Condolence From: Rennie Regehr
Condolence: Hello dear friends.
We have all been deeply affected by the devastating news of Jonah’s death. His life touched so many in such profound ways. His joyous spirit and deep soulfulness has impacted us all.
Jonah lived his life authentically and embraced it all with energy and commitment, celebrating the miracle that he saw in all of life around him with joy; also facing the pain, the ambiguity, the questions and contradictions where answers were elusive or obscure. And all the while his generous, self-giving spirit contributed in so many ways to so many; The kids in Orkidstra and at CHEO, the guys at the Ottawa Mission and the folks on the street who heard him busking.
We all have been enriched by his life in a unique way. He related to each of us in our own language, our own vocabulary, ’currency’ and sensibility - his communicative spirit which was highlighted in the obituary. With the passion and integrity that he himself embodied, Jonah invited, compelled, and sometimes prodded us, into joining him in a fearless engagement, a courageous wrestling with the whole of life - its sacred wonder as well as all of its paradox and confliction.
He will always inspire us to live authentically and boldly, encouraging us to engage new challenges and hurdles with courage and joy. We were blessed to have walked with him for a time, and are grateful to have been embraced by the radiance of his light and love. Jonah shared his heart with us, and his life will be an onging gift to us all.
Friday September 29, 2017
Condolence From: Elvina Fernandes
Condolence: It was in the year 2013 that I met Jonah and played in the same viola section as him. We even shared a stand for a smaller piece we had to play and laughed at many many jokes as we rehearsed with the NYOC's collaboration with the INYO. I won't be able to forget someone so brilliantly talented,musical, kind and funny. This world can be stifling to a large and expansive spirit like that of Jonah's. I only knew him so very briefly and yet he is a musician and person I will never forget.
Rest In Peace dear Jonah. I pray that your family , loved ones and friends may find the courage and support that they need to overcome their grief and get to the point where they can be grateful for having you in their lives, knowing that you are one in a million. Your light will shine bright and every time I see someone playing the Viola, and singing at the same time, I will think of you, you beautiful spirited boy!
Thursday September 28, 2017
Condolence From: Neal Gripp
Condolence: To the family of Jonah,
I write to you to pass on my sincerest condolences. I was so deeply saddened to learn of Jonah's passing. It was a great pleasure to work with him in my capacity as viola teacher/coach at the NYOC. In addition to his prodigious talent, he brought a wonderfully unique perspective in all that he did and his friendly and appealing personality was well-liked by the viola class. He will be deeply missed.
Neal Gripp
Principal Viola
l'orchestre symphonique de Montreal
Tuesday September 26, 2017
Condolence From: Jane Staples
Condolence: Deepest Condolences on your loss.
Monday September 25, 2017
