Jon, I will always remember the times we laughed together, talked together, played with each other and invited one another to each other’s homes (for birthday parties, sleepovers, parties etc.), where we would play video games like Donkey Kong Country, or play sports like ping-pong.

I will never forget your smile, your funny sense of humor, how nice you, your brother, Joey, and your family were, especially when we went to have popcorn chicken during a hockey game.

I will never forget how much fun it was to have met you back in 2017, after all these years (and meet up with Robert and the rest of the guys). Though we might’ve been different culturally, we will always be friends, no matter what.

Jon,

I knew you when we were younger, but had not seen you in many years, you were such a bright light and I have so many found memories of all of us together as Kids. Our Fathers had worked together and I was friends with your older Brother, but you were the type of younger Brother everyone wanted to have around, you had a wisdom most younger Kids didn’t possess and I know that would have led into adulthood. You could keep a room of Kids years older than you laughing for hours, because you possessed an understanding of this world not everyone sees.

I too have battled Heath Issues because of a History of Childhood Concussions, I know what it’s like to feel broken, to be a deep thinker, but be unable to fully execute your thoughts or also to overthink or act on things you normally wouldn’t have. When the Brain becomes damaged it builds nerve centers around the trauma, so it becomes harder to think as succinctly. For someone of your level of intelligence and real world knowledge that becomes almost impossible to deal with (I know this from first hand experience as well).

I know your mind is working right again now, I’m glad I got to know you when your mind was sharp, I’m sorry your Brain let you down, like mine seems to be as well. Hopefully we can meet again someday.

All the best to your Family. You all made my Childhood Special.

Mark

My Friend Jon.

This is a tribute to my dear friend. A final chance to extract the gold that has dulled with years and time, to turn my mind, one final time in thought and and deference to my friend Jon.

Upon one fateful autumn day, when football had a certain smell and yellow leaves meant time for fun, I meet my friend Jon. A little hyperbole is a dangerous thing, but never before nor ever since, have I met someone who was funnier than my friend Jon. He was a magician, a sorcerer and an alchemist. Jon had the gift of transformation. With Jon, the mundane became sublime.

What type of person do you have to be to dribble with glee to your brother about the red-headed boy who is the funniest person you’ve ever met? Who can take four walls of detention and turn them into a gladiators arena, who take can take a computer keyboard and turn it into a battlefield of mines and trap doors, who can take a pencil and turn it into helicopter, who makes me laugh so hard during a movie that other theatre goers get up and leave? My friend Jon. No smartphone, no Snapchat, no filters, no problem. While the youth of today scroll and swipe, Jon unhinged and let fly his imagination. Like fire meeting gasoline, him and I.

Bravado and court jester antics were never part of his act. He kept his gift hidden, and revealed it on a personal level. So gentle, yet so powerful. Did you ever hear him yell? Did he ever have a mean word to say about anyone? Make his parents proud, treat everyone with respect.

For 5 years I experienced more joy, more laughter and more glee than I’ve experienced before or since. I never knew Jon past high-school and even in our final year of high school his path and mine already irreconcilable. Our relationship is thus strangely preserved, fossilized. Intact and untainted by the entropy of time and sickness. Sitting at the back of the class, trying to stifle our laughter, tears running down our eyes, is how I will always remember you.

You were loved. Your parents and brother and family and friends all loved you. I loved you. And I miss you. My friend Jon. RIP. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oA1j9MPXLes

Rest peacefully Jon. I’ll never forget your adventurous spirit, our thoughtful conversations, your ability to connect with people or how sometimes you would just do or say the most random things and have everyone laughing hysterically. You will be greatly missed my friend, but I know that you’ll just be a fond memory away whenever we need something to smile about.

Jon boy, was not only an amazing individual but a brilliant man and friend. To call Jon my friend is an understatement I considered him family. We hen we lived together we shared so many awesome memories as well as our trip to Oregon and NorCal. Jon had the most amazing imagination and was an absolute stud to travel with. He was full of spunk, great energy, overflowing with endless amount of ideas and adventures. I’ll never forget the countless times Jon would come out of left field with the most hilarious jokes and one liners!!!

Jon I love you so much bro, words will never be able to express the impact you’ve had on my life and growth through my own adventures. You will so deeply be missed and absolutely never forgotten.

To Jon's family and friends....may we find peace in his resting. God Bless you Jon

Devastated is an understatement. I’ll never forget you, you helped shape me into who I am. You were always there to listen, laugh uncontrollably, be ridiculously goofy and have heart to hearts. Can’t wait to see you again Yon. I Love you and I’ll miss you until we meet again ♥️

Karen, Wayne, and Joe, and all who are impacted by this loss, my heart goes out to you. May you receive comfort and strength in the coming days. My deep condolences.

Jon was one of my best friends growing up as a child. Of all my friends, he was always the most kind and had the biggest heart. I always looked up to Jon, and because of him, I am the person I am today. Thank you Jon for all your kindness, compassion, and memories. Running into you from time to time as adults was always a pleasure as we would catch up on life and discuss our adventures. You always had that spirit that would inspire me to get out and do more good in this world. Lord knows we need more of it. May you live on forever in my mind, and our hearts. Until we meet again brother....Thank you for all that you taught me.

Jon is a beautiful piece of my soul and I am so lucky to have gotten to grow up with him, call him my cousin, friend, and even roommate. From fishing with marshmallows under an over pass, to falling asleep under the Christmas tree with him and Joe, hoping to get a glimpse of Santa, to random deep conversations as adults. The world will be a little dimmer without you. All My Love to Uncle Wayne, Auntie Karen, and Joe.

Ritchie family, I am thinking about you so much. I hope that memories of his laughter, kindness and talent bring you comfort now and forever. Sending you all love.

I had the privilege of meeting Jon as an impossibly tiny baby, the day after he was born. He grew into a sweet-faced little boy, who I always thought looked like the perfect blend of his mum’s and dad’s best features. I didn’t know Jon as a man, and I’m sorry for that. I do know that he was special and that he was cherished. My heart is with you, Karen, Wayne, and Joe.