It is with deep sorrow that I tell you my brother Jonathan has left this mortal existence. The cancer ultimately was just too much for his body to continue and he passed away peacefully today – surrounded by his sweet wife and children (ages 9-17), my parents, and other close family members.
It is with a deep testimony, that I tell you I know a loving Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us. I know that we are not supposed to completely understand why certain things happen to certain people at certain times in this life. But it is a Plan of Happiness. It is a plan that binds families together for eternity. There is not a doubt in my mind that we will reunite with Jonathan again – and many, many other loved ones who have passed on.
Jonathan cultivated a very, very good life. He made a million small choices that not only led to his own personal happiness – but caused him to have a profound effect on countless other lives. A couple weeks ago a family friend set up a facebook group called Celebrating Jonathan Allgaier. In this place, hundreds of friends, neighbors, colleagues, kids, adults, and of course family members have paid tribute to Jonathan. He was able to see those messages, or listen as his sweet wife Tina read them to him.
Reading these personal and specific anecdotes have made me want to be a better person. I feel strongly prompted to share with you some of the ways that Jonathan cultivated a good life so that he can have an effect on you as well – even though most of you reading this didn’t know him of course. A lot of this comes from the insights that others have shared about him.
- He smiled and had a great sense of humor, which often resulted in people gravitating toward him just laughing and having a great time.
- He loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and did his best to follow in the Savior’s footsteps. Indeed he is an amazing example of great faith.
- He served for a number of years as a leader of the youth in church. Part of that, which included this recent year, was teaching an early-morning seminary class where teenagers would go to their home and study from the scriptures with him before going to school each day. Jonathan & Tina’s 2 teenage boys were part of that.
- As a teenager, he was up before the crack of dawn each weekday morning so that he could attend seminary himself.
Seriously – how handsome are my 5 brothers? Left to right: Steven, Kevin, Andrew, Jonathan, David.
- He served in many, many other capacities – spending countless hours serving others – and did so with enthusiasm and a great deal of love. One friend said, “At any service opportunity he was there and cheerful and working.” Jonathan was eager to roll up his sleeves and get to work.
- He liked being punctual.
- He was an Eagle Scout and guided his sons to become Eagle Scouts as well.
- He had a deep love for the game of soccer on many levels – but especially as he supported his own sons in the sport.
That’s Jonathan at the top – cheering on his sons’ soccer team last summer.
- He was an incredible musician – in a variety of ways. In fact, he went on to play in the BYU Marching Band and was known as part of the “scream team” because of those impressive, high notes he could play. He has used that same trumpet throughout his life to play “Happy Birthday” for many, many friends. He also led the church choir and had a way to get everyone excited, and polished, and really feeling the messages of the music they were singing.
- He spent two solid years of his life (age 19-21) serving an unpaid, full-time church mission in Montreal, Canada where he learned to speak French fluently, taught people about the Gospel of Jesus Christ in their language, and served the people in that area in countless ways.
With my parents and Jonathan last summer.
- He went out of his way to greet others and make them feel special and welcomed and befriended.
- He handled stress with grace. In college he learned that his car was broken into and a friend recalls how impressed she was about how calm he was, and how he didn’t feel the need to gripe or complain about it.
- I love this from a friend who said to Jonathan: “Though there are a lot of exceptionally talented people in the world, what sets you apart is the way you use your talents as you apply them in selfless ways to serve and enrich those around you.”
Have you noticed what his favorite shirts were?
- He fought so, so, so hard against the cancer in his body from the moment he learned about it December 2011.
- He was incredibly thoughtful. Not too long ago he visited our brother David in China and brought back with him a tie for each of the boys (youth at church) that he was serving at the time. He also made a point to attend every one of their high school graduations and went out of his way to visit people in the hospital, and … on and on.
- He was a devoted husband and father.
In front of the LDS Washington D.C. temple just recently.
- When some deaf people moved into their area and were a part of their congregation at church, he learned sign language and encouraged his kids and many other youth to also learn sign language.
- He was a very talented architect and structural engineer, working on many, many remarkable projects – including everything from the Olympics to a couple of his most recent masterpieces that are near & dear to our family: a fire hall and a community center for the little town in which we grew up. (Brunswick, Maryland)
- He genuinely cared about how others were doing – kids, adults, didn’t matter. Even as so many have been able to visit him at home these past weeks and months, he was known to turn the focus away from him, and ask how they were doing, and ask specific questions about goings-on in their life.
- He was a stalwart son to my parents.
- He was the best “oldest brother” we could hope for. Truly, he set the bar high for my other 4 brothers and me. We each adore him beyond words and will always, always look up to his example.
Me, Steven, Kevin, Jonathan, David, Andrew – probably 1979.
Jonathan truly cultivated a good life and left an honorable legacy.
Becky,
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. thinking of you!
Oh Becky. My heart breaks for the pain of your loss. Thinking of and praying for you and your entire family.
Oh, Becky… I am so, so sorry to hear of you loss!!! But, what a beautiful testimony of his life you put here. You and your family are in my prayers.
I am so sorry Becky! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
So very sorry for your family’s loss. So grateful for his inspiration. God bless.
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
Becky I am so deeply sorry. My prayers are with your family.
I am SO SORRY for your loss. What a lovely testimonial of his life. I still have goosebumps. Thanks for reminding us all to cultivate a good life.
I am so very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Becky, I am so sorry that your brother died.
Isn’t the Gospel plan an incredible thing, and knowing what we know?
It helps to take some of the sting out of the hurt and loss.
What a BEAUTIFUL tribute to your brother.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, but especially with his wife and kids.
♥ to you all!
my heart goes out to you and your family… many prayers.
So sorry to hear this today, thank you for sharing his story, my thoughts are with you and your whole family
What a beautiful tribute to your dear brother. I am so sorry for your loss.
I am so very sorry for your family’s loss. Your tribute to your brother is so beautiful. I will be praying for you and for your family.
i am truly sorry for your loss. he sounds like a wonderful man. i share your testimony of eternal families and know that you will be together again. thanks for sharing this special tribute.
Becky I’m so sorry for your family’s loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Becky… I’m not sure if you are familiar with who Terry Fox is(http://www.terryfox.org/)but each year our school has a run and collects pledges as Terry himself did for cancer research. This year, I will collect pledges and walk(I don’t run well…LOL)in memory of your brother, yet another beautiful person taken away from us by that evil killer…
Becky, I am so profoundly sorry for your loss. THere are no words to express that kind of grief. I pray for comfort and peace for your family. It seems your brother was an amazing man and will be missed by all that knew him. You are in my prayers.
Becky and family-
I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you, your family and all of the people that will miss David’s presence in their lives.
Thank you for sharing your loss. I have been touched and inspired by you memories of Jonathan.
So sorry for your loss and for your sister-in-law and her children. May you feel the peace the Holy Spirit can bring and have the wonderful memories of your brother brought to you. I know you are so grateful for the gospel and the knowledge that you will all see your brother again! Blessings to you!
Becky, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers! What an amazing man, thanks for sharing his story with all of us! {{HUGS}}
so sorry for your loss, becky. what an amazing tribute to your brother…and a sweet testimony as well. you are in my prayers.
What a beautiful testimony! I am so sorry for your loss and will be praying for you and your family.
I am so sorry about your deep loss, Becky. I can see how truly blessed you and your family are to have such an amazing man as a brother and son. I know your faith will carry you through this very difficult time…….you are right…….you WILL be reunited with Jonathan someday. He leaves behind such an incredible legacy that it is clear he will be remembered for eternity and his example will carry on within each person he touched. My prayers to you and your family.
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful man. God has truly called a servant home. May He watch over you and your family.
I’m so so sorry. My children and I lost my husband last year – grieving a husband/father/brother/uncle/friend is such a difficult mountain to climb. My thoughts are with your family.
Prayers for you and your brother’s family but celebrating that Jonathan is home with God. “eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the thing which God has prepared for those who love him” Is.64:4 and i Corinthians 2:9….Now he knows! <3 blessings and lovel
Jan Fry
B'ham, Alabama
I’m so sorry for the loss of your precious brother.
So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It does make me feel better knowing that he is in a much better place where he will no longer feel pain.
Becky – your family is in my thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing the ways he made the most of his life. This is truly inspirational.
The world is a better place for having him been here. I am touched and bless you and your family.
So sorry for you and your family’s loss, Becky. You will all be in my prayers during this difficult time.
Wow. That is an AMAZING tribute to an AMAZING brother Becky. Thankyou for sharing! THoughts and prayers to you and your family! So thankful myself for the knowledge of the gospel, may Heavenly Father bless you with peace and comfort!
I am sorry for your los. A beautiful tribute to your brother. Prayers of peace to your family at this time.
Becky and family,
I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of Jonathan. I come to your blog regularly and I have been hoping that a message like this would not need to be posted. It breaks my heart to hear of this very sad news for your entire family. I hope each and every one of you find some comfort knowing that he is with the Heavenly Father and no longer in pain and that some day you will all see each other again. Joanthan sounds like a VERY inspriational man, husband, father and friend!!!
Thank you for letting us be a part of this part of your life and thank you to Jonathan and his wife and children for letting us in during such a difficult time. There are no adequate words to express the sadness I feel for each of you but I pray for healing with time.
Andrea
I’m so, so, sorry to read of your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Your brother sounds like an exceptional person who changed the world for good in many ways.
