Peter Tsamanis remembers his son as a quiet and loyal individual.
The owner of Newmarket’s Ridesafe Motorcycle Training, Tsamanis said his son, Branden, would go out of his way to help a stranger.
“That’s why he enjoyed motorcycle training,” Tsamanis said, noting Branden was an instructor. “It left him being able to give, and I think that’s what he enjoyed more than anything else.”
The community is mourning the tragic passing of the 30-year-old in a collision with a pickup truck on Highway 400 between highways 88 and 89 July 29. Tsamanis was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Local riders are planning a convoy in his honour tonight, Aug. 1, at 6:30 p.m., starting from the Upper Canada Mall parking lot where RideSafe operates.
The elder Tsamanis said they formed the school to try to create some change in the training industry.
“We wanted to change the way motorcycle riding was taught,” he said. “We would embrace people in the community, not make it so cold and cut and dry. We wanted to embrace people to make it better. Brandon had the gift to support people, help people.”
One student shared their positive experience about not passing the course on Facebook, and the words that Branden Tsamanis gave.
“As Branden hesitated, deeply, with compassion and poise, told me the news … 'We value your life.’”
A GoFundMe has been started by the family to help with the costs of his untimely departure and to help with his four-year-old daughter’s future schooling. It has raised $8,500 as of July 31.
“Branden will be sorely missed by many, many people he has touched over the years. If you have ever had the opportunity to spend time with Branden you know how big his heart was and how much he loved the people around him,” the GoFundMe said.
The elder Tsamanis said his son had a passion for biking.
“Found a freedom in a motorcycle. I think he felt at home in a motorcycle.”
It is not the only tragic motorcycle death in the area in recent weeks. A Newmarket doctor was also killed in a motorcycle crash July 18 and another East Gwillimbury motorcycle also died in a crash in Georgina a few days later.
