I was a summer student at EnCana with Paddon in 2009. I just found out of the passing of Paddon. I have such pleasant memories of our brief friendship. He had such a kind soul and I remember him often speaking of his family. Deepest condolances to the family.

Dear John, Joni and Family

We are all very sad for your loss. Our families grew up together during those early days in Elbow Park so we feel a strong connection to your family and we share your sorrow.

With Love from all of us

Our heartfelt sympathies to your family… We remember Paddon as an athlete; a good badminton player and a remarkable teenager who possessed a wisdom, strength and courage that very few ever realize. You did not need to know Paddon well to see that he walked to the beat of a different drum and that his journey here was different.

May God hold each and everyone of you close in the midst of this sadness and forever more. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Fondly, Lea, JP, Haleigh and Chelcia

Dear Joni and John,

We were so sad to hear of the death of your son Paddon.

We are out of the country but thinking of you and the family.

Susan and Dawn Sharpe

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, family and relatives,

I was not fortunate enough to have touched Paddon’s life, but I felt moved to write because his obituary touched mine.

I am a retired schoolteacher and live 45 minutes north of Toronto in the small community of Ballantrae. I read of Paddon’s death in the Toronto Globe and Mail.

Please allow me to share my thoughts.

Every once in a while someone very unique comes along and touches countless lives in immeasurable ways. This person is a sign of God’s Presence in everything he / she says and does and, consequently, inspires and motivates others to do/ be the same. Unfortunately, such persons are often only with us for a brief time. It’s quite possible that God has other plans for such special people.

I’m reminded of lines I once read— ” Our earthly lives are filled with ” Whys? Only in God’s Tomorrow the answers lie “. I’m also reminded of the song, ” Angels Among Us ” — ” To be an angel one need not have wings “— ” They are sent down to us from somewhere up above, to show us how to live, to teach us how to give, to guide us with the light of love. ”

I can see and hear God with beaming countenance and outstretched arms as He said to Paddon, ” Come my good and faithful servant and model child. You’ve left a lasting legacy of My Presence”.

Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, mourn as you should, but rejoice that God chose you to be the blessed role models of Paddon’s earthly life and to be blessed by his life; rejoice that he lived his brief life to the fullest and touched so many in doing so, and rejoice as you continue to live your life as Paddon did—with determination and courage—encouraged by that grin and hearty laugh.

Bless You,

Paul Eagan

Stouffville, Ont.

P.S. Every time you look at Duchess, give her a long, long hug to help her recover because I can imagine what she’s going through. I know because I have two dogs of my own, and we love each other to bits! Incidentally, one of them is named Paddy!!

My heart goes out to Paddon’s family. I had the privilege of attending Queen’s with him, and got to know him as we spent hours in various lectures and labs together. Paddon always had a way of turning every situation around so that only the bright side was visible. He was truly a rare individual…so intelligent, so genuine, so kind to everyone around him.

RIP, buddy…you will not be forgotten.

Dear Joni, John, Allison and Shelby,

It was with great sorrow that Lisa, Maxine and I read about Paddon’s passing in the Globe and Mail. We can’t think or talk about Casa Loma without thinking of your family. Paddon made an impression all those years ago (before he reached 6’5″!)and we will always remember his gentle ways.

All our love,

Arlene, Lisa & Maxine Siperko

Dear Joni, John and Family,

We were so deeply saddened to hear the news of Paddon’s passing, please know you are in our thoughts and hearts.

Thinking of you,

Anne and Richard Brightling

Dear Joni,John, Allison and Shelby,

Words can not express the sorrow and pain we feel for the loss of Paddon.

With our deepest sympathy,

Belinda Grootveld

Jerel, Simone and Sophia jarvis

Our thoughts are with your extended family for your tragic loss. He will be greatly missed for the beautiful young person he was.

Dear Joni, John , Allison, Shelby & Family,

I was deeply saddened to hear about the loss of your Paddon. My heartfelt thoughts & prayers are with you all at this sad & difficult time.