Thank you for sharing him with us.
So sorry for your loss, Becky
Becky, I’m so sorry! My prayers go out to your family today. Thank you for the testimony of knowing that God has a plan and for sharing some reminders about cultivating and living a good life, however long we’re here.
Thank you for sharing this loving tribute about your brother. He sounds like an amazing man and I know you will all miss him terribly until you see him again. My prayers are with you & your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. This is an amazing tribute to your brother, your family and your faith.
I hope that you will print this out for his children so that they truly know their father.
My deepest condolences to you as your family. I’ve had the privilege of knowing your brother and his beautiful family. My heart aches for the loss each of you are feeling, but I rejoice with you in the knowledge that he no longer suffers and that you will see him again.
Sending much love and prayers.
Michelle
Becky, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. He was obviously a very special and giving man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
My thoughts are with you and your family. I’m so sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss, but know that he is in a better place. Prayers to you and yours.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Praying for you and your family. Thank you for sharing his legacy with us.
I am praying at this moment……may the peace that surpasses all understanding surround you and your family at this time.
I am so very, very sorry for your loss, Becky. From your description, he seemed like a truly wonderful, person. I know he will live in your heart forever.
Becky – I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Today happens to be the anniversary of my father’s passing 17 years ago. What a beautiful post about your brother; everyone should know a “Jonathan” and be inspired by such a good, caring, devoted, generous man. I wish you & your family peace as you get through these coming days & remember the joy he brought all of you. God bless.
What a beautiful testimony your brother’s life was, and will continue to be…how we can serve and lead through Christ’s unending love. My prayers are with you…
Becky and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all!
Such a BEAUTIFUL testimony of Jonathan’s life…may his legacy live on in the hearts of each person that he ever encountered. Prayers to you and your family.
Becky, I am truly sorry for your loss. I love that we have the knowledge that we can see our loved ones again after this life. Big hugs, Heidi
I’m so very sorry for you and your family’s loss, sweet Becky.
What a moving, sweet and beautiful tribute to your brother.
Praying for all of you. May God give you all strength and peace.
So sorry to hear of his passing Becky! I will be praying for his wife and children and of course you and your family. So glad he is such a source of inspiration for all around him.
What a lovely tribute! He lived such a full life! Your family is in my prayers.
Becky,
It is so wonderful that you have the joy of knowing that Jonathan is in heaven with no pain, worries, sadness and that you will see him again one day. The ones left behind are the ones who grieve but they are not,praise God.
Keeping in you & your family in prayers,
Ann Marie
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss, and that of your whole family. WHAT an amazing man! Thank you for sharing Jonathan with us. That we could all live our lives such that we would be remembered so beautifully.
So so sorry for your loss Becky… Pryers to you all. Cancer sucks!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute to your amazing brother Becky. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending you love, light, and healing.
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute you have written about your brother. I feel certain his legacy will on for many generations to come. Many prayers to you and your family.
Becky, I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Thank you for sharing your brother, Jonathan with us. He makes me want to be a better person.
My deepest sympathies on the loss of your brother. Praying for you and the family during this most difficult time. The tribute to the good life he cultivated was touching.
So sorry for your loss Becky, but you said it best “in time” you will see him again. He is with our Lord watching over everyone right now.
Becky, my thoughts and prayers are with your family. Thanks, as always, for sharing so openly and personally. May the Lord comfort you as you celebrate & grieve for your brother.
What a beautiful tribute to your brother. So sorry for your loss. May the Lord bless you and keep you and your family during this difficult time.
Think of you and your family.
What a wonderful tribute to your brother and his legacy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Dear Becky,
That is a loving tribute. Your brother must have been an incredible man! My thoughts and prayers are of you and your family. May our Heavenly Father bless you all with strength and comfort and the assurance that families are forever.
Thank you for sharing such lovely things about your brother. I’m happy that he is pain free and surrounded by the loving arms of Jesus. I pray for your family until you meet again.
Sorry for your family’s loss. Very inspiring portrait of your brother Jonathan. My prayers are with you and his family.
I am so sorry for the loss of you and your family. Thank you so much for sharing the example of a life well lived.
Dear Becky,
I have been thinking about your family lately, and wondering how Jonathan was doing. I never met him, but I’m in tears reading this beautiful tribute. I can only imagine what a hole he leaves behind in the lives of everyone who knows & loves him. I share your testimony & your faith that families are forever, and that you will all embrace him again one day. Until then, may God’s peace be upon each of your hearts and souls to lift you up & carry you through the coming days (and weeks, and years). Love you.
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss Becky. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Such a beautiful tribute to your brother. By sharing his story,you have inspired a great number of people today. Thanks to you and your family for continuing to cultivate good lives.
My condolences to you and your family. Thank you for sharing how he cultivated a good life. He made every minute count by sharing love and kindness to others.
I am so sorry for the loss you and your family are experiencing today. I too believe we will all be reunited one day…and what a joy that will be. Know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Such a beautiful tribute to your brother who sounds like an amazing and giving person and the example he set will live on in his children. So very sorry for your loss. Praying for peace and comfort for all.
What a wonderful tribute to your amazing brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your whole family during this difficult time.
Sending you hugs.
Leslie
I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your brother’s accomplishments. It was a moving tribute. Prayers!
I am so sorry for your loss, Becky.
Here is an Irish quote that I hope gives you a wee bit of solace:
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,
Love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Ah big hugs!! It’s so good to have a testimony of the Plan of Salvation. It doesn’t take away the loss but it takes away the sting of death.
I’m sorry for your loss. As a 9 year survivor of stage 3 colon cancer, I know how fragile life can be. You are blessed with a strong and loving family and many wonderful memories of your brother to sustain you until you are reunited again.
How strong you are, being able to write such a wonderful piece about your brother in such a difficult time. I admire your strenght and your faith. So good to focus on the good things he brought to the world.
I am very so sorry for your loss,
thinking of you and your loved ones.
Nancy
NL
I feel your loss, I know your pain. I too lost an amazing, loving brother and it forever changed my life. Grieving for him consumed me but with my trust in the Lord and that there is a place for everyone of us in heaven gave me comfort. Sending you many hugs!
Battle well fought. Rest in peace now Jonathan.
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Becky. {{hugs}}
I am so, so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful human being Jonathan was and what an inspiration he still is to all of us. Thank you for sharing.
Becky,
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. From what I’ve read about your brother Jonathan he truly was a gift to all. May you all be blessed with a peace, love, and understanding during the days to come. May he be resting in the arms of Jesus.
God Bless,
My thoughts, prayers and heart will be with you and your family today. Thanks for sharing this part of your life with us!
Sincere sympathy. What an awesome tribute to your big brother! My prayers go out to you and his precious family.
My husband recently passed away after a brief battle with cancer. He too was a true inspiration, he showed us that dying can be done with dignity and grace. I am so thankful for his life, and for the privilege of being his wife. I will always thank the Lord that he gave me such a wonderful husband.
The one true consolation is that one day we will be reunited in heaven, because of Jesus’ sacrifice and love.
Blessings
These verses were on the page a day calandar the day my Papa passed away. They have been a comfort and a hope both that day, and in the days that followed.
“Do not let your heart be troubled; [a]believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And you know the way where I am going.” 5 Thomas *said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?” 6 Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.
John 14:1-6
Papa knew the Lord, and he is there waiting for the rest of his family. It is a great joy knowing that we have hope in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I pray that your family knows peace and finds comfort in the coming days, your brother was loved.
Tina
Becky your tribute to your brother is so moving and beautiful. I am so very sorry for your loss.
May God Bless Jonathan and his family. How wonderful it was to have had Jonathan as your brother. Thank you for sharing him and your memories. He left a heartfelt dent with all those he met.
Becky I am so very sorry for your loss. We recently lost a family member due to cancer and the past six weeks I have felt sorrow, ager (lots of anger), regrets over the things we never did or said and we have cried so many tears. It’s strange how life goes on when you don’t know how to excist without a person you love so much.
For me it’s been very, very hard to document the last weeks in the life of my family member but now that it’s done, now that it’s all there in my Project life album I feel much better.
You and Jonathans family will be in my thoughts.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Dear Becky and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you all. He will obviously be missed by many, many people, not just immediate family. What a great legacy he has left for his children and family, and how wonderful he no longer suffers!!! You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
God bless you Becky and your entire family. Thank you so much for sharing Jonathon with us. We are all blessed to have him as our guardian angel now.
Becky, we do not know each other but I feel so connected to you as a sister in Christ just by reading this post. What a beautiful read… full of hope, strength, understanding where we find it hard to understand, and trust in the goodness of the Lord. Thank you for sharing your innermost thoughts of love and loss about Jonathan. I am sure he is celebrating new life right now with the Lord at his side. Find comfort in that.
Many blessings and comfort to you and your family.
Sharon
Shay Designs
So sorry for your loss! What a great legacy he has left for his children, hopefully this brings everyone peace in a time of loss.
God bless you all and my prayers are with you all and his children!
My thought and prayers are with you and your family….God bless.
Becky & family: My deepest sympathies… heaven gained an angel today. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time! **hugs**
Becky,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your words describing your brother’s life are inspiring. He is inspiring. May God hold you and your family in His comforting arms.
Becky–
As a younger sister who sat with her parents as they buried their son, I know what a horrible time this is right now. You are mourning your loss, yet celebrating his arrival in Heaven. I am so so sorry for your loss and my prayers will continue for your entire family, especially Jonathon’s wife & children and for your parents.
