Jonny was a cherished son, beloved brother, and generous, loyal friend.   He was born on February 10, 1985 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and lost his two year battle with mental illness on July 1, 2005 at his family’s cabin in Arch Cape, Oregon.  Although he faced his new disability with courage and strength, it ultimately robbed him of his bright and promising future and, finally, his precious life.

This cruel disease slowly eroded his confidence, but it did not diminish his bravery or stamina.  It bestowed upon him a quiet compassion for the suffering of others as he struggled to come to grips with the gradual loss of most of his hopes and dreams.  Throughout the challenges he faced, Jonny continued to live well, live fully, be bold and strong, and to stand up for his principles and loved ones.

Jonny grew up in Lake Oswego, Oregon where he nurtured life-long friendships through soccer, baseball, wrestling, and lacrosse.  He attended Army and Navy Academy in Carlsbad, CA in 2001-2. After  returning home and graduating from Lakeridge High School in 2003, he attended Utah State University where he was studying aviation engineering, enjoying the thrill of piloting aircraft and playing lacrosse for the Aggies.

His family gratefully acknowledges the gifts of love bestowed upon him by so many:  the Clayton and the Rose families for opening up their arms, hearts and homes to Jonny in times of joy and sorrow; to his sweet young friends whose broken hearts continued to offer unconditional love in spite of his withdrawal and confusing decline; to his old soccer mates who never wavered in their trust of his skills by recently inviting him to guard the goal for them one last time.  It is fitting that he played his final tournament with the friends that began this exciting journey with him so long ago.

Jonny is in a good land once again.   Kia Kaha. 

'Kia Kaha' is an expression in the Maori language meaning 'stay strong.'  It is used as encouragement when the going gets tough.  This phrase was adopted as a battle cry by Jonny's lacrosse teammates at Lakeridge High School.


Jonny is survived by his parents, Rich and Michele, sister Kirsten, and twin brothers, Zach and Jason.  His aunt Kelly Giampa and Uncle Jim Smith and cousins Tyler and Nicholas were close to him, too, and shared many fun family times together.

And then there are his many loyal friends who stood by him and loved him in good times and bad.  We hold each one of you in our hearts and will always be grateful to you.

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To learn more about the debilitating brain disorder schizophrenia, please visit these websites:

http://www.schizophrenia.com

http://www.nami.org



Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live. 

Norman Cousins

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Watch the band, Good Charlotte, and its award-winning anti-suicide music video at this link:

http://www.videocodezone.com/videos/g/good_charlotte/hold_on.html

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FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:

WWW.SPANUSA.ORG

WWW.SAVE.ORG