“Poor choices in friends led me to a life of drugs, alcohol and gang activity,” says Robert Bremner. “In 2005, after a night of clubbing, I drove impaired with my best friend, Kim, at my side. I don’t remember crashing the car. When I woke up in hospital days later, I learned that Kim died instantly at the scene.
“I come from a good, church-going family,” the 48-year-old continues. “I was baptized at a young age and was a cub in my father’s cub troop. My parents were hard-working and instilled good values in me. But, when I was just 10 years old, I started to steal. In my early teens I developed a love for money and by the age of 15, I was selling illegal drugs. I joined a gang and was heavily involved in criminal activity.”
Robert grew up in Spryfield, a small community just outside of Halifax. When his sister suggested he come to Calgary and stay with her and her boyfriend, the 16-year-old jumped at the chance.
But the living arrangements in Calgary didn’t work out. Robert found employment as a dishwasher in a local restaurant and got his own place. “It was one room, and a dive,” he recalls. Robert continued to steal and sell drugs. “I did anything for money.”
Then one day, Robert was arrested for theft and sent to the Calgary Remand Centre. This was the first in a series of jail terms he served for various criminal activities. After six months he was released and secured a job on the oil rigs. “I made more than $1,000 a week,” says Robert. “I thought I was a big shot. Then, after six weeks I was fired for stealing the company truck. I didn’t care. I had money now.”
After 10 years in Western Canada, Robert returned to Spryfield. “I was hoping life could be different for me but I continued experimenting with, and selling, street drugs, and my alcohol abuse had escalated to become part of my daily routine.
“When a friend suggested I join United Brotherhood of Carpenters, North America’s largest construction trade union, I felt I had nothing to lose. I was certified as a journeyman scaffolder and left for Fort McMurray, Alta., to make some big money.”
After a few weeks there, Robert met Kim and they quickly became best friends. It wasn’t long before they drove the 10-hour trip from Fort McMurray to Calgary to meet some of Kim’s friends.
“We went clubbing and I was drinking lots,” Robert recalls in a soft spoken voice. “It was late when we left the club. Intoxicated, I drove some of Kim’s friends’ home. After that I don’t remember anything. I have no memory of the horrible accident. When I woke up in hospital days later I learned I had a brain hemorrhage, crushed legs that would require several operations, a hole in my nasal cavity and broken ribs. I was told I was lucky to be alive. Then I was told that Kim died at the scene of the accident.
“I was devastated, ashamed and guilt ridden. How could I let myself get so out of control? How could I take another’s life? I immediately gave up drugs, alcohol and my life of crime. Then, I started to pray, desperate for forgiveness.”
Robert was charged with dangerous driving causing death and sent to a penitentiary in the Drumheller, Alta. While incarcerated a Salvation Army chaplain paid him a visit. “Captain Bram really cared about me, when I could barely stomach looking at myself. He prayed with me and became my friend. He assured me God forgives sinners like me. From my cell I asked God to come into my life.
“With His help I gave up my world of greed. I continue to lean on The Salvation Army for emotional and spiritual support because every day I must live with the fact that on January 29, 2005, my bad choices resulted in the loss of a young life.”
Robert lives in Spryfield and attends his local Salvation Army church. Beyond his full-time job he volunteers with The Salvation Army emergency disaster services. “My life has been full of terrible, destructive choices,” says Robert. “Now God is in control, not me.”
August 5th, 2009 at 9:34 am
Robert, i am very proud of you for not only how far you have come, but for taking responsibility for your life…you are an inspiration
August 5th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
As Robert’s new officer, I can’t say what a privilege it is to know this gentle, humble, unassuming man. His testimony has touched many and will continue to do so. God bless you Robert.
August 7th, 2009 at 6:54 am
BOB;
I have heard your story in person and it touched me and gave me hope by confirming that God answers prayer. I Also see you in person on the bus
and know that you not only talk the talk but You also walk the walk. I,VE
seen you resist temtation and am proud to say I Met you
Ed and Jean
August 11th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
To get in touch with Robert Bremner: rob-bremner@hotmail.com
October 4th, 2009 at 7:22 am
Robert we are so proud of you. You have come a long way and god has been with you always. It takes a strong person to change his lifestyles and be able to continue changing for the better im sure it wasn’t easy but you did it. We are proud and honored to call you are Brother. God be with you always. Vince and Wendy and Tyler Hackett.
October 29th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Well where do I start? Rob we shared a cell long enough for me to tell your story for you if you really wanted. That is a fact indeed. At the same time; no matter how many times I hear you talk about your past somehow it makes me all werid inside because at first I feel sorry that you had to go through all that emotional trama to overcome such an terrable time of your life. But on the other hand it gives me hope. It shows my that no matter where you are in life there is always a better way no matter how down we are. There is always a choice to make things better if you really want it. There is always a solution.
October 29th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
P.S Im glad your my bro
November 28th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Hi Rob,
I read your story. WOW, I dont even know you. And it touched my heart deeply. I too had a brother that WAS very much like you. Unfortunately He took his own life at the age of 24. Im glad to hear that you changed your life. And I wish you all the best in your future journey.
Take Care,
Tina
December 15th, 2009 at 11:06 am
God bless you,Robert. Your not alone in taking the wrong road,in the beginning. For some of us,it seems human nature. Until,we get to a point where we cry out to God….Help us!! Its the inner peace that only HE can give,that will keep us going and inspire others.
May you have a good Christmas and keep the faith.
January 12th, 2010 at 8:09 pm
Thank you for sharing your story and becoming such an inspiration to so many. It’s just proof that no matter how bad your situation is or what you’ve done, God will always pick you up, dust you off and make you new again. God Bless.
January 23rd, 2010 at 7:10 am
Dear Robert, Have good courage in God, every moment of your life. What He has started in you He will achieve it He promised it in His Word and I personnaly has made that experience so often in my life.
January 25th, 2010 at 10:56 pm
Dear Robert
Thanks so much for sharing your story. It is a story of conquering the pain of one’s past, to find a brand new day. God bless, Orite.
February 16th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
Hey Rob–My goodness its been a long time! I read your story–And all I can say is wow–Not sure you remember me from SJ—But you should cause you use to live with me— IWould like to correspond with you–vicky_techie@hotmail.com—Hit me up…
February 25th, 2010 at 2:16 am
WOW Robert. You have an amazing story and you lead by example and by faith alone!BLESSINGS!