Thank you for your testimony–I too know our Heavenly Father has mapped out our lives perfectly, and while we won’t understand His timing until we are standing inside the gates, I find comfort in knowing I’ll be with the ones I love for all eternity.
With continued prayers,
Becca
Becky I am so sorry for your loss. Your tribute to your brother was incredibly beautiful. Thank you for the inspiration.
What a beautiful tribute to your brother. I was so sorry to hear about your lost. My dad died of Colon Cancer almost 23 years ago. I wished they would have a cure by now. Hugs to you and is family.
Thanks for sharing with us about your brother, so sorry for your loss. Love, Wendy
Becky, I am so sorry for your loss, but so very grateful that you have such a strong testimony and are willing to share it. Thank you for sharing thoughts on your brother’s wonderful life. We should all be so lucky to have such a wonderful person in our lives.
So sorry to hear of your loss Becky. Your words are so moving and heartfelt. He indeed lived a very FULL and (en)rich(ing) life – both for himself and for others. Thank You for sharing.
Wow Becky, I am so sorry to hear of this. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, your parents, and most of all, Jonathan’s wife and children. Hugs to all of you. May God carry your entire family through this difficult time.
Dear Becky and family.
I’m sorry for your loss, it is difficult to write something in English because it isn’t my home language.
My condolences also for his wife and kids.
May God be with you and your family
Alice
The Netherlands
What a wonderful tribute to your brother! May God bless you all in this time of need and sorrow. He was truly a gifted man!
Becky,
I’m so sorry for your loss. God bless.
Becky, my heart goes out to you today. You have a wonderful family and I love seeing the examples of love that you share with one another.
Thoughts, prayers and hugs to your family.
Very sorry for your loss
Blessings and prayers to you all at this time.
So sorry to read about the passing of Jonathan. My thoughts and prayers to his family, your family, and any friends/loved ones how new Jonathan. May you find solace in the memories and wonderful times you shared with Jonathan. Hugs
What a beautiful way to share the passing of your brother. I don’t know him but I am thankful that he was a part of this world and brought it so much goodness. Deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Becky and family,
My thoughts are with all of you. Thank you for sharing about Jonathan. He is indeed an amazing person who has touched many lives (including those of us who don’t know him, but have read about him). His spirit lives on, continuing to enrich each time someone remembers his example of cultivating a good life. May your faith give you strength and comfort.
Becky,
My deepest condolences for you and your family as you grieve the loss of your brother. Your post is a loving tribute to him. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Lynne
Becky,
What a beautiful tribute to your brother Jonathan. I could ‘hear’ how proud you were of him. Praying for comfort and peace for all your hearts. Glad you are feeling your Saviour especially near today.
Becky I am so sorry for you loss Holding you and your family up in prayer
What a beautiful tribute to your brother Becky. What an inspiring man…. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family during this difficult time. Hugs….
I am so sorry for your loss.
Your brother was a very giving and thoughtful man. All my best to his family and yours.
Your words of your sweet brother touched my heart, a friendly reminder that life can be much more and how blessed your family must feel during this time of grieving. My sencerest heartfelt prayers to
Jonathan’s wife,children, your parents and also to you all that loved Jonathan xx
I’m sorry you had to join the “club”. We miss our brothers but know we will see them again. I am praying especially for his wife, kids and your parents.
I am so sorry for your loss.
What a beautiful tribute to your brother, Becky. I am so sorry for your family’s loss and hope the gospel with help you all through this time. What an amazing life your brother led and how lucky we all are to have his example to follow.
This breaks my heart. I truly know what you and your family is going through. My father was diagnosed with cancer in May 2011. I am so sorry for your loss. Find comfort in knowing people are praying for you!
So so sorry to read this today, my heart just sank as I read the news. I’m just in awe of you and your family’s testimony. I read this to my kids today, of course I bawled through it. I wanted them to see the testimony of this great man that left us today. I will be praying for your family as you grieve-thank you for sharing your life, your vision for memory keeping, and your testimony with us! What a blessing it all is!
Angela Richter
I am so sorry for your loss, Becky. Your brother cultivated a very good life indeed. What an inspiration to us all.
I am so sorry to hear that your brother has passed, my thoughts are with you and your family, it was lovely reading your tribute to him, and I can see how proud of him you was. Xxx
I am so sorry for your loss Becky and family! God Bless you at this most difficult time. Lifting you and your family up in prayer! Beautifully written!
Becky, I am so sorry for the passing of your brother and will hold you and your family in my prayers.
Becky, my heart aches for you but I too know of the happiness that the Plan of Happiness brings. What a beautiful life he lived, life is truly a miraculous experience. My sincerest sympathies for you and your entire family. I lost my own father to colon cancer when I was 13. My heart goes out to you all and to his wife and young children. Prayers and hugs to you all.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine the heartache that you and your family must feel. Sadness will pull you down in the days to come. I hope prayer will buoy you up. And you’re right. You’ll see him again in heaven.
So incredibly sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss Becky and family.
It is with tears in my eyes, feeling The Spirit so strongly that I want to tell how much I admire your strength! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time!
Thank you, Becky, for sharing that touching message. So very sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family.
I’m so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you and your family during this time.
This post is filled with so many memories and so much love – I am in tears. What an inspiring man, a beautiful, loving family, and a blessed life. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Molly
Becky, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I’m struck by how, in this time of grief, you are celebrating Jonathan’s life and staying strong in your faith. You and your family are an inspiration to so many people who ‘know’ you online.
So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
I am so sorry for you loss, Becky. (((hugs)))
When somebody dies, a cloud turns into an angel and flies up to tell God to put another flower on a pillow.
A bird gives the message back to the world and sings a silent prayer that makes the rain cry. People disappear, but they never really go away.
The spirits up there put the sun to bed, wake up the grass, and spin the Earth in dizzy circles. Sometimes you can see them dancing in a cloud during the daytime when they’re supposed to be sleeping. They paint the rainbows and also the sunsets and make waves splash and tug at the tide. They toss shooting stars and listen to wishes.
And when they sing wind songs, they whisper to us, “Don’t miss me too much. The view is nice, and I’m doing just fine.”
So sorry for your loss…
Your brother was and is an amazing example of the right way to live life – serving, helping, guiding, and loving others along our way! I am grateful for your post today and that you would share a piece of your heart. The Plan of Happiness is true and we are all blessed for it! I love your tribute to your brother! We can all learn a thing or two from your grace and compassion as well. So sorry for your loss; God be with all of you!
I am so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Becky, I am so sorry to hear of Johnathan’s passing. i have been silently following his journey via you and your blog and have come to know of your amazing brother and the vast influence he has been in his life. He is truly a remarkable man and one I would have loved to have met. Your parents have children they can be proud of….all of them! Your example of love as a family is truly inspiring to me. I send you me deepest love and condolences. Fortunately we know the Lord’s plan and know that this is just a brief separation in the whole plan and that you will be reunited soon as a family. Hugs to all of you.
Ann Mabee
What a wonderful tribute you have written about your brother. I am so sorry for the loss you are feeling at this time but who can say which is more beautiful, the sunrise or the sunset?
Love and Prayers to your family.
Having lost an older brother myself early this year, I truly understand your grief. It’s lovely that you felt this way about your brother. Many siblings are not able to see each other’s strong points and don’t have the wonderful family ties that you obviously do. He sounds like an awesome man, and you are an awesome loving sister. My condolences on your great loss.
Bless your family. And his family. And all those that will feel the pain and absence of your dear brother so deeply.
So sorry for your loss. We can all learn from his beautiful life. Thoughts and prayers with you and your family.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your brother. This post is a wonderful tribute. I will pray for peace and comfort for your family.
May Peace be with your whole family. And what a beautiful and loving tribute
<3
That was such a beautiful testimony and tribute to your brother. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
So sorry for your loss. What a great tribute to your brother and his life. He would be proud of you.
Becky,
What a sweet sweet tribute post!! I am so sorry to hear of your loss!! Losing a brother is heartbreaking, especially after watching him fight cancer! I am coming up on the one year ‘anniversary’ of my own brother’s passing in December & am painfully aware of his absence in my life. Thoughts, prayers & hugs go out to you!
Becky – I am so sorry for your lost. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. Thank you for a beautiful post.
Dearest Becky,
I have been following you and your family for years (hope that doesn’t sound like a stalker)! I have met you and Lisa Bearnsen and many other CK gals and others in the scrapbooking field numerous times over the years. I feel like a kindred spirit, having been totally obsessed with God, family, friends and SCRAPBOOKING!!!! I was saddened to hear of Jonathan’s diagnosis, very upset to hear of the worsening of his symptoms and now very heartbroken to hear of his passing. Of course, I know that he is much better off and that you will all be reunited in God’s time, but none the less, it is the selfish me who aches over the loss of such a wonderful human being!! I pray for your family, that you will keep so many happy memories of Jonathan in your minds and in your hearts! God bless all of you, especially his wife and children at this difficult time!
I am so sorry for you loss.. My prayers are with you and your family..
Becky,
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful tribute and testimony. I’m sorry I’m having trouble putting into words all that I feel for you and your family during this time; just know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Kelly
I am so so deeply sorry for your loss, Becky. Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute – your brother is and always will be an inspiration. Thoughts and prayers to you and your entire family.