I am currently away in Australia.

Fondly & sincerely, Barb, Jesse & Reilly.

We are two of Paddon’s professors from Queen’s who remember him well as a student in Geological Engineering. He was truly a gentle giant, well-liked by profs and fellow students. I recall the fun we had at the Calumet Island mine where he did he fourth year design project. We also had the privilege of meeting his family at a graduate reception in Kingston, and witnessed how proud you were of his accomplishments. We are very sad to hear of your loss.

Dear Joni,

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Kids Cancer Care, please accept our deepest sympathies for you and your entire family. We know what an inspiration Paddon has been in your lives, as well as ours. You are all in our thoughts.

Dear Thompson Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.

Many years ago, Paddon touched our lives. We share his love for Halloween. About 20 years ago, Ginny brought her nephew to our house. Little did Paddon or Ginny know that he was our only trick or treater. My husband & I had made a pact that our first visitor that night would get all the candy, which Paddon did. We have shared

this story with countless folks over the years.

Craig & Brenda Hill

Dear Thompson Family,

We were so saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Paddon. Our sons have such fond memories of playing badminton with and against Paddon at the Glencoe in those early ladder and tournament days. He was a thoughtful, kind young man – always jovial and a pleasure to be in his company. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.

Carey,Barry,Michael,Liam & Molly O’Brien

We are so saddened by the loss of your beloved Paddon. He was a remarkable young man who made the world a better place and will live on in so many hearts.

May you find your way through these tough times to comfort and peace in the knowledge of his gift to you for even this too short time.

Affectionately,

Barb and Mike

Dear Joni and family,

We were so sorry to hear about Paddon. You’ve all travelled a difficult road over the years and Paddon accomplished so much with your love and support. We’re thinking of you and send you our love.

Maureen, Adam and Laura Kammer

To the Thompson Family

Please accept our condolences for the profound loss of your son and brother. I had the pleasure of teaching Paddon in his Geological Engineering degree at Queen’s. I can still see him at the front of Miller 210 presenting the results of his 4th year design project in the Spring of 2010. A gentle giant indeed, with a remarkable calm and cheerfulness.

Vicki Remenda, on behalf of the Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering

Dear Joni, John, Allison and Shelby

We are so saddened for the loss of your son and brother Paddon. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you. We wish you God’s grace in your healing.

Marty and Susan

Joni, John, Allison and Shelby,

We are so very sad to hear about the loss of Paddon. We hope your precious memories will comfort you all during these difficult days ! You are all held in gentle thoughts and prayers! Claudia, Curtis, Chase, Cole and Connor Westersund

Dear Joni, John, Alison and Shelby:

We were so saddened to hear of the loss of your wonderful son, Paddon. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in these most difficult of times.

With deepest sympathy,

Bob and Sue Iverach

Dear John, Joni and family,

So sad to hear about Paddon. We did not know him well but knew how much he meant to you. We wish you all the strength necessary to get through this time. Our thoughts are with you,

Karen and Ian Miller

I taught Paddon in Queen’s Geology. He stood out in class because of his personality: always smiling and friendly; he was so well liked by everyone. News of his death hit hard. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his whole family.

We are so saddened after hearing the news about Paddon and our heartfelt sympathy to John, Joni, Allison and Shelby.

Paddon overcame many obstacles in his young life with the strength and support of his family.

There are no words to say how sorry we are.

Jerry and Maureen

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Thompson family as they find the strength to work through this sad and difficult time.

Gord and Vicki Wagner

Dear Thompson Family

We are so sorry to here of the news about Paddon. He will be greatly missed and there are no words that can express how sorry we are. We are sorry we are unable to attend his celebration of life as we are out of the Country right now. Certainly our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Rob & Joyce Laidlaw

Dear Joni, John, Allison and Shelby,

There are no words to describe how truly saddened we all are to hear about the sudden passing of Paddon. Our heartfelt condolences go out to you all. We will remember him with great fondness as a bright, caring and courageous young boy who grew into a formidable young man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Tina, Peter, Daniel, David, Allison and Katherine

John, Joni, Allison and Shelby,

I am saddened to hear of Paddon’s passing. I remember him as a gentle, smart and kind young man, who cared deeply for his family. I also remember his great sense of humour and his love for the outdoors.

