Brandon “Smiley” Applegate remembered as an advocate for youth, children

A Saskatoon man who died suddenly over the weekend is being remembered for his tireless work with youth and children.

“He was an advocate for all children and youth,” said Dave Shanks, associate director at the Student Commission of Canada where Brandon Applegate worked and volunteered.

“He just wanted to make sure that all kids and children were given the same opportunities and the same chance.”

Reports say Applegate was the man found fatally wounded at the corner of 8th Street and Clarence Avenue on Sunday morning.

Police found a man unresponsive lying on the ground at around 7:30 a.m. The 22-year-old was transported to hospital where he later died from his injuries.

Shanks says Applegate, known as “Smiley” earned the nickname for the way he could light a room with his “infectious smile.”

The father of four most recently coordinated workshops around the province for youth facing addictions issues, but his passion was helping youth in danger of falling through the cracks.

“He was really concerned with justice and had a really strong sense of right and wrong. It really helped form his work,” said Shanks.

“We talked often that when children go into care they are less likely to graduate from high school, less likely to find employment. He really felt strongly that it was unfair and that we need to take care of all our children and youth, but particularly our vulnerable ones that needed extra support.”

Shanks said while people have questions about how he died, he wants the focus to be on the legacy he left behind.

Police have not released a cause of death. An autopsy on the body was planned for Tuesday.

A Gofundme page to help pay for funeral costs had raised nearly $6,000 as of Tuesday afternoon.