What an incredibly beautiful tribute to your brother…my heart aches for all you. May God carry each one of you through the days, weeks, and months ahead. May He continue to bless you with sweet memories and stories to cherish.
May the testament of your faith and Jonathan’s bring others one step closer to a relationship with Him.
Hugs to you,
Cyndee
Becky, what a difficult, but beautiful blog post. My heart sank when I saw the title. I can feel your love for your brother so strongly from what you shared with us. I am so thankful for the knowledge that we can be with our families forever. Without that testimony, this sad time would be even harder to bear. My prayers are for you and your sweet extended family at this time, especially his wife and children.
Much love,
Kirstin
So sorry for the loss of your brother, thank you for sharing a beautiful testimony of his life with us!
Becky, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Oh I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I know how much it hurts but the pain gets easier when you realize that your loved one is no longer suffering and in a better place. What a great tribute you did for your brother, I’m sure he will be missed by a lot of people. Thinking of you and your family.
Becky, I am so sorry for your loss. I know Johnathan was proud to call you his sister and your testimony of faith and celebration of his life is so touching. My our Lord and Saviour comfort you and your family in this time of loss. Please know our family of faith is praying for you in your time of need, may His love and grace uplift you and your family at this trying time.
Blessings,
Lisa
Becky
Sending you thoughts and prayers for your family during this difficult time.
I am so sorry to hear about your brother passing. I, too, have lost a brother to cancer. He sounds like he was a wonderful person and he will live on in your heart and mind. My prayers are with you to comfort you in the days ahead. Take care.
This brought me to tears as I remember the pain of losing my own oldest brother (age 43) to cancer in 2007. What beautiful tributes and what an inspiration your brother is – it truly does make me want to be a better person. I am so sorry for your loss and know that your family, and the love and incredible bond that you all share, will carry you through this very painful time. Hugs!
Becky,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Becky, I’m so terribly sorry for your family’s loss, and incredibly moved by the tribute that you wrote to Jonathan. I wish all of your family to find peace in their treasured memories.
Praying for you and your family Becky. I am so sorry for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful godly man.
So sorry for your loss but it sounds like he lived a full and happy life.
What a great tribute.
We drive through Brunswick, MD on our way to my daughters house in Linden, VA, I will now have to look for the fire hall & community building next time we go.
Prayers & sympathy to your family – your faith will see you through.
Oh Becky, he sounds like such an amazing brother. You will see him again. I am truly sorry for your loss to you and your whole family.
Becky,
I’m sure that was the hardest blog you have written to date. I could feel your love and admiration for your brother. My heart just aches for you. God bless you and your family as you grieve over the loss of Jonathan. You will meet again.
Becky,
I have been on my computer much of today and popping in and out on your blog. I just read the tribute to Jonathan. I have been weeping as I read about him. I can’t imagine the overwhelming loss you are feeling. I am so glad you have such wonderful memories, love and respect for him. You are definitely in my prayers and I hope you will continue to remember him in your blogging. May God Bless your family and hold you close during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Sheryl
thank you for sharing all tha about Jonathan. I am very grateful that I have been blessed by getting to know more about him, and I will keep his example in my heart to try to be a better person. I am keeping you and your entire family in my prayers.
I’m so very sorry for your loss, Becky. What a beautiful tribute you’ve written.
I am so sorry for your loss. What a moving tribute to him that you wrote. It brought me to tears at times. I hope your faith can guide you and your family through this difficult time.
I am so sorry for your loss. Your family was a big part of our lives when we lived in Brunswick a few years ago and Jonathon was a youth leader to my son. I am thankful that he was involved in my son’s and our lives. He was an incredible man and will be greatly missed.
I am so so sorry to hear of your loss.
So sorry for your loss! what a wonderful person who made a difference in his short life. You can tell the love you shared from your touching tribute!
Becky, I am so sorry to hear of Jonathan’s passing. His spirit is a blessing to all whose lives he touched. I am so grateful that you shared this tribute here; I feel honored to know of him and inspired to carry on his kindness in my own life.
I’m sending many prayers and good thoughts to you all.
So very sorry for your loss. Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry about your brother. Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.
So so sorry for your loss! What an amazing man your brother was!
Sitting here, on this dreary-gray day, with silent tears streaming down my face. As an only child, I cannot understand this type of loss, but from your words from your heart, you have touched me on this day in a way that will live with me forever.
May God grant your family peace, just as He gave Jonathan as He welcomed Him with loving arms.
My deepest sympathy, and heartfelt prayers to you and your family during your time of sorrow.
God Bless You!
So sorry for your loss. What a wonderful testiment to him you have posted.
I am so sorry for your loss. I am keeping you and your family in my prayers. What a wonderful tribute you wrote. Your brother is truly exceptional!!
I am so sorry for you and your family’s loss He sounds like an amazing man and one who others will continue to look up to and emulate. And I have no doubt that “Well done, good and faithful servant” are the words her heard from the Lord when he arrived in heaven.
What a beautiful tribute to your brother and the rest of your family as well. My prayers and sympathy are with you at this difficult time.
Becky,
Although I have never met you, like many others, I feel I know you because I’ve followed your scrapbooking career over the years, and have purchased many of your products. I was so saddened to hear of your brother’s illness and now his passing. Like you, I have a testimony of the importance of families and our Heavenly Father’s plan that as families, we can all be together again one day. What a wonderful earthly life Jonathan lived! I am so sorry for your loss and will be keeping your family in my prayers in the days to come.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family.
Becky, I was so very sorry to read of Jonathan’s passing, he was clearly a truly remarkable person. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Family, with Jonathan’s wife and children, and I pray for peace and comfort for you all.
That truly touched my heart. I’m so sorry for your loss. My the Lord bless you and your family with peace and comfort at this difficult time.
Becky, I am so very sorry to read about this. I so admire you and your family, and the strength in your faith to embrace this difficult time. Your brother seemed like an amazing person and someone who touched many lives….even mine. You and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tracey
Becky, I feel like you’ve put into words the very whispers of a grieving heart. Seeing the photos and reading your post made it feel like Jonathan was one of my very own brothers (I have 3). I can not imagine how you are feeling just now, but I do know you will be comforted. May you and your family find peace despite the sorrow. Thank you for sharing this sweet tribute as I know it wasn’t an easy thing to do…
Becky,
I was saddened to read of the loss of your brother, Jonathan. May you and your family be comforted through the peace of Christ as you remember Jonathan’s life and the love you shared, and as you experience all of those “firsts” without him present. My prayers are with you all.
With love and sympathy,
Pam
Becky – thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute with us all. You and your family are in my prayers. {hugs}
Becky,
I’m so very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Becky, I am so so very sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute to your beloved brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Becky,
I am praying for you. What a beautiful post! And what a testimony of God’s faithfulness even in the hardest of days!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful tribute Becky. Sending you and your family love and peace from Australia.
Becky, so sorry for your loss. Thoughts, hugs, and prayers to you and your family at this time. I know your faith will help you through this!
I am so sorry for your loss. You & your family will be in my thoughts & prayers.
Sending lots of prayers and hugs to your family, what a beautiful post, he sounded like a truly amazing person and someone who will be very missed.
Thank you for sharing your brother with all of us, Becky. What an extraordinary man he is. And I do mean that in the present tense. He is clearly living in, around, and through so many people. What a beautiful gift his legacy is for all of us to strive to live well by lifting up others. Hugs and prayers for you and your entire family.
I am truly very sorry to see this. Hugs to you and your sweet family. This was a beautiful tribute to your brother.
God Bless you and your family.
Oh, Becky! I am so very sorry for your loss! Such a beautiful tribute to your brother! I know we’ve never met, but, having ‘followed’ you throughout your career, I don’t have to meet you to know how beautiful you are.
I lost my brother at the young age of 23, sadly, and life is most certainly changed forever. I, too, am convinced that we will all reunite one fine day and he’s even given us signs along the way to assure us. (He wrote his name in pasta UPSIDE DOWN on the side of the bowl on evening during dinner — wow, right?! I even took a picture, you would be so proud! Ha. ) Despite our faith, it doesn’t help the pain that we feel for the physical loss and I wish you and your family peace during the most difficult days ahead!! (((((HUGS)))))
My thoughts and deepest prayers go out to you and to your family during this sad time. Hoping that you’ll draw many smiles from fond memories of times spent with your brother.
Becky – I am truly sorry for your loss and so saddened to hear of Jonathan’s passing. I feel like I’ve gotten to know Jonathan personally through your recent posts. You beautifully paid tribute to him with what you have written and expressed your feelings so openly and passionately in a time when words are hard to come by. I will keep you, your family and especially Jonathan’s family in my prayers. Much love.
So very sorry for your loss and the pain you must be experiencing. May God comfort you and your family during this difficult time.
What a beautiful, moving tribute to your brother. May your warm memories sustain you during this difficult time.
I am so sorry for your loss of a great brother. This distrubate to your brother tels me what a great person he was. He will be missed by all.
Hugs
Becky & Family,
My deepest condolences over the loss of your Brother Jonathan.
You have paid him an amazing tribute. I am sure this loss will be felt by all who he has touched in his lifetime of service.
Cancer robs of us so much….
May your wonderful memories of him and your strong faith be the crutch on which you lean during the rough days ahead…
God Bless to you and your family…
I am deeply sorry for your loss. What a great tribute to him.