Please know that you are in my thoughts and have my deepest sympathy.

Blayne

Joni, John, Allison and Shelby

My thoughts and prayers are with you …May the memories of the wonderful times you shared with Paddon help to sustain you and bring you peace.

Allie

Paddon spoke as a young graduate at our Queen’s Geology Aluni Reunion last October. He impressed everyone with his enthusiasm and bubbling energy. What a tragedy that the life of such a wondeful young man has been cut far too short. My sincere sympathies to his entire family.

Dear Shelby and Thompson family,

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear Joni, John and family

I was devastated to hear of Paddon’s passing this week. I will always remember him as a gentle, unassuming and warm young man. The tributes at his service today made me smile, laugh and cry. His life was too short but he touched all who knew him. We are all remembering him and thinking about your family at this time.

John, Joni, Shelby and Allison:

Very sorry to hear of your tragic loss. May you find comfort in fond memories and the enduring gifts of an extraordinary son and brother.

Melissa, Julia, and Ashley

Dear Joni, Shelby, Allison and John,

I am very sorry for your loss. Paddon was a lovely boy who showed resilience and courage as a child to grow to be a special young man. Your family provided support and love to accomplish this. Keep strong as a family in his memory.

Dear Jean and family,

So sorry to read of your loss in the Herald. Thinking of you at this difficult time.

Marion (Rath) Peterson (a cousin in the Allison family)

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. The 23 years have passed far too quickly but I know you both have wonderful memories to treasure.

Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult and sad time.

Dear Joni, John and family.

I was so sorry to see Paddon’s obituary in the paper this morning. I immediately remembered images of him in his early swim lesson days, with Joni close by watching his lessons. I can still see Joni’s smile at she watched his antics in the pool. I always admired the manner in which the family pulled together during Paddon’s illness and am truly sorry to hear of his passing.

Dear Joni and John,

We were deeply saddened to hear of Paddon’s passing. We only had the pleasure of meeting him once, but were impressed with how pleasant and friendly he was.

Our thoughts are with you.

Greg and Linda

Our thoughts and prayers are with you John and Joni.

Joni & family,

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your son & brother. I never had the opportunity to know Paddon, but last winter whilst spending many hours in your office surrounded by family photos, I could sense the deep love that you had for each other. Take solace knowing that this same love will carry you through the dark hours.

John, Joni and Family –

I was terribly saddened to hear this news…and will always, always remember Paddon as that amazing little boy with blonde hair, freckles and a wide smile. He brought joy into our classroom every day, and was a tremendous young man who will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him…

My heart is with you all…

-“Miss Chan”

Dear Joni, John & Family,

What a tremendous loss to your family, Paddon’s friends and community. Such a tragedy that a bright light went out way too soon. Our hearts and thoughts are with you.

Jackie & Brendan

Dear Joni, John, Allison and Shelby,

Such an incredible loss to lose your wonderful young son and brother. He fought so many battles in his short life and had so much to give the world. Such a tragedy. Our hearts and our strength goes out to you during these bleak days. With much love. Jane, Marty, Simon, Alexandra, Emily and Samantha Abbott.

Dear John & family, We are saddened by your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

John and Joni, Alison and Shelby

We were so very saddened to hear of your loss of Paddon. He had such a great impact on so many lives in his much too short life. Our hearts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.

Joni, John, Allison, Shelby and family. We were shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Paddon at such a young age. He overcame many obstacles in his young life to become a very acomplished and successful young man whom you could all be very proud of. Please accept our sincere condolences and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult and sad time. Sydney, Gail and Clifford Johnson.

