<p><span><span style="font-size: medium;">It is with profound sadness that the family of Bradley Howard McCarthy announce his sudden passing on February 12 at the age of 38. Self-proclaimed as the "favourite child" of his parents, Howard and Sheila McCarthy, Brad was a man who loved to make people smile and laugh. There is no doubt he loved life completely and lived it intensely. Brad was fiercely protective of his family and friends; a trait he carried to a career where he proudly served his country as a soldier of the Canadian Armed Forces. Kind-hearted, lovable, thoughtful, and brave are just a few of the words to describe the man who was taken too soon. Brad undoubtedly left a lasting impression on those he came into contact with, and his generosity was unmatched. "In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."</span></span></p> <p><span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p> <p><span><span style="font-size: medium;">Left to mourn his passing with fond and loving memories are his mother Sheila, father Howard, sisters: Marsha (Darryl), Joanne, and Glenda, grandmother: Gertrude, nieces: Brittany (Justin) and Courtney (Joe), Rachel, nephew: Tristian, great nephews: Brodie and Johnathan and great niece: Sierrah (who lit up his life), aunts: Vera (Austin), Madeline (Peter), uncle: Harry (Joan), aunts: Eileen (Gino), Carol, Bridgette (Frank), Mary (Eric), Theresa (Glenn), Kathy, uncles: Ches (Marilyn), John (Wanda), Al (Karen), and Mick (Velita) who were also his godparents, his favourite chess opponent Darren O'Connell, as well as numerous cousins and friends. He is predeceased by his Nan Rose Barnes, Pop Enos Barnes, Pop Nick McCarthy, and Uncle Gary Caines.</span></span></p> <p><span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p> <p><span>Visitation will take place at Fillatre's Funeral Home in Curling on Wednesday, Feb. 14 from 7-9 p.m. and Thursday, February 15 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Friday, February 16 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea in Benoit's Cove, officiated by Fr. Jim Robertson. Cremation to follow. As expressions of sympathy flowers graciously accepted or donations may be made to a charity for mental health. </span></p>