Michael “Mynki” James Brennan
October 15, 2024
Peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, Michael “Mynki” James Brennan passed away on October 15th, 2024 in London, Ontario, shortly after celebrating his 50th birthday.
Forever loved by partner, Tanya Deaville; and stepson, Miles Carter. Proudly remembered by his parents, Joan and Terrance; his sister, Mary; and his uncle, Bill. Fondly remembered by Elaine, Jason & Kim; best friend, Justin; family dog, Lulu; several friends and extended family.
Born in Nepean, Ontario, Michael displayed a natural talent at a very young age when it came to drawing. Throughout his life it was not uncommon to find Mynki with a pencil and sketchbook in hand, honing his illustration skills. Initially, he completed an education in Graphic Design at Algonquin College, and later returned to the same school to pursue a diploma in Animation.
Not too long after graduation, Mynki moved to London, Ontario to begin his career as an artist at Digital Extremes (DE). Here, his talent stood out and he quickly became the Art Director on a few of the company’s projects. In 2012, Mynki was given the opportunity at DE to work with a small team to develop the artistic style and art direction for the video game, Warframe. His ability to dream up truly weird, wonderful creatures and worlds helped the project become a great success for the studio. Mynki’s work on Warframe was his professional crowning accomplishment where his ideas, influence and artwork can still be found to this day. In 2016, he left DE to pursue his own interests and happily illustrated two book covers for Hardcore Gaming’s guides to shmups and also took time to create a cute, little indie game called “Animals in Buildings”.
Michael was a brilliant, humble artist with a gentle and kind soul. He loved video games – mainly shmups, RPGs and retro platformers. He voraciously read any art book, comic or graphic novel that piqued his interest, and he loved listening to music. In Mynki’s memory, we invite you to take some time to look at a handful of the things that inspired him most: Artists Moebius, Katsuya Terada and Takayuki Takeya; Novelist Gene Wolfe; and his favourite movies “The Thing”, “Alien” and most Studio Ghibli films.
Michael had a quiet resolve which allowed him to valiantly fight a battle against cancer for the past several years. We would like to thank Dr. Vincent’s team at LHSC and Dr. Achtar & Rosalyn for keeping Michael comfortable during this time, as it gave him the chance to pursue his passions right up until the very end.
Cremation has been entrusted to Northview Funeral Chapel with plans for a small, family gathering to take place at a later date.
Leave a tribute for Michael “Mynki” James Brennan
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My condolences to Mynki's loved ones. Mynki has reached millions of people all over the world through his art, he will forever be part of those lives he touched. A positive influence for so, so many. Rest in peace, Mynki.
I'm very sad to hear about Mynkis passing. He was a wonderful talent and a lovely person. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
Thank you for everything, the look of Warframe is the most unique thing in the industry.
My Condolences to Mynki's friends and family. I've been a big fan of his art and the worlds he created in Warframe it won't be the same without him.
My condolences to Mynki’s family and loved ones, I had the pleasure of working with him for many years and always loved talking with him about his art and inspirations, and will never forget the custom ring design he re-made when my partner at the time had lost her original. He always went beyond in everything he did. He was truly one of the kindest people you could ever have the pleasure of being around, I will miss that quiet laugh and subtle smirk.
Our deepest condolences to Tanya and Miles, family and friends. Not only was Mynki a wonderful artist that helped build the foundation of DE; but he was a quiet thoughtful, friendly person with a kind smile when ever we met. Always there for guidance and help when needed. His skill was unmatched and was a core pillar on the team. Although he moved on from DE his fingerprints will last forever. Karen and I were blessed to have known him. Mike and Karen Janes
I will always remember Mynki as a someone who was humble and welcoming and I appreciated how someone so soft-spoken could carry such a large... pencil/stylus. Condolences to his family. I will take time to reflect and appreciate how powerful and far-reaching his influence is in our shared world of games.
~ Andrejs Verlis