Jacqueline and Family, we are so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute to your nephew. We wanted you to know that you are in our thoughts.

Dr. Lorne, Dr Brad and the Ladies

John and Family, please accept my deep thoughts and prayers for you all at this time.

Patrick Kryczka

Dear, John, Joni, Allison and Shelby

It is with the deepest sorrow that I send you this message on behalf of my family. Paddon was an inspiration and someone I always admired for his strength, determination and truly unforgettable smile. I new him most as a young man full of life, passion and ambition and I am grateful for the way he blessed my life. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult of times.

Joel, Corrie, Malia and Kai Chalifoux

Joni, John, and family. Please be assured that our hearts and thoughts go out to you in such a tragic time. Travis, Laverne and family

John, Joni and family. Words are very hard to come by when parents lose a child. My deepest sympathies, and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.

Take grace in the knowledge that you have many, many friends to lean on for strength and support shall we be called upon.

Rudy van der Borgh, Airdrie

Dear John and Joni;

It seems like only yesterday John was proudly presenting his firstborn to his collegues at Voyager. I cannot imagine the pain you are feeling losing your son Padden. Life is not supposed to happen in that order. In reading about his life it is obvious he had a full and happy one. The kindness in his face is shown, and that is a rarity in this day and age.

With Sincere Sympathy;

Linda (Madore) LeClaire

Shelby and family,

Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. While we never met your brother, in reading the Obituary above, it is obvious that he was a special person! Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Joni and John:

I never read the obituaries but Paddon’s face caught my eye this morning when I was reading the G & M. Maybe it was because he used to sit on my knee when I played Santa at the Petro-Canada Xmas parties. I remember he let out a holler when you first put him on my knee and he did not want anything to do with me. The next year there was no problem.

My heart is with you and John and both of you have my heartfelt sympathy at this very sad and difficult time.

I will remember you all in my thoughts and prayers.

In Deepest Sympathy

Phil Bretzloff, Katie and Joey

Our heartfelt sympathy to John Joni Allison and Shelby. It seems not so long ago when Sabina and Joni were both expecting their first child. How fast time flies and now we see a sudden end to such a young man, Paddon. Our thoughts are with you all. We wish you strength and courage thru this.

Our deepest sympathies.

Love from the Wahl family.

Dear John, Joni, Allison and Shelby,

We are so saddened after hearing the news about Paddon and our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you. It was such a privilege, during our numerous visits at the Outback, to get to know Paddon so much better. What a special young man he was. He truly made an impression as one of those outstanding individuals that one rarely gets to meet throughout one’s life. We will miss him. Our thoughts are with all of you.

Todd, Chris, Tyler, Luke and Sean

Dear Joni and John and Alison and Shelby,

We are so sad to hear of the passing of your wonderful Padden. He was a very special person and a well loved child and brother. This is against the natural order of things. He had a wonderful life, but far too short. There really are no words so say how sorry we are.

With our deepest sympathy,

Ann, Greg, Lauren, Vhari, Michael and Tom

Dear Joni and Family

I am truly sorry to hear about Paddon. My thoughts are with you.

Dear Joni, John, Allison and Shelby,

So very, very sorry to hear the news about Paddon. We know how much he was loved, and how much he’ll be missed. All our love,

Cindy, Jim, Jamie and Sam

We were shocked and desperately saddened to learn of the death of Paddon, your warm and wonderful son and brother. We will always remember his courage, his gentle strength and impish infectious smile.

He will be missed dreadfully by all who knew and loved him.

Dear Mr. and Mrs. McKenzie, and daughters.

I lived next door to Paddon when he moved into our condo. I didn’t get to know him well but each time we met I was struck by his charm, his politeness and especially his great smile. Sometimes, later in the evening, I would listen to him playing his bongo drums and I enjoyed it so much. I cannot express my sorrow at hearing the shocking and very sad news of his death. I just want to join others in expressing my deepest sympathy and to tell you what a great neighbor and young man he was.

