Brody Emerson Unrau
November 8, 2016 - October 26, 2025
Brody Emerson Unrau, of Winkler, Manitoba, was born on November 8, 2016, and passed away peacefully in the loving arms of his family on October 26, 2025.
Brody’s story began as a miracle long before his birth. He shared the womb with his identical twin brother, Blake, who developed without a heart. In a rare and extraordinary act of nature, Brody sustained both their lives, growing for two until he was born nearly 100 days early, weighing just over a pound. From his very first moment, Brody defied every medical prediction — proving that courage, love, and strength can overcome even the greatest odds.
Through more than 20 surgeries and countless hospital stays, Brody continued to fight with a quiet resilience that amazed everyone around him. His body endured what many could not imagine, yet his spirit remained unshaken. He radiated peace, positivity, and joy, becoming a beacon of light to all who knew him.
Despite being unable to walk, talk, or see, Brody lived fully. He loved to be surrounded by laughter and voices — his family, his classmates, and the people who loved him most. His favorite song, Waymaker, was the soundtrack of his life — a reminder that even in the darkest valleys, there is still light.
Brody’s presence transformed everyone he met. He taught patience, compassion, and strength. He made his family — and his entire community — stronger, softer, and more grateful. His smile could light up a whole room. His life was short in years but infinite in impact.
Brody will be forever loved and missed by his parents, Eric and Randi Unrau, his brothers Leo, Hudson and Nick; his grandparents Rose (Don) Vigier, Ben & Lisa Unrau; and the countless great-grandparents, family, friends, teachers, and caregivers who walked beside him on his remarkable journey. He has now joined his Pop Pop Ryan Toews and his brothers Emerson and Blake in heaven.
A celebration of Brody’s life will be held on Sunday, November 2 at 4:00 pm at the Winkler MB Church. All who were touched by Brody’s life are invited to attend and honor this incredible boy who changed the world simply by being in it.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Brody’s legacy by spreading kindness, choosing joy, and cherishing each precious moment — just as he did every single day.
The family would especially like to thank Dr Anna Shawyer from the Winnipeg Children’s Hospital for her gentle hands and gentle heart caring for Brody from the first days of his life to the last; as well as Dr Tanja Borchers and the Palliative Care team at Boundary Trails Health Centre for their love and care in the last year of his life.
Donations can be made in Brody’s honour to Southern Health-Santé Sud (please add a note to the memo line stating Palliative Care – Pediatrics), and mail to:
Southern Health Santé Sud - Palliative Care
Unit 8, 380 Stone Bridge Crossing
Steinbach, MB R5G 2R1
November 8, 2016 - October 26, 2025
Brody Emerson Unrau, of Winkler, Manitoba, was born on November 8, 2016, and passed away peacefully in the loving arms of his family on October 26, 2025.
Brody’s story began as a miracle long before his birth. He shared the womb with his identical twin brother, Blake, who developed without a heart. In a rare and extraordinary act of nature, Brody sustained both their lives, growing for two until he was born nearly 100 days early, weighing just over a pound. From his very first moment, Brody defied every medical prediction — proving that courage, love, and strength can overcome even the greatest odds.
Through more than 20 surgeries and countless hospital stays, Brody continued to fight with a quiet resilience that amazed everyone around him. His body endured what many could not imagine, yet his spirit remained unshaken. He radiated peace, positivity, and joy, becoming a beacon of light to all who knew him.
Despite being unable to walk, talk, or see, Brody lived fully. He loved to be surrounded by laughter and voices — his family, his classmates, and the people who loved him most. His favorite song, Waymaker, was the soundtrack of his life — a reminder that even in the darkest valleys, there is still light.
Brody’s presence transformed everyone he met. He taught patience, compassion, and strength. He made his family — and his entire community — stronger, softer, and more grateful. His smile could light up a whole room. His life was short in years but infinite in impact.
Brody will be forever loved and missed by his parents, Eric and Randi Unrau, his brothers Leo, Hudson and Nick; his grandparents Rose (Don) Vigier, Ben & Lisa Unrau; and the countless great-grandparents, family, friends, teachers, and caregivers who walked beside him on his remarkable journey. He has now joined his Pop Pop Ryan Toews and his brothers Emerson and Blake in heaven.
A celebration of Brody’s life will be held on Sunday, November 2 at 4:00 pm at the Winkler MB Church. All who were touched by Brody’s life are invited to attend and honor this incredible boy who changed the world simply by being in it.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Brody’s legacy by spreading kindness, choosing joy, and cherishing each precious moment — just as he did every single day.
The family would especially like to thank Dr Anna Shawyer from the Winnipeg Children’s Hospital for her gentle hands and gentle heart caring for Brody from the first days of his life to the last; as well as Dr Tanja Borchers and the Palliative Care team at Boundary Trails Health Centre for their love and care in the last year of his life.
Donations can be made in Brody’s honour to Southern Health-Santé Sud (please add a note to the memo line stating Palliative Care – Pediatrics), and mail to:
Southern Health Santé Sud - Palliative Care
Unit 8, 380 Stone Bridge Crossing
Steinbach, MB R5G 2R1