I am so sorry for your loss!! You and your whole family are in my thoughts and prayers in the next days, months and years. Hugs!
prayers and hugs
God bless you and your family, Becky.
May you feel God’s love surround you and your family at this time. Your brother’s deeds and life have obviously left an indelible legacy on every person he came into contact with. And through you, even on people who never had the opportunity to meet him. What wonderful memories you have to treasure – thank you for sharing the words and the photos.
With much love.
Becky – I am so sorry to hear about your brother. What a wonderful tribute you have created for him and all who know and love him. May the prayers of all those around you be felt and comforting.
Wow, my heart aches for you, your perents, his wife and childen. I know that you will all be reunited again someday, and what an awesome feeling that is. I will always remember the day I lost my own brother, I thought life would just standstill because it would be so hard to go on without that someone, you love so much. But evereyday gets a little easier. May God bless you and your family. What a wonderful person he must of been.
Sitting here with tears in my eyes so sorry for your family’s loss. Thanks for writing such a nice blog post about Jonathan. We all are reminded of our blessings.
I am so so sorry for you loss. He sounds like an amazing man. I am praying for your family.
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers and with you and your family.
My sincere condolences Becky. My thoughts are with you and your family. Take care
I am so sorry, Becky. I hope you can feel the love and support of all the prayers that are being said on your family’s behalf. When my brother-in-law suddently passed away two years ago, our family could literally feel an invisible “web” holding us up and together through the countless prayers offered. Thank your for this sweet post. Such a good reminder of what truly is important!
Deeply sorry for your family’s loss. He certainly did cultivate a good life and has set a good example for all of us to follow.
So sorry for the loss of your brother.
You and your family are so blessed to have known such a beautiful soul. My God wrap his arms around you and your family during this time. Take comfort in knowing you will be reunited with your brother one day. May God continue to bless you and your family!
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Becky, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. What a wonderful tribute you have left for him. I did not know your brother but your tribute to such as honorable man has moved me. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Immeasureable is the loss but also immeasurable is the love left behind. Rest in peace Jonathan
Becky, I am so sorry for your loss! Prayers are being lifted up that you and your family will be comforted during this difficult time. The tribute to your brother was absolutely beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
sorry for your loss dear Becky. Hugs to all of you. xo
What a beautiful story…thanks Becky for putting things into perspective especially now during your families time of sorrow! All of you are in my prayers…you are right when you say we may never know why – in this life- but eventually we will all be reunited with each other to continue God’s grace!
Many blessings…
I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. What a wonderful tribute you’ve paid and I know that the strength of your family will help all of you. My thoughts are with all of you at this sad time.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences to you and your family. I will be keeping you ALL in my prayers…((HUGS))
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Becky, I am so very sorry for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful man and brother and I hope your good memories will comfort you. My prayers go out to you.
Becky, I am so sorry to read of this loss. I will be praying for your entire family as you celebrate your brother and the incredible life he lived. What a blessing to have someone like that in your life.
Becky!
I don’t know you either but I too have lost two beloved Uncles to Cancer! One four years ago and one just in August! It is heartbreaking to know that they aren’t with us anymore and we can;t share all that we want to, but they are making the way for us to return home when our time comes, and what a sweet reunion that will be! May God Bless and keep you and your family and your brothers children and wife. Loved all the pictures you had of him that you will be able to look at for a lifetime!
So very sorry for your loss. Sending condolences to your entire family.
You were blessed to have been part of such a family. My heart goes out to all of you but I am so happy that you were able to experience here, on this earth, the true meaning of family.
God Bless you,
Laura
Becky – I cannot put into words how truly sorry I am to hear of the passing of your beloved brother. You will all be in my prayers.
Becky, I am so sorry for your loss. I feel like I know you and your family personally after following your blog for so long. I sit here in tears at the loss of your brother. He was loved by so many – many who he never even knew, I’m sure. God bless you and your family during this difficult time. I can’t imagine the courage and strength it took for you to post this today. Sending prayers to you continually.
~Kirsten
Becky,
So sorry for the tremendous loss your family is suffering right now. I also have a strong testimony of the gospel and I know that you will see him again. May you be comforted and remember all the good times and may peace find you as you grieve. Hugs to you all!
I am so deeply sorry for your loss, and so deeply thankful for your brother’s legacy of service, love, excellence and joy.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.
Becky,
I am so sorry. I can not imagine that pain. I have lost loved ones, but not a brother. As the only girl with four brothers, it hits home. I know the deep abiding love that you have for your brothers. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers. I know God will carry you through this tough time. May He richly bless you and may you feel His arms as He carries you through.
God bless,
Susan
Becky – so sorry for your loss. What a special person your brother was. May the happy and loving memories of him be of comfort to you and your family at this time.
I feel it an honor to learn about your brother. What a great blessing to know that families really can be together forever!!! Your family will be in my prayers
Becky – I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for posting such a beautiful tribute to your brother.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, Becky. Jonathan was an amazing person, and I’m happy I got to see a glimpse into his wonderful life through your blog. He’ll be forever in your memories and your heart. I will say a prayer for him and for your family. {{HUGS}}
I’m so sorry for your loss, Becky, but so joyous that he knew where he would spend eternity, and you knowing that he has arrived there. It sounds like he was an amazing man, and I’m glad to have seen a glimpse of him through your beautiful tribute to him in this post. What a great consolation God has given us, that through His Son, Jesus Christ, we can meet our loved ones who have gone before us. The photo of your brother in a wheelchair, with his family around him, reminds me so much of the last photo we took of my dad, who succumbed to cancer 5 years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of pain and grief.
Hugs to you and your family, Becky. I can’t imagine, but your testimony rings strong of the joy of the gospel.
I’m so sorry for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful man!
What a beautiful family you are! May God bless you all.
Sending love and prayers to your entire family during your time of loss. Your brother led a wonderul life, filled with service. Thank you for sharing your tribute. He is an example for all of us to follow!
Becky,
I am so sorry for the pain you and your family is going through. I am praying for strength and peace for all of you. Thank you for sharing so much more about your beloved brother.
My heart absolutely breaks at the loss of such an amazing brother, son, husband and follower of Christ. From what you have shared about him with us, I believe he would have been the most wonderful person to know. God bless you all as you grieve the loss of your dear brother. Thank you for sharing your story and his with us.
Becky,
I am so sorry for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful man, and you have made a wonderful tribute to him. We will be lifting up you, and all of your family, in our prayers.
Dearest Becky, your sweet family is in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry.
It’s sounds to me like your brother was as lucky to have you as you were to have him, Becky! Your thoughtful meassge warmed my heart and brought tears to my eyes! What an honor to him that you posted this tribute. Thank you for sharing it.
Thoughts and prayers are with you, and all of your family. Our Father loves you and will carry you through this difficult time.
What a wonderful life indeed….God has blessed you all….so sorry for your loss of your brother….
I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my dad on Friday, September 7th to cancer and my heart hurts everyday. We had his funeral last Friday. There were people from all aspects in attendance and they all has the same thing to say, he had a love for the Lord and His word. I am holding fast to God’s promise that he will turn our sadness into joy! Be blessed and encouraged!
My heart goes out to you as well, for the loss of your Dad.
Antionette,
Sending thoughts and prayers your way! Sorry to hear of your loss.
I am so very sorry to hear for your loss. How you celebrate and honor him shows your love for him. Thank you for your sharing your story. xo
Like so many have said, you wrote a beautiful and exceptionally poignant piece on your brother. Through YOUR gift of writing, he is still passing on HIS gift. I am determined to live my life a kinder gentler person. I have nowhere near his record of selfless acts, not even close! But I have tried to use some of my God given gifts to make life a little more enjoyable for others. I am still much more selfish than I should be, but I do make an effort each day, if I am out and about, by simply holding a door, smiling at a sad face, etc. Most importantly, I pray for others I see that look like they are struggling in some way. You said he handled stress with such grace. I will remember that. I’ve had my share of struggles, emotionally and physically over the last 9 years. I never would have made it without the Grace of God, but I failed in how I handled the stress. Yes, I am a stronger person now, but after reading what you said about your brother, I will now be inspired to handle life’s difficulties with grace. What a wonderful brother, son, and father he was —how lucky you all were to have had him in your life. My heart and prayers go out to all of you, especially his children.
So sorry to hear this news. He was positive influence in my life during high school and I am proud to have known him. He certainly enriched my life. He touched so many peoples lives in such a profound way. He will live on through each of these incredible events. I feel for your entire family. My thoughts are with all of you.
I know you don’t know me from Adam, but I’m compelled to tell you that my heart goes out to you and your extended family. So thankful that the comfort from knowing God is in control makes such pain easier to bear. Thinking and praying for you all.
Oh Becky, I am so sorry for your loss.
We are so very sorry for the loss of your absolutely amazing brother, Jonathan. He truly was an amazing man. I was very blessed to be on his bus last summer for youth conference and my husband served in the Montreal Canada mission at the same time w/him..He has blessed so many lives especially the youth. They have been so positively impacted by his example for good. We have been praying for your family and will continue to do so. May you have peace until you are with him once more…
So sorry for your loss. I know you, of all people, will have the memories of your brother to comfort you. Thank you for sharing him with us – he sounds like a wonderful man.
