Portland Mourns the Loss of Brent Canode, A Visionary Leader in Recovery Services
PORTLAND, OR — The Portland community is grieving the unexpected loss of Brent Canode, a passionate advocate, dedicated leader, and visionary in the field of addiction recovery. As the Executive Director of the Alano Club of Portland and a co-founder of multiple groundbreaking recovery initiatives, Brent devoted his life to helping individuals overcome addiction, ensuring they had access to support, resources, and a compassionate community.
His passing has left a profound impact on colleagues, friends, and countless individuals whose lives were changed through his tireless work.
A Legacy of Service and Advocacy
Brent Canode was not just a leader—he was a trailblazer in the recovery community, consistently pushing boundaries to provide innovative, inclusive, and effective support for those battling addiction. Under his leadership, the Alano Club of Portland became one of the nation’s most respected recovery support organizations, serving as a beacon of hope for thousands.
Beyond his work at the Alano Club, Brent co-founded Recovery Gym, Recovery Café PDX, and the Recovery Pilot Project, initiatives designed to offer comprehensive and holistic support to those in recovery. His efforts ensured that people seeking help found not just treatment, but also connection, purpose, and a sense of belonging.
Brent believed that recovery was more than just sobriety—it was about rebuilding lives, fostering community, and eliminating stigma. He worked alongside local leaders, policymakers, and organizations to reshape the conversation around addiction and advocate for broader, more accessible recovery services.
A Profound Loss to the Community
The news of Brent’s passing has sent shockwaves through the recovery and nonprofit communities, with an outpouring of tributes from those who knew and worked with him.
- Colleagues describe him as a fearless, compassionate, and deeply committed leader who was always willing to lend a helping hand.
- Friends remember his warmth, kindness, and unwavering dedication to making the world a better place.
- Individuals in recovery credit Brent with giving them hope and a second chance, providing them with the tools and encouragement they needed to rebuild their lives.
“Brent wasn’t just a leader—he was a lifeline for so many people,” said a longtime colleague. “His impact cannot be measured in words alone. He changed lives, and his legacy will continue to do so.”
Honoring Brent’s Memory
As the community mourns, many are coming together to honor Brent’s extraordinary contributions and ensure that his work continues. Plans are underway for public memorials, community gatherings, and initiatives dedicated to furthering his mission.
In his honor, recovery advocates are calling for renewed efforts to expand support services, increase funding for addiction treatment programs, and strengthen the community-driven initiatives he championed.
Those who wish to pay tribute to Brent’s legacy are encouraged to support the organizations he helped build, advocate for recovery services, and continue fostering the spirit of compassion and inclusivity that defined his life’s work.
A Lasting Legacy
Brent Canode’s impact on Portland and the broader recovery community will not be forgotten. His leadership, vision, and passion transformed countless lives, and his work will continue to inspire future generations of advocates and leaders.
As the community reflects on his remarkable contributions, one thing remains clear: his legacy will live on in the thousands of lives he touched and the countless people who found hope because of his efforts.
Rest in peace, Brent Canode. Your work will never be forgotten, and your spirit will continue to guide those fighting for a better, more supportive world.