18-year-old Jaden Chalmers was a hard worker. He was the dependable big brother to Brandon, though the two were only six months apart. Jaden knew how to listen and how to be there when Brandon needed him. Both brothers shared a love of all things automotive, with Jaden having a passion for vintage trucks. Several years ago, the boys discovered a hidden gem on their uncle's property. They found a 1988 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Brougham. 

Brandon and Jaden Chalmers both shared a passion for cars, so much so that when they found a 1988 Caprice sitting in their uncle's backyard, the brothers dove into the project of rebuilding it together. (Photo provided by Brandon Chalmers)Brandon and Jaden Chalmers both shared a passion for cars, so much so that when they found a 1988 Caprice sitting in their uncle's backyard, the brothers dove into the project of rebuilding it together. (Photo provided by Brandon Chalmers)

"It was used in the 1988 Olympics as a ferry car for all the judges and the officials," Brandon said. "My brother said that was the car he wanted to work on."

The brothers would start their labour of love, but before the car could be rebuilt, Jaden passed away after being in a fatal car accident in September. Although Brandon's brother is no longer with him, he decided to continue on their journey together and opted to continue working on the car; with renewed sense and purpose.

Brandon said that he has chosen a cnady apple red paint for the car he is rebuilding as a tribute to his late brother. (Photo provided by Brandon Chalmers)Brandon said that he has chosen a candy apple red paint for the car he is rebuilding as a tribute to his late brother. (Photo provided by Brandon Chalmers)

"I decided, as a tribute car, I'm going to build the car that he wanted to build and I'm going to finish it for him."

Chalmers who lives in Crossfield said that friends and acquaintances who heard of his plans wanted to help, so he decided to start up a gofundme campaign to help pay for some of the rebuildings of the car. Brandon said Jaden was not only a fan of cars but of big sound systems; so he is hoping to install a state-of-the-art sound system for his late brother. But other than the high-tech gimmicks, Brandon has also decided to add a deeply personal touch to the car. 

"I've already prepped the hood [and under it] I'm going to get a picture [of Jaden]," he said. "It will be like a memorial picture and because I do a lot of car meets, when I park it, I can flip up the hood and it will have a picture of him right? It will be like he's always with me."

Though Brandon said he hasn't publically shared with others about the grief and pain since Jaden's passing, he did admit there have been many sleepless nights, wondering about all the what-ifs. He said the project of the car has made it more bearable.

"I've spent countless nights in the shop until 3 A.M., just listening to music and working on the car. It's totally helped me because it feels like I am doing something for him," Brandon said. "I feel like a lot of people kind of think well, what can I do now? So it's definitely given me that a kind of relief that I am doing something for him, and something that he would have loved."

When thinking back on his favourite memories, Brandon said he often reminisces about all the ski trips both he and his brother were on, saying those trips.

"We used to go up to the mountains a lot and my brother and I were close. We had some pretty good memories, but I'd have to say my favourite one is when I was skiing with him and just spending the day with him."

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