What a wonderful testimony about your brother! As a born-again believer, (and from your comments, I believe you are, and your brother was also,) how comforting to know that he IS in a better place free from the ravages of cancer, and that you WILL see him again one day. What peace and assurance for the Christian believer! My prayers are with you and your family, now and in the days ahead. Truly, your brother’s works and legacy will continue. Be blessed and comforted by the sweet memories, and the hope of reuniting with him in the future. May the blessed Holy Spirit wrap strong arms of comfort and peace around you and your family.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I have lived in Frederick County, MD most of my life and discovered Celebrating Jonathan Allgaier on Facebook over the weekend because several of my friends went to school with your brother and were leaving comments. Over the past few days I have been reading the various tributes to him. I am struck by the outpouring of sincere love in what I have read. I can only hope that I will be thought of and remembered with such admiration as your brother. Thank you for sharing his story. Your family is in my thoughts.
We are so sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You were truly blessed to have such an amazing brother. he is at peace now, praying you will find peace too…Bless you
Oh, Becky, I am so sorry! Jonathan sounds like a truly wonderful man! Praying for you and your family and wishing you all God’s comfort and peace.
Praying for peace for your entire family. I lost my father 2 years ago to cancer and am so sorry it took your brother as well. Keep celebrating your brother and his good life here on earth. May you all be surrounded with God’s loving arms during this time and the years to come.
What a wonderful person! He has such a beautiful family, I hope that they will feel peace over time. Sorry to hear your loss – even when you’re prepared for such things it doesn’t make it easier.
Becky, to you and your family….I offer my sincerest condolences! I am sending prayers of strength to you all and that you may feel all the love and the presence of the Holy Spirit during your time of loss! it sounds like your brother truly lived the life that God wants all of us to live! thanks for sharing your family with us! be encouraged for he fought a good fight!
Becky, Your brother sounds like a wonderful person and an example to all of us. I am so sorry that you lost your him and that the world lost a fine man.
Becky-
My condolences to you and your family. He is no longer in pain and will continue to be a part of your lives. What a wonderful tribute you gave to him. Thanx for sharing him and your whole family with us – he is inspirational! My heart goes out to all of you.
becky, i am so sorry for your loss. i am so happy though that your brother is meeting jesus today!
Becky:
So saddened, but at the same time honored that you shared your brother’s story. The expert storyteller that you are has truly revealed his now-fulfilled purpose here on Earth. God bless your entire family and Jonathan’s spirit~~
I know you will miss your brother deeply but you’re right…you will see him again. Take comfort in the fact that he is no longer in pain and find joy in his legacy…his children, the lives he touched through his volunteerism, his work, etc. My family lives in the Jefferson/Brunswick area. He did a wonderful job designing the new fire hall and community center! You and your family are in my prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. I loved getting to know more about him; I can tell he will be sorely missed by many.
What a beautiful tribute to your brother. Thinking of you & your family at this time, and lifting you up in prayer. I’m so sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for this earthly loss. What a wonderful brother you have.
My heart goes out to you in your loss. My prayers are with all of you–David sounds like an all-around wonderful person.
So sorry for your loss…may you and your family be comforted in your knowledge that this life is not the end. Eternal life awaits.
Becky, I’m so sorry for your loss. Your tribute to your brother melted my heart and made me pause during my hectic day to remember what’s truly important. Thank you for that and for the wonderful example of your brother. I know he must have impacted so many people for the good during his short life here.
Very, very sorry for your loss. My heart is especially with you, as I lost my brother ten years ago this past July. This was a beautiful tribute to your beautiful brother. What a legacy of inspiration he leaves behind. His life inspires me to treasure everyday and to reach out to all around me. Thank you for sharing his story. xoxo
Thank you for sharing your news. May you family be blessed with much family,friends,faith and tender memories!
Becky,
My heart just goes out to you! I lost my oldest brother when I was 18. It’s been 7 years and I still miss him every day.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
xoxo
Sarah
Oh Becky,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your brother Jonathan. I pray that your faith will help you and all the friends and family affected. I pray that his wife and children will be comforted by all the outpouring of sympathy for your family. I always admire those who find comfort in their faith and I pray that it will get you through this very difficult time. Thank you for sharing your brothers story, he is lucky to have such an awesome sister, just as I know you are so lucky to have such a wonderful brother. My condolences to your entire family.
Anna-Marie
Becky…I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your post on Jonathan was so tender and heartfelt. You {and your family} are amazing and your testimony shines. Thank you for your example. Hugs and Prayers to you and your family!
Becky, I am so very sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
SO very sorry for your family’s loss. Thank you for this post . . . what a beautiful reminder of what matters in the world!
I am truly sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine loosing my brother..His legacy will live on in the hearts of all the people he touched. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
My health may fail,and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart;he is mine forever. Psalm 73:26
I am so very sorry for the loss of your brother. Your tribute was very beautiful and very touching.
I am so so sorry for your loss. My heart hurts for you. Let God hold you for awhile.
Im so very sorry for your loss of your brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
This is the most beautiful tribute I have ever read. The people your brother touched are truely blessed. I am not a member of your faith but what I do know is that you will be together for eternity. My faith has the same belief.
I am praying for all the members of your family as you move through this difficult time.
God Bless
Becky so sorry to hear about your loss. But knowing that he is with the Good Lord and free of pain is a comfort. Celebrate his life and love him for eternity because he is not gone but right beside you every day. For it is their earthly body that has left their spirit will be carried by all who he has touched.
God bless you and your family at this time.
Becky,
I am so sorry for your loss. He is in a much better place rejoicing with the angels and our Heavenly Father. What a wonderful post and beautiful way to honor your brother. The way he lived his life should definitely serve as a lesson for us all.
Hugs to Jonathan’s family and to extended family members as well.
Lisa
Becky, your family is a Testimony to the true loving spirit of our Heavenly Father. I pray for your brother, his children and wife, and for your family.
Your tribute was so heartwarming and touching. What a blessing to have had your brother in your life.
I wish you all peace.
I am truly saddened for your loss Becky. What a beautiful tribute to your brother. I was strengthened by your testimony today. My prayers are with you and your family.
So very sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. You wrote such a beautiful tribute about him….what a wonderful man he was and what a devoted sister he was blessed with. Prayers go out to you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. Your brother is such an amazing man and he is surely happy where he is now, free from pain and suffering. You have an angel watching over you. Hugs!
Becky, thank you for sharing your brother’s story. He enriched so many lives as your sharing of his life has enriched ours. I am certain he left knowing that his family will carry on his enthusiasm for life and touch the lives of many in his honor. Many prayers to you, your family and Jonathan’s wife and kids. Thank you for helping so many to remember to cultivate a good life. A
Becky. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry for your families’ loss. May Heavenly Father hold all of you close at this difficult time.
Becky,
As soon as I saw the heading I knew the sad news before I had the chance to read on. I am so deeply sorry to hear of Jonathan’s passing. I believe that when people are put on the earth and then taken early, that they have been sent for a specific purpose. Jonathan sounds like he surpassed his purpose so was guided into helping more, giving more and being more. He sounds quite exceptional. My thoughts are with his wife and children, your folks and your siblings and their families. It sounds like he will be dearly missed far beyond the walls of his house and the bond of your family. May he rest in peace.
So sorry for the loss of your brother. I am praying for you and your family. The tribute to your brother was loving and very heartfelt. My heart goes out to you all.
Becky,
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. What a sweet tribute you have written. Thank you for sharing with us. May the Lord bless you and your family with His strength, peace, and comfort as you celebrate the time shared with Jonathan.
With much love, Kristin
Becky, I am so very sorry for your loss. Your tribute was very touching to me. I have been a fan of yours from the very first moment I read your name in CK magazine. Through all your books, I feel like I have “known” you, and your family through all your scrapbook pages. The love that has come through on those pages for your family is very apparent. I only have 1 brother, my only sibling and cannot imagine losing him. Sending prayers and hugs to your whole family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this sad time. Thank you for sharing the joyous life that Johnathan lived and allowing us to participate in it. Your family is strong and the community around you will lift you up until you meet up with your beautiful brother again. Many hugs are sent your way from my family.
Oh, Becky, I knew what this post would be the second I saw the title. I am so very sorry for your loss. And so very warmed at all of the happy thoughts and memories you have of Jonathan. Thank you for sharing these with us. I wish you all peace.
Becky so sorry to here this news. Thank you for inspiring me to do my best to be a better person.
Becky I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. You have wrote a wonderful tribute about him and want to thank you for sharing it with all of us. It was 1 yr yesterday (9/17) that I lost my mom to cancer. It has been a very long hard year for me but one thing I have learned is that everyone that met her has been touched by her in some way. Just know that all that your brother has done for those that came across his path are gleeming with smiles as they remember the wonderful things he shared with them. Prayers for you & your family.
So very sorry for your loss. Such a beautiful tribute. It really does make you stop and realize what is most important. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Your brother sounds very special. You and your family
are in my thoughts and prayers.
Becky,
The fact that you would take time out today to write a post to all of us with such an awesome testimony about your brother is a tribute to you both. What shining examples of “cultivating a good life”. The short time that I have been reading your blog has been absolutely inspiring to me. Thank you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this tough time. My family recently lost my grandpa this past July to cancer as well. Thank you for sharing your brother’s story. May his joy for life live on through those of you he has left behind just as I know my grandfather lives in our hearts. Lots of hugs from my family to yours.
