The Memory Remains: A Tribute to Jarrod

The passing of my brother Jarrod

January 15, 2008

Somewhere in Heaven, ABBA is being cranked

The family asks that in lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Queen's Park Hospice on Jarrod's behalf. Jarrod's last days were happy ones because of the hospice. The hospice number is 604-519-8560. I am sure they can provide the details.

There is no eloquent way to jump into this posting, so I simply secured my helmet and chute and plunged into a free fall of words.




Recognize this yellow and black image? This image became an icon for Jarrod. It symbolized his essence, his being, his attitude and his treatment of others.


Chances are that if you live in the Lower Mainland of Vancouver, you know Jarrod or you know someone who knows Jarrod. He has touched many lives in his short 39 years on this planet. He was a waiter. He could serve up an order of sarcasm like no one I know. The amazing thing was that he could get people to laugh at themselves. I have seen him shoot down the most obnoxious of patrons. Most of them became regulars at whatever establishment Jarrod was working at and would ask to sit in Jarrod's section.

S-s-s-s-mokin! I think if Jarrod could be a character from a movie he would be the alter ego in The Mask. In fact, one Halloween he was the Mask. I crafted him a mask out of rubber latex. When it came time to go out, I found that the latex adhesive I had would not keep the mask tight to his face. Fortunately (for me) someone had nail glue. I assured Jarrod that the nail adhesive would only stick the mask to his face temporarily. All I can say is thank goodness he sweat a lot that evening. The mask did eventually come off. What a good sport.
I can't share too many stories of the times we had out in the city as they are too incriminating. What I can say is that people would just gravitate to Jarrod. He made friends wherever he went.

I have to stop for now. I hope to acquire photos and stories from family and friends that attend his memorial. His memory could become a blog of its own.
This posting is raw and unfocused. It may be too soon to try and share this amazingly kind person to the rest of the world. My main reason for starting it so soon was the hope that friends of Jarrod who are not aware of his death might come across this blog and contact me.
Peace be with you my brother. We are all glad that your suffering has stopped, but I don't know if we can ever get over you leaving us so soon.

I have added this very raw poem I wrote prior to the memorial service:

This week I see shadow where there was sun,
This week I am alone among the crowds.

This week the world I know makes no sense,
This week silence replaces music.

This week I lost a loved one.
This week we lost a loved one.

But eventually this week will end.
Next week I will celebrate his life.

Next week I will tell everyone the joy he brought to all.
Next week tears of laughter will mix with tears of pain.

Next week I will walk with him and talk with him.
Next week will last the rest of my life.