- Winnipeg Free Press Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
MAJOR JAMIE RYAN CHRISTOPHER VERMETTE
Born: Oct 10, 1980
Date of Passing: Aug 14, 2016
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryMAJOR JAMIE RYAN CHRISTOPHER VERMETTE Passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 14th, 2016 in his home at Canadian Forces Base Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, at the age of 35 years. Jamie was born in Winnipeg on October 10th, 1980. He grew up and attended school in Charleswood, graduating from Shaftesbury High School in 1998. He attended the University of Winnipeg and graduated with an Honours BA in Philosophy. He married his high-school sweetheart, Lindsay Cleland, in 2003. Lindsay and Jamie immediately applied, and were accepted, into the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme. They spent three years in Sapporo, Japan, and welcomed their first child, Isaac Kai, in 2006 just before returning to Canada. In August of 2007, Jamie accepted a commission into the Royal Canadian Air Force as a Logistics Officer. In 2008, Lindsay and Jamie welcomed their second child, Maya Jane, in Winnipeg. Lieutenant Vermette's first tour of duty was with Wing Operations at 17 Wing, Winnipeg. In 2010, he was promoted to Captain and transferred to 1 Canadian Air Division Headquarters as an Administration Officer. In 2011, Jamie volunteered to serve six months with Operation Attention in Afghanistan as the G1 Policy Advisor for the Afghan Border Police. He was awarded the General Campaign Star (Southwest Asia) and the Canadian Joint Operations Command's highest commendation for his exceptional dedication to the multi-national mission in Kabul before returning to Winnipeg in 2012. In 2014, Jamie was posted to 440 Squadron in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, as the Squadron Adjutant. After a highly successful tour and early promotion to Major, he was posted to 15 Wing, Moose Jaw, as the Wing Administration Officer. At the time of his passing, he was also working on a Masters of Business Administration degree. Jamie was first and foremost a loving husband, a devoted father, and a passionate and caring family man. Jamie loved the arts. He was a gifted actor, a visionary director and he loved every aspect of Community Theater. He was an exceptional writer, both creatively and professionally. Jamie brought his unique perspective and compassionate nature to both his professional and personal life, inspiring the lives of every person he met. He inspired his children from a very early age, reading them great works of literature every night before bed. He shared his joy of artistic expression, showing them how to paint, and create amazing Halloween costumes and projects using only cardboard, hot glue, plaster, and paint. In the Vermette household, Halloween was a month long extravaganza. Nothing made Jamie happier than spending summers at Falcon Lake, Manitoba, filling Bay 4 completely full of Vermettes. Waterskiing and evenings around the fire were important family traditions for him. Jamie cared deeply for his community and the world, volunteering with Scouts Canada and Canadian Crossroads International. He filled his garage full of popcorn and raised thousands of dollars for the Yellowknife cub scouts. He was a hopeless romantic and loved to surprise his wife with decorated cars, treasure hunts, and beautifully written poetry. Jamie was predeceased by his maternal grandmother, Cleo Grande, with whom he shared a special relationship. He is survived by his wife, Lindsay; his son, Isaac; his daughter, Maya, his parents, George and Sally Vermette (Winnipeg); his brothers, Greg (Jen), Jeff (Ashley) and Mike (Becki), numerous nieces and nephews, his extended family, and friends and colleagues who were very special to him. He was, simply put, a great man, gone too soon, and sorely missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing him. A formal military funeral for Major Vermette will be held at 17 Wing, Winnipeg, on Monday, August 22nd at 10:30 a.m., with a reception to follow at the 17 Wing Officers Mess. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Hero Fund. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday August 22, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at 17 Wing, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Captain Linda Tomlinson-Seebach and Reverend Peter Bush will officiate. Interment will take place at St. Charles Cemetery. In living memory of Jamie, a memorial planting will be made by W. J. Jones & Son Funeral Home. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries). "We do not need magic to transform our world. We carry all the power we need inside ourselves already. We have the power to imagine better." J.K. Rowling. Blake Seebach - Funeral Director W. J. Jones & Son Ph. 306-693-4644
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 20, 2016
Condolences & Memories (17 entries)
-
We met Jamie at 17 years old, our daughter Lindsay had just started her new school (Shaftesbury High) after a move from England. I remember meeting him at the door on there first date, our dog Sebastian immediately fell in love with this young man; that was the beginning our beautiful relationship with Jamie. I always knew he was destined for greatness and would be a wonderful husband and father (he did not disappoint). We will miss him so very much, and we make a promise to Lindsay Isaac and Maya to help them through their grief as they proceed into their future. - Posted by: Bill and Judy Cleland (Jamie's mother and father in laws) on: Sep 01, 2016
-
I'm so sorry for your loss, Lindsay - Posted by: Miss Denny (Maya and Isaac's music teacher) on: Aug 24, 2016
-
Some people you meet in your life will never be forgotten. Jamie was one of those people, his personality and laughter made the days brighter and life more fun. It is special to meet someone like this in your life, who made you laugh in the hard times and even years later the memories continue to make you smile. To a childhood friend, that was a son of a wonderful family, a husband, and father. He was a friend to many people, a life gone too soon. Jamie was special to us all, thankful for the time we had. I am sorry for the loss. Rest easy my friend. - Posted by: Steven Vienneau (Friend) on: Aug 22, 2016
-
My condolences to the family - Posted by: Ron Giesbrecht (friend from Air Liquid) on: Aug 22, 2016
-
Yvonne and I would like to extend our condolences to Lindsay, the Vermette and Cleland family. Jamie was a kind man and exceptional Officer. I will never forget his professionalism and warm smile. No doubt, he will be sorrowly missed. - Posted by: LCol (Ret'd) Chris and Yvonne Bullis (Neighbour and former 1CAD colleague ) on: Aug 22, 2016
-
My sincerest condolences to Jamie's family, especially to Lindsay, Isaac, and Maya. I had the great pleasure to work with Jamie from 2010-2012 in Winnipeg. His professionalism, compassion, and care shone through in everything that he did. He found the perfect balance in life and lived it to the fullest, grabbing every opportunity and making the most of every situation. He was truly a special person. I wish you peace. - Posted by: Jocelyn van Diepen (Work Colleague (former CO 1 CAD HQ)) on: Aug 22, 2016
-
I worked for a few years with, then, Captain Vermette. I enjoyed strolling by his office for a quick "hello" and a chat, usually lasted longer if the conversation had to do with Halloween and what projects he was working on. He was such a friendly and out going person to have among us. He will be truly missed. Caroline - Posted by: CAROLINE SPELLMAN (FORMER CO-WORKER) on: Aug 22, 2016
-
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your son Jamie. We will always remember him from the family get-togethers at Falcon Lake when he was a teenager. Although we are unable to attend the funeral because we are at our daughter's in Windsor, our hearts are with you in this difficult time. Remember that he will always walk besides you. Our love and sympathies to you George & Sally, as well as to Jamie's wife and two children. We also want to extend our condoleances to Greg, Jeff and Mike. - Posted by: Gilbert & Lise (Cousins) on: Aug 22, 2016
-
Jamie you will be missed. You always greeted me with a smile and a positive word. Lyndsay my heart goes out to you, Issac and Maya as well as all your families. I am so sorry for your loss. I feel honoured to have known Jamie. Hugs to you. - Posted by: Lorna Brown (17 Wing work) on: Aug 21, 2016
-
So very sorry for you all.... - Posted by: Joe and Jacquie Gillis (Family Friends ) on: Aug 21, 2016
-
To the family, Jamie was a great guy. I have very fond memories of him as a kid in Falcon Lake. So terribly sorry for your loss, Natalie - Posted by: Natalie Grondin (nee Trudeau) (old friend! ) on: Aug 21, 2016
-
Our heartfelt condolences & thoughts of peace and courage to the Vermette families. Sending a special bouquet to Lindsay & children, Sally, George, Mike & Becki. We remember fond memories at various Vermette events. Remember the loving memories to forever hold in your "hearts" For every wave that touches the shore, may Jamie's heartbeat be felt within your hearts. May God grant you strength & courage in the days ahead. "To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under Heaven" With our heartfelt love. Ed & Linda Derksen. - Posted by: Linda & Ed Derksen (Jamie was a brother to our son-in-law, Mike Vermette, our daughter, Becki. ) on: Aug 21, 2016
-
Rest easy buddy. - Posted by: Michael Tkach (former classmate) on: Aug 21, 2016
-
Jamie was a amazing creative person and a true friend! throughout school he was always there if you needed him. Something that will always remind me of Jamie was love for the comic book spawn he would spend hours drawing the different pictures from the book and would the dream to create his own comic book. Jamie you will be missed. And I would like to send my condolences to the vermette family - Posted by: Brian jacob (Junior high school and high school friend) on: Aug 21, 2016
-
So very sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Tom and Lisa Shmon () on: Aug 20, 2016
-
Dear Sally , George, and Family We are holding you close in our heart, and in thought, wishing We can ease your pain. Jaime, shared his full life , but lost it too soon. May good memories help keep you strong. With Deepest Sympathy.......John and Caroline Steele - Posted by: Caroline & John Steele (Friends of Sally and George) on: Aug 20, 2016
-
So sorry to hear about your loss; such an amazing young man. He is resting in peace in a much better place. - Posted by: Claude & Adele Vermette (cousins) on: Aug 20, 2016