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Fundraising concert Nov. 2 to benefit grieving Surrey family

Mom dies suddenly, leaving three children and her partner behind.
17450surreykolins-rylanderFamilySurrey
Mike Kolins

She died suddenly last month, leaving behind her partner of 10 years and three kids.

Brandi Rylander was just 36.

She was at home and had been exchanging text messages with her common-law husband Mike Kolins, who was on a ferry. She suddenly stopped replying to his texts. As time passed, he became concerned and phoned his mom, who went over to the house and found Rylander unconscious.

“She just went for a nap and didn’t wake up,” said Jason Kolins, Mike’s brother.

He said the preliminary autopsy was inconclusive, and the family is awaiting further tests to determine a cause of death. She didn’t have any known serious health problems and wasn’t on any medications.

In the meantime, everyone is pitching in to help the grieving husband care for the children – a son who’s 14 and two daughters aged six and four.

Fortunately, Jason and Mike and their respective families live in the same house on 10 acres in Port Kells, and their mom and aunt live next door, so they’re all close by.

“The support we’ve had from friends and everyone has been overwhelming,” said Jason.

Still, he said, it’s turned their world upside down.

To help his brother and the children out, Jason has planned a fundraising concert in Surrey Nov. 2. The show will feature five punk/metal bands, including Legion of Goons, Remember the Lite-Brite?, Night Terrors and Old Man Strength.

The fifth band, W.D.C., was one Mike and Jason formed as pre-teens and which lasted about 10 years, with different members. The band hasn’t played a show in more than 15 years.

“They’re reuniting for that show,” said Jason.

Funds will be raised through $12 admission, as well as a silent auction featuring jewelry, CDs, and gift certificates for a tattoo shop and Bosley’s pet store (where Mike works).

The event takes place at Olympia Pizza, 10257 King George Blvd., on Saturday, Nov. 2. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets at the door.

A trust fund has also been set up at CIBC for Michael Kolins and Children (#410 64-49638) and donations can be made at any branch.