Jamie Bramburge Pembroke Death – The Algonquin College community and the city of Pembroke are grieving the sudden loss of Jamie Bramburger, a beloved leader, educator, and advocate who passed away on March 11. Jamie, who served as the long-time manager of community and student affairs and was currently the interim dean of Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus, leaves behind a legacy of dedication, kindness, and unwavering commitment to his community.
In a heartfelt message, Algonquin College President and CEO Claude Brule announced Jamie’s passing with profound sadness, calling the news “heartbreaking.”
“This news comes as a devastating shock, leaving all who knew Jamie filled with grief and sorrow,” Brule shared. “His deep passion for Algonquin College and his beloved hometown of Pembroke was evident in everything he did. Jamie was a dedicated leader, a cherished colleague, and a tireless advocate for education and community. His loss will be deeply felt by many.”
The news of Jamie’s passing has sent ripples of shock and sadness throughout Renfrew County and beyond. On social media, former executive director of the Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce expressed what many are feeling, writing, “I am in shock. I can’t believe it.”
Brule encouraged the college community to lean on one another during this difficult time. “In the meantime, I encourage us all to lean on one another during this difficult time. We are stronger together, and in this moment of collective sorrow, it is important that we support each other,” he wrote.
Classes at the Pembroke Campus were canceled on March 12 as the community began to process the loss, but the campus remained open to provide counseling and support for students and staff. Flags at the college and all municipal buildings in Pembroke were lowered to half-mast in Jamie’s honor. The City of Pembroke also announced that city council will observe a moment of silence at their March 18 meeting to pay tribute to Jamie’s lifetime of contributions.
“Jamie Bramburger was an extraordinary individual whose dedication to our community knew no bounds,” said Pembroke Mayor Ron Gervais. “His leadership, passion, and kindness touched so many lives, and his passing leaves a void that will not soon be filled. On behalf of the City of Pembroke, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Jamie’s family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy will continue to inspire us.”
Jamie’s connection to Pembroke and Algonquin College ran deep. A lifelong resident of the Upper Ottawa Valley, he joined the college over 25 years ago after a career in broadcast journalism. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in numerous initiatives, including the construction of the Waterfront Campus, expanding bursary and scholarship programs to support students in financial need, and overseeing campus enrollments. He had previously served as interim dean in 2019 and was fulfilling the role again at the time of his passing.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jamie was a devoted community volunteer. He was recently honored at the Ontario government’s Volunteer Awards for 35 years of service with organizations such as Cogeco Community Television, the Upper Ottawa Valley Physician Recruitment Committee, and the Pembroke Economic Development Advisory Committee. As chair of the latter, he helped lead projects like the Business Retention and Expansion Project and the Economic Development Marketing Plan.
Jamie was also a passionate advocate for local sports and culture. He authored two books, *Go Kings Go! A Century of Lumber Kings Hockey* and *Sudden Impact — The Almonte Train Wreck of 1942*, and was well-known as the play-by-play voice of the Pembroke Lumber Kings on YourTV. His love for hockey and his hometown shone through in everything he did.
In addition to his work in sports, Jamie co-founded the Jason Blaine Charity Concert and Golf Tournament, which has raised over $1,000,000 for local organizations. His commitment to giving back was unmatched, and his efforts have left a lasting impact on the community.
Jamie’s contributions extended to the written word as well. He wrote a monthly column titled *Careers and College* for the *Pembroke Observer and News* for over a decade and shared his love of sports through frequent columns in the early 2000s. He also covered local baseball and fastball, including the Ottawa Valley Baseball League and the Micksburg Twins.
The outpouring of grief and tributes on social media reflects the profound impact Jamie had on those around him. Jayne Brophy, manager of the Pembroke Mall, wrote, “I am in total shock. Jamie was the epitome of the Ottawa Valley … he loved his home … he put his heart and soul into everything that he did.”
The Pembroke Lumber Kings shared their sorrow, stating, “The Pembroke Lumber Kings are shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Jamie Bramburger. The voice of your Kings on @yourtvov for many years and even authored a book about their storied history. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bramburger family and all those who had the privilege of knowing, chatting, and working alongside Jamie.”
Trevor Riley, a producer at YourTV Ottawa Valley, posted, “Devastated. Jamie has been a big part of my life through my work and as a friend. Can’t believe it. My thoughts are with his family.”
The Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce also paid tribute, writing, “Jamie has made an indelible mark on the character of our community. Rest in peace, friend.”
Jamie Bramburger’s sudden passing has left a void in the hearts of many, but his legacy of service, leadership, and love for his community will endure. As the Pembroke Observer and News expressed in their statement, “We extend our deepest sympathy to the Bramburger family, and Jamie’s innumerable friends and colleagues. We will have more on the passing of Jamie Bramburger in the coming days.”
For now, the community mourns the loss of a remarkable individual whose life was a testament to the power of dedication, kindness, and unwavering love for one’s home. Jamie Bramburger will be deeply missed, but his impact will continue to inspire and uplift those who knew him. Rest in peace, Jamie.