Ruth Shapiro

Joni, John & Family: My heartfelt condolences on the loss of your Paddon. My thoughts are with you at this tragic time.

Dear Joni, John, Shelby and Alison,

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. What an incredible tribute you have written about him. Paddon’s life was so full. May you be blessed with the many fond memories of his wonderful personality, adventures, accomplishments and love for you. With our deepest sympathy, Anne, Rick, Geoff and Jennie

Dear Joni, John, Allison and Shelby:

I was so saddened to learn about Paddon’s sudden passing.

I have such fond memories of little Paddon in Grade 7-9, with his huge smile, his humble demeanour, and his desire to always be the best he could be. He had a perspective on life that was admired by all that knew him. He was a role model for his peers and a pleasure to teach! I will always remember him as a courageous young man!

I wish you you all strength during this sad sad time. All the best,

Karyn Mitchell, Vancouver

So sorry to hear of your loss. The right words don’t come at a time like this , but please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and Joni this week. John & Jocelyne Duerksen

Dear Joni, John, Allison and Shelby,

We are all deeply saddened by the news of Paddon’s death, and our thoughts and prayers are with you. We have fond memories of Paddon’s captivating smile, his warmth, charm and enthusiastic approach to each new challenge: from the soccer field as a youngster to the launch of his engineering career in the oilpatch.

Please know we are here to help in any way we can in this difficult time.

Dear Thompson family,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Paddon; I wish I had had the opportunity to know him, but having known you and Shelby in particular, I know how much he was loved and what an incredible young man he was. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

With love,

Andrea Weber

It was devastating to hear about Paddon’s death. I was always impressed by the courage and fortitude Paddon demonstrated while dealing with the surgeries and other treatments he navigated to overcome his brain tumor. This was undoubtedly made possible in a significant part because of strong family bonds and family support. It was also most gratifying to see how much Paddon made of his life as a young man. I can but barely comprehend the impact his loss has created for family and friends. My deepest condolences.

Joni, John

Our deepest sympathies to you, Allison and Shelby.

Unfortunately we will not be back in the country until Monday so will not be able to attend Paddons memorial. Our thoughts will be with you.

Allan and Linda

Dear Joni, John, Allison and Shelby,

Paddon was a favorite of ours for all the reasons you already know – his kindness,his vitality,his compassion and his courage, just to name a few. You gave him extraordinary love and support, and he gave that back to you and all of us. To know him was to adore him. We know you shall miss him dearly, as will we, and our hearts go out to you.

Dear Joni, John, Allison and Shelby,

Paddon was such an extraordinary young man. He showed us all what true courage and grace is. We are thinking of you at this difficult time. May your souls find peace and comfort during the days and months ahead.

Dear Joni, John, Allison and Shelby,

We were heartbroken to hear of your loss. Paddon was an amazing young man who lived his life to the fullest. He was an inspiration to all who knew him. His smile was infectious. Our thoughts are with you.

Joni and John, Allison and Shelby. Our hearts are breaking for you all. Words can’t express but actions will. In all your family has done through the years for Paddon and his friends who were also going through cancer. His memory will live on through your family, Paddon’s many friends and the love you have expressed to your community. We wish that we could hug you all and make the pain go away. We are so very sad for you and hope that your journey is a gentle one. In love and friendship. Chris and Ric McIver

Dear Joni, John, Allison, Shelby and Duchess,

We are so sad at the loss of such an amazing person. Paddon climbed mountains that none of us could ever imagine doing; let alone at such a young age. We loved his smile, his compassion and his determination. He will be missed beyond belief!

Our thoughts are with each of you!

Love, Kathy, Brent, Scott and Daniel.

Dear Shelby,

I never had the honour of meeting your big brother but I know he was a true inspiration. I’ll be thinking of you and your family after all these years and wishing you strength in the years to come.