He sounds like a wonderful person. Thank you for sharing your testimony. I will be praying for your family and especially his beautiful wife and children.
Becky,
So sorry for your loss! What an incredible tribute to your brother. He sounds like he was an amazing person. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Glad you have these memories. Your brother sounded like the most fabulous brother one can ask for. Sending good vibes your way, although nothing will help right now. Take special care of yourself. Xxx
Becky, my deepest sympathies on the loss of your brother. The things people had to say about him were truly incredible. He sounds like an amazing man. May you and your family find peace in knowing that he is no longer suffering, and now looking down on you each and every day.
So sorry for your loss. Your brother sounds like he was a great man. Bless your family as your grief surrounds you. He will be watching all of you from above.
So sorry to hear of your loss. What a wonderful brother your brother sounds like and a wonderful legacy he will leave for his family. There is comfort in knowing that you will meet again, so grateful for heaven. God bless your family at this time.
I’m so sorry for your loss Becky. My thoughts are with your family.
Becky, I am so sorry for your loss. Your words brought tears to my eyes. I can only hope that someone will write such lovely words about me when I am gone.
Oh Becky, I’m so very sorry for your loss. I recently lost my father to cancer and when I look at the pictures of Jonathan’s beautiful family I just can’t help but think that they are too young to be going through this loss. You are all in my thoughts.
Sending hugs and love to you,
Aby
So sorry for your loss. Such an amazing tribute. My beliefs are the same as yours, you will be with your brother again. I also believe you and your family have a very special angel that will be with each of you until your journey here done. Thank you for sharing this with all of us. Your brother sounds like he was an amazing man. God bless you and your family.
I am sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family. What a lovely tribute.
I am truly sorry for your loss. But Thank you for your testimony and for celebrating all the wonderful church service of your brother. It is truly inspiring and you have touched many with your testimony of the gospel and how truly glorious it is that families are eternal!
Becky, I’m so very sorry for your loss, your lovely tribute touched me and truly made me feel like I knew your brother. Blessings of peace to you and your whole family. I can only imagine how much you will miss him.
I wish to offer my condolences at the loss of your brother. It is never an easy thing to go through…losing someone you love. I’m grateful that you have a knowledge of the Gospel to give you peace and comfort at this time. My prayers are with you, as well as Jonathan’s wife and children and your parents and siblings at this tender time.
Becky,
My heart goes out to you and your family! I lost my older sister suddenly last March (she had leukemia -beat it on a Friday only to contract pneumonia on the following Monday and to pass on less than 24 hours later. I missed saying goodbye by less than 7 hours driving through the night to try to be by her side. We lived more than 600 miles apart). We, my family, were devastated as I am sure you are now. The void is huge. The grief overwhelming. But you are right, faith, family and friends will help you get through each day without him here on earth. And there is the Promise to meet with him again.
Take care you and God bless you and your family.
Suz
Becky and family,
Your family will be in our prayers. So sorry for the loss of your wonderful brother. Thank you for sharing his story – what an inspiration to us all. Peace be with all of you as you celebrate his life and legacy.
This post brings tears to my eyes. What a wonderful legacy that your brother leaves behind, but what sadness that such an important life was too short. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Becky.
Becky, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. What an amazing tribute to your brother. I hope you and your family will find some comfort in the knowledge that he is no longer suffering and that you all have an angel above to watch over you all. Prayers to you and your family.
I am very sorry for your loss. Your tribute is wonderful. Prayers of peace and comfort for his family, and your entire family. (All of the photos are wonderful, but the photo of he and your mother walking on the path in the woods warms my heart)
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this time of profound sadness. Although I did not know Jonathan I am saddened by his passing, the world does not have enough people like Jonathan in it and he will be missed by so many.
Thank you, Becky, for sharing so much of Jonathan’s goodness with those of us who never had the privilege to know him.
God bless you all.
Having lost my first wife to the same kind of cancer at the same age, I can empathize with Tina in a way that few have experienced. They were alike in one incredible way; they fit more life and accomplishment into 42 years than most who live 90.
There are some who live so well that they leave this earth a better place than they found it.
Good bye my friend. Para siempre Dios este con Vos.
Hi there, dearest Becky,
. Love to you and yours.
I am so glad that you wrote this tribute to Jonathan–it was beautiful to read. We are so sorry for the pain of his passing, and in reading this piece, it is clear that he really was an exceptional person. It’s obvious how talented he was, and that he had a keen sense of service–how incredible a combination. Thank you so much for using this opportunity to inspire others to live their best life–I know I feel differently than I did when I sat down to read this, and it’s for the better
I am so sorry for your loss. Your tribute was so inspiring and touching. Prayers to you and your family.
Becky, I am so sorry for your loss. I am keeping you & your entire family in my prayers. That was a beautiful tribute of Johnathan.
Becky, I am so sorry for your loss. He sounds like a remarkable man, one that I would have loved to have met. What a beautiful testimony he has. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Peace be with you all.
So sorry for your loss. Thank you for your testimony.
Our deepest condolences and prayers are with you and your family. Your words were very beautiful and he led an amazing and fulfilling life.
Becky,
I don’t know you or your family, but I buy and love your products. I follow you on facebook and on your blog and I feel like you’ve let a small piece of your life into mine. I was so sorry to see that you brother passed and your tribute to him is absolutely beautiful. You can really see through the way you’ve described him that he was a wonderful man. I lost my sister (aged 28) 11 years ago to breast cancer. Her faith and the way that she loved Jesus and lived her life, made her passing a little bit easier for the rest of us. We knew that she was at peace with God when she died. I hope that your brother’s faith and love of God helps the rest of you to be at peace as well.
Pam
Becky,
I agree with others. This post brought tears from my eyes. I am glad that you are celebrating your brother and sharing your testimony. It sounds like your brother was surrounded by family and friends – both physically and in thoughts and am glad that people let him know how special he was and how much they appreciated him. Your family will be in my thoughts.
I am so sorry for your loss. Your brother sounds like an amazing man. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your entire family!
I am so sorry to hear this and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Becky, you are an inspiration to me and so many. Thank you for sharing your beautiful testimony and all the priceless examples of a life so beautifully lived. I have grown up by the DC temple all my life and was married there and continue to visit often when I can, and I think it is so wonderful that you can share the beauty of the Gospel while going through such a difficult time. Thank goodness for the knowledge of eternal families that we have.
Becky, so sorry for the loss of your brother. Your tribute to him was beautiful.
I am so very sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.
Becky I’m so, so sorry for your loss. Your post about Jonathan is beautiful. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.
What a wonderful tribute to your brother. I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Becky, so sorry for yours and your family’s loss. It’s never easy to lose a loved one. Thank heaven for the gospel of Jesus Christ where we can find that comfort that comes only from Him and from the knowledge that we can one day be with our loved ones again…forever. My family’s thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Becky-
Thank-you for sharing….so sorry about your family’s loss. May God give you all strength for the days and weeks ahead. How we must appreciate each day that God gives us with our dear loved ones…it sounds like your brother did just that…may this post inspire many others to do the same!
Just blessings xxx
Dear Becky, I am so sorry for your loss. Your wonderful brother set the bar high, but you touch it when you write from the heart. This is a beautiful tribute which I hope will bring much comfort to your family at this sad time. Big hugs to you all from NZ xx
So sorry to hear of your loss Becky but what a remarkable man your brother was. I will keep your family in my prayers.
I am so sorry!
I’m so very sorry to read of Jonathan’s passing. Thank you for your post and allowing us to get to know him here — he will be missed by many, I’m sure. My prayers are with you, you’re family and his wife and children. May you all have the peace in your heart knowing you will see Jonathan again someday. As a mother and grandmother, my heart also goes out to your mom. Seeing photos of her at Jonathan’s bedside knitting, and above when Jonathan was younger, really especially tugs at my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all Jonathan’s family at this time.
Thank you for sharing this tribute to your brother. He sounds like a wonderful person; I wish I could have known him. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I pray that God will give you all strength during this time of mourning. Again, thank you for sharing.
Becky, Im so sad about your family’s loss, your brother sounds wonderful. You are all in my thoughts.
I’m so sorry.
Becky, this tribute is beautiful, you are a wonderful sister to a truly great brother! I am sorry for your family’s loss. I pray you all find peace and comfort at this sad time.
Thank you Becky for sharing so many wonderful memories and tributes to your brother, for allowing me to feel like I knew him just a little bit from your sharing. I’m so glad that Jonathan was surrounded by his loving family.
I am deeply sorry for the loss of your brother and my heart and thoughts go out to your family.
Take care. Karen from NZ.
I’m so incredibly sorry for your family’s loss Becky. What a beautiful tribute.
Your words and Jonathan’s life have made an impression. On many people in many ways. I am going to strive to be the person I should be, the person Jonathan was, and make a difference to others.
Dear Becky, I’m so sorry for your loss. I, too, lost my brother to cancer and while I can never know the depth of your sorrow, I can empathize. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Prayers go out to you and your family Becky. What a moving tribute!!
I know we don’t know each other, but I feel like I know you and have been following Jonathan’s story and praying for you. I am so sorry for your loss, and I pray God would be your comfort during this time. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18.
hi Becky, So sorry to you and your family for your sad loss.Such beautiful memories you shared.x
I am so very sorry for your loss. Jonathan sounds like he was an amazing brother, father, son, friend – thanks for sharing his life with your blog readers. My heartfelt condolences to you and your entire family. I will pray for all of you during this difficult time, and hope that you may find some comfort in all of your memories of times spent with him.
