In Memory of Jamie

NOW WE HOLD ON TO HIS FAVOURITE THINGS

What represents my brother Jamie? Definitely, his skateboard.

This portrait of my Mom includes Jamie's skateboard and his memory in her arms

He spoke to my mom every day. After two days of silence, on August 20th, 2024 I went to check on him, but he was already gone. We had a family BBQ planned for the following weekend so we never imagined he would take his life. He was 47 years old.

Now, we live in a bizarre state of sadness. We walk with a heaviness, a missing part. But somehow life moves on.

Jamie was always joking, always smiling, always helping. He loved skateboarding, biking, writing, volunteering and most of all, his son Gregoire Noam.

He was Uncle Me-Me to my girls, my hilarious brother and my mother's whole world. 

When Jamie wasn’t working, he was outside skateboarding all season! He would always make new skaters feel welcome at the skatepark and was happy to help anyone with new tricks and pointers. He loved writing articles and sharing about new local businesses and artists. He loved helping newcomers with their resumes. He was a huge supporter of buying local. He had over 1000 books, a mix of philosophy, politics, religion, biographies. He was always learning.

Depression and mental health struggles rob us of joy, hope and a future. It makes you believe life will always be in darkness… but it doesn't have to be. 

It is so hard to keep fighting. But please, keep fighting. Reach out. Ask for help. Find someone you can trust, find support and peace. You are not a burden. You are not alone.

We would give anything to have Jamie here. You have no idea how loved you are. Keep fighting, things can get better. Please stay.

If you are in crisis, having thoughts of suicide or just need someone to talk to please call: Life Threatening 9-1-1, Suicide Crisis Line 3-1-1, Crisis Line 613-238-3311

YOU ARE NOT ALONE