immense integrity, boundless energy, and unwavering compassion.
His passion for helping others was evident throughout his entire career, and his ability to inspire, mentor, and support those in recovery made him a central figure in the Portland recovery community. Brent’s legacy is one of leadership, vision, and the profound impact of compassionate care. Brent’s professional journey was rooted in his deep commitment to the recovery community. He co-founded and served as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of RecoveryLink, a platform that connected individuals in recovery with resources and support.
RecoveryLink became an invaluable tool for countless individuals seeking to rebuild their lives, and Brent’s leadership and innovative thinking were key to its success. In addition to his work at RecoveryLink, Brent also co-founded Harmony Academy, an educational institution dedicated to providing individuals in recovery with the tools they need to thrive in life and beyond. His efforts in founding these initiatives were a testament to his belief in the transformative power of education, support, and community.
Perhaps most notably, Brent was the co-founder of The Recovery Gym, a facility designed to provide individuals in recovery with a space to rebuild not just their physical health, but also their mental and emotional well-being. The Recovery Gym became a hub for people looking to reconnect with their bodies, their sense of purpose, and their community. Brent’s vision was clear: to create spaces where people could heal in every way possible.
Brent’s influence extended far beyond the organizations he helped create. As Board President of Unity Recovery, he worked tirelessly to advocate for those in recovery, ensuring that the voices of individuals facing addiction and mental health challenges were heard. His work with Unity Recovery was a natural extension of his life’s mission—to create a more inclusive, compassionate, and effective recovery ecosystem.
Brent also contributed to the broader recovery community through his role as Section Editor for the Journal of Recovery Science. In this capacity, he used his knowledge and passion for recovery to help guide important conversations about addiction, recovery, and the systems that support individuals on their journey to wellness. Brent’s impact on the Portland community was profound, and he was known for being a tireless advocate for those in need. He was more than just a leader; he was a mentor, a friend, and a source of stability for countless individuals in recovery.
His deep sense of responsibility to others was evident in his work, as well as in the relationships he built throughout his life. One of the many people whose life was deeply affected by Brent was Amanda Bailey, who shared, “I just lost a major pillar in my recovery. I wish I knew that this was the last time I gave him a hug. I’ve been in shock since last night. I remember meeting him almost 6 years ago when I first joined the Alano Club staff family. He’s been my boss basically throughout my whole recovery journey.
He not only built the club to where it is today, he was just a badass father who loved nature. He had an energy that would make you get excited over anything he proposed. He believed in me when I asked if I could be in charge of the community events the past two years. I’m entirely grateful for the way he supported me through both my pregnancies and working for the club. It’s a shame that this timeline lost a good friend, advocate, father, and community member. He was truly one of my safe people who helped me grow in recovery. RIP Brent Canode.”
Amanda’s words speak to the deep love and respect Brent earned from those he mentored and worked with. Brent was not just a leader in the recovery community; he was a constant presence for those in need of encouragement, guidance, and support. He believed in people, and his unwavering belief in others helped countless individuals find their own strength and resilience. Brent’s legacy is also defined by his role as a father. His love for his family was boundless, and he was deeply devoted to his children.
He balanced his demanding work with being an incredibly loving and attentive father. His love for nature, adventure, and family was something he shared with those around him, and it is clear that his children were his greatest pride. One of the most profound reflections of Brent’s life and work is the Alano Club of Portland, where he served as Executive Director. The Alano Club became one of the most significant recovery resources in the area, thanks in large part to Brent’s leadership and vision. Under his guidance, the Club not only grew but became a sanctuary for individuals seeking help, healing, and support.
The members of the Alano Club, past and present, owe a great deal to Brent’s work in creating a space where recovery was not only supported but celebrated. The Alano Club of Portland expressed their heartbreak at Brent’s passing: “We are heartbroken. The loss of our Executive Director, Brent Canode has left us devastated beyond words. Brent was a tireless, fearless advocate for the recovery community; an innovative and brilliant person whose work touched thousands of lives — saved thousands of lives — not just here in Portland but everywhere he went.
We’re so grateful for the support of our community as we grieve the immeasurable loss of this irreplaceable, incredible man, who was so dear to so many. The Alano Club, as it is, would not exist without Brent Canode and every day forward, our work will be a testament to his memory.” Brent’s work at the Alano Club will continue to be a living tribute to his passion for helping others, and his contributions to the recovery community will not be forgotten. His legacy will live on in the hearts of the individuals whose lives he touched, the programs he created, and the community he built.
Brent Canode’s sudden passing has left a tremendous void in the Portland community, particularly in the recovery world. His loss is felt deeply by everyone who had the privilege of working with him, learning from him, and being inspired by him. However, while Brent’s physical presence is gone, his legacy will endure. His work in recovery, his dedication to service, and his unwavering belief in the power of community and healing will continue to guide us all.