I am so sorry for your loss, Becky! My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Thank you for sharing your brother with all of us.
{tears} hugs with your family.. everybody… your mother too.
hugs from Chicago.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Losing someone you love is never easy and definitely not something we will ever truly comprehend in this world. I feel like I know your brother so well, just by how you’ve described him. It is obvious that he has impacted this world…probably more than we will ever know. He was a faithful disciple, and I know that you and your family rejoice through the pain knowing that he is with his Heavenly Father now. I am definitely praying for you and your family.
Remembering your family in my prayers.
Plus thank to your dear Bro for be part of Deaf culture to help others.
to sign to talk are beautiful.. I can pix it with your bro talk with his hands.
hugs…
Prayers and blessings to you all, your whole family, Tina & kids. What an amazing man that has left behind so many gifts to so many people. May god keep you all close during this difficult time and may Jonathan’s memories stay close to your heart and soul.
God Bless
From our Family
Becky, May you and your family find peace in the lord and in knowing that you will be with your brother again. May the legacy he left inspire those who know and loved him as well as those of us who just know him through you.
Sorry for your loss. Remembering your family in my prayers.
Praying for you and your family.
Becky I never met you or Jonathan but I cried when I read the news because I feel like I know you all. Godspeed!
You and your family were truly blessed to have Jonathan in your lives, as well as all the people he touched. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Jonathan left behind quite the legacy that will live on in the lives of others. I will say a prayer for you and your family.
Becky, thank you for sharing with us what a wonderful man your brother was. You have shared so many joys with us, and brought so many smiles, that it is time for us to share your tears as well. Your family is in our prayers that God brings peace and comfort to your hearts.
Jonathan is a wonderful example of living the good life. I hope you don’t mind me sharing your blog in seminary this week. May God bless you and all the family at this time.
Oh Becky, so sorry to read about your brother’s passing. The things people wrote about him are truly beautiful and a reminder of how we should really live. Prayers for your family as you accept this loss.
So sorry for the loss of your brother. What a wonderful tribute to a great man, son, husband, and father. No we may never understand why God makes these choices for us, but we can understand the love that He blesses us with while he gives us this time on Earth. God Bless You and Your Family.
I am so terribly sorry to hear about your loss. Jonathan did live a wonderful life and is a great example to us all. I wish you all peace and tranquility during this difficult time. <3
I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. Thank you for sharing this wonderful tribute. I lost my own brother and father almost 19 years ago and I must say the lives they lived still profoundly effect me to this day. I hope you and your family can find comfort in knowing you will see your brother again. My prayers are with you.
So sorry for your family’s loss. What a beautiful remembrance. I will keep your family in my prayers.
I am so sorry for your family’s loss Becky. What a wonderful Christian man your brother was. I look forward to meeting him in heaven. My heart goes out to his wife and his beautiful children…
Ronnie xo
Becky,
So sorry for you and your family. Know you are in our prayers!
So sorry Becky, but also glad to know his suffering is over. The thoughts you’ve shared and the photos have made me cry and smile and reminded me that it is a great honor to have known him and called him friend.
As many others on this blog, I have never met you! But I feel I have known you since Porter was born, when I started scrap booking all those years ago. I cannot read your post through my tears, but like you; I have faith. Praying for you and your family Becky all the way from down under.
I’m sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I am sure your brother is smiling down on you as he hears your beautiful words you have to say about him.
I’m sorry to hear this news. Your love for your brother is very admirable. He is a great loss. What an incredible person, so talented, generous, and caring. My thoughts are with you and your entire family. Peace and love.
Kia Kaha (Be Strong) Becky
Karen (New Zealand)
My heart goes out to you and your family Becky at this time of loss. May you all know God’s peace at this time. He sounds like a fantastic person/brother/son/father/husband…
Dear Becky and family,
I am so sorry about your brother’s passing. Thank you so much for sharing his story with the world who didn’t have the chance to meet him. My sister passed away in June from cancer. Each day I remember that life is a miracle and death is a mystery. My heart goes out to you all. Especially his wife and children.
I am very for your loss! My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. May Jonathan rest in peace. I am sure he will be watching over you as one of your guardian angels!
What a lovely and loving tribute to your brother, Becky. He cultivated a good life indeed. Sending love and prayers to you and your family during this very emotional time.
Such a moving tribute. What an amazing man. My deepest, heartfelt sympathy. My thoughts are with you, your family and Jonathan’s extended family.
My thoughts and sympathies are with you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss, your brother sounds like an amazing man. What an awesome tribute to Jonathan. Your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers.
We are sorry to hear this Becky. We hope your family and his family can find the comfort and strength needed in this difficult time. Much love for all you.
Doug & Susie Higgins
I remember you sharing about your brother some time back. It was obvious there was a lot of family love…so sorry this member was taken so soon. It was obvious there was a lot of love.
*hugs*
Our family is so sorry for your families lost. My husband knew Johnathan from high school, they played ball
together.Thoughts and prayers to you all.
The Deener Family,
Robert , Cheryl, Erica and Preston Deener
We are very sorry for your loss, your brother sounds like an amazing man. Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.
What a wonderful, loving tribute to your brother. Thank you for sharing Becky. Love and prayers to you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. Jonathan sounds like an amazing brother. I can only hope that my boys grow up to be like him in serving his family and community.
Gaaah…tears. Tears of sadness for your loss. Tears of happiness because he truly is loved and definitely did have a good, good life.
Becky, I am so very sorry for the loss of your brother. I know first hand the ugly side of cancer. In October of last year, I lost my mom to cancer (lyposarcoma). Then just 5 short months later, I lost my dad to prostate cancer/a broken heart. Today would have been the 36 year anniversary and my heart hurts. When I got online today and saw this on your blog, my heart hurt for you. You are in my thoughts and prayers tonight. Much love to you.
Becky…you and your family have my deepest sympathy. You have honored your brother beautifully…thank you for sharing him with us. We can all hope to pass it on for him and for the wonderful life he lived. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Bechy~
I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. What a beautiful tribute to Jonathan. Your words touched my heart at a time when I need reassurance and hope in my own life. Thank you for sharing your faith and family.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear brother.
Very sorry for your loss, Becky. Your family is in my thoughts.
Love and prayers to the Allgaier and Higgins’ families. I am so sorry for your loss.
I am in Jonathan’s ward. Jonathan was the first one to walk right up, right after sacraments meeting our first day in a new ward. His warmth and generous spirit shone as he greeted us. Our daughter is deaf and I guess he thought we were too. So he walked up and signed ‘How are you?’ He was shocked when we started talking! He always went out of his way to say hello to our daughter and ask her how she was doing. He is already so missed. I pray your family will feel the peace of the spirit through this challenging time.
My brother was 59 when we lost him to a rare horrific cancer. Like Jonathan He suffered with a rare devastating cancer. I am 11 years younger than him and he passed in 2004. I still miss him terribly. He was one of the good guys. Always doing things for other people. I know he is in heaven and thankful for that assurance. Time does help some but i still miss him terribly! May God give you comfort and strength to move forward. May Hod bless you and all his family as you honor his memory.
Prayers for strength for your entire extended family are going up! You gave such a wonderful testament to his character. Thank you for sharing just a bit of your amazing brother with us.
Thank you for your beautiful post, Becky. I’m sorry to hear your news. You are handling this so very gracefully.
I am sad. Let me know if I can do anything to help you and your family. We are only a short drive away.
I’m so sorry to hear about your brother’s passing Becky. I am sure he continues to serve his Savior in new ways now. May you find some comfort in the fact that he is painfree and made perfect once again. You and your beautiful family are in my prayers.
What a great guy your brother is! No more pain or tears and a whole new body. God is good. Prayers to you and your family as you go through this loss.
What a lovely commentary on a life well-lived. You are a stranger to me, but we all are united in the hope of seeing our brothers (mine died in his early 20′s in the 1960′s). May you find peace and may the act of remembering him comfort you. It is a sadness that would be overwhelming if there were not the promise of a reunion someday. Wishing you well. Cate
Im so very sorry to hear about your brother’s passing. But you are 100% right when you say that families are forever, and you will all be together again. Prayers for you, your parents, his wife, everyone that knew and loved him. Your sweet words let us all know what a great man he was.
My heart breaks for you and your family. Just reading the beautiful things you wrote, it’s obvious he’ll be missed by so many. I pray his memory will live strong in his children. I hope you’re able to laugh more than cry when you remember him.
What an incredible man!! Wow!! Prayers and hugs to you and his family. So sorry for your families loss.
Becky, As others have said, I do not know you personally, but feel like I know you through reading your blog. I am so sorry for your family’s loss today & am praying for strength, comfort, & peace from God for each one of you. May God continue to bless you each day. Wynell
love, hope and peace to you and yours, Becky.
I am very sorry to hear of Jonathan’s passing. I pray for your family’s strength and peace at this time.
What a wonderful tribute to your brother. I pray that your family feels the love of God and the comfort in knowing he is in a much better place. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I’m so very sorry for your lost. Prayers to you, to your family and relatives.
Yes, today we feel the empty space he left, but one day we all be together again. Yes, I believe in HIS promise, just like Jonathan did… just like you do.
Hugs Becky…
Becky, So sorry to hear of your brother’s passing. I will say a prayer for you and your family tