Sadly, my brother found things in his life too much for him and he hung himself the evening of Wednesday Dec. 10, 2003 at his and our mother's home in Burlington, Ontario.  In order to help me and perhaps others deal with the feelings etc. around this, I am setting up this page as a tribute to him.  I did get this idea, in part, from viewing the tribute page created by the father of a fellow named Jeremy who committed suicide in 2000.  Jeremy's father has many links on his page about dealing with Suicide.   Also see a notice re: Suicide Survivors support group for Grey Bruce

What I will have on this page as time goes on - is photos, thoughts, etc - and links to sites that he enjoyed or would have enjoyed. 

In John's memory, spend some time outdoors today appreciating the world, and tell those you love how much they mean to you.  Obituary 

His heart was big enough to hold all of us; we need to return the favour to the rest of the world. from the Tribute that Sue wrote

John always found communicating with the written word to be very difficult.  He did not leave us a long note.  He did ask us to play the song Shooting Star from the CD by Bad Company called Stories Told and Untold.  He did say that he was sorry and that he loved us.  He also chose several photographs to be displayed at the service which we did. (one of which is pictured above and the others to follow soon)   

The service was held in the church that our mother still attends and that all of us children were baptised in and all were very much involved with as we were growing up.  It is a large church and seats close to 600 people.  The place was full.  It was so wonderful to us, to have so much support from John's friends, the Valley City Oddfellows who did part of the service, and the St. Christopher's church family as well as all of our other family and friends. 

I made the box for my brother's ashes.  This was something cathartic for me. Box Photos

One of John's very close friends, Mark Reed, sent his thoughts that Mom read at the internment service on Saturday December 20.  Mark lives out west and was unable to be a part of the memorial service.

A prayer that was on one of the cards sent to Mom. 

This is a reading that I read at our father's memorial service years ago - it is very pertinent. From the book The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran

Suicide Survivors support group for Grey Bruce Counties .  For further information please call the Canadian Mental Health Association office in Owen Sound 519-371-3642 or e-mail them at cmhagreybruce@bmts.com