JON DAVID ALEXANDER JONASSON

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JON DAVID ALEXANDER JONASSON March 3, 1964 - August 16, 2005 It is difficult to express the depth of our sorrow in this announcement of Jon's untimely passing at his Vancouver home, due to natural causes. Jon was born in Winnipeg, of both Icelandic and Ukrainian parentage: his grandfather Dr. Gregory Novak was the first Ukrainian national to graduate from medical school (McGill) in Canada. Jon went to school in East Kildonan and lived on Bredin Drive until he was 20. At the age of eight he was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. Even before this complicated his life Jon was blessed with an infectious, unwavering joie de vivre; he refused to be defined by his disability and often challenged its limitations. In light of this he was a man of amazing luck, partly because he had a remarkable ability to make friends wherever he went. His approach to life was always creative and full of candour; after a brief sojourn at RRCC for a Motor Vehicle Mechanic Diploma, Jon pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Hons) degree at the University of Manitoba (1990) with a thesis in painting. Awarded an A.I.C.A. Summer Studio, he continued his studies in New York City. Jon was adventurous and it was this spirit that led him to Toyokawa, Japan, primarily teaching English during 1992 and 1993. When he returned to Canada he landed in Vancouver and stayed there for several days before returning to Winnipeg. This was his first real experience of the city that became his home in 1998. Kitsilano was his neighbourhood: he will be missed there, described by many as gentle, kind, and full of compassion. He championed the underdog, at times quite literally: in 2000 he began to volunteer for the Vancouver SPCA, dog exercise and outdoor activities. Jon loved life in general and dogs in particular, family pooches - Alberta, Sammy, Damian, and Scruffy - were always attracted to his playful demeanour. However, more than anything, he loved being Uncle Jon to his niece Devon and nephew Dylan: he had that spark of ingenuity that children intuitively respond to with joy and respect; always an artist, he understood the seriousness of play. Jon maintained his interest in art, although his sense of it would include a panoply: playing guitar in his younger years and maintaining an interest in music; volunteering as a board member of various Winnipeg galleries, most notably Plug-In from 1995 until he left town; avid reading that subsequently led to some writing; and his Kawasaki Bessie , an ongoing work in progress. Jon had an innate mechanical ability and it was from this that he most often derived his livelihood. In both Winnipeg and Vancouver he worked as a bicycle mechanic, inspired by his love of cycling. Although he enjoyed problem-solving for its own sake - he was very meticulous and had an admirable work ethic - helping his customers find appropriate solutions was what gave him satisfaction. Unfortunately, there is little room for altruism in the business world. Jon was aware of the imperfect fit: he was well on his way to finding a more suitable path. We all grieve the loss of the future he so desired and deserved to live. Jon was predeceased by his father Dr. Harold David in 1970 and by his brother Peter Gordon in 1982. Left to cherish him are his mother Nadia; siblings, Harold (Patti Tillapaugh), Louise (Dennis Faraci), Robert (Dorothy Todd), Marianne (her children Devon and Dylan Arthur) and their father Gord; cousin David (son Eric); extended family and many friends. In lieu of flowers, a donation to any charitable cause that would honour Jon's memory would be gratefully appreciated. A private internment at Elmwood Cemetery has already occurred. Memorial will be held at: 4:00 p.m. Saturday, September 10 161 Lipton Street at Westminster Winnipeg, Manitoba

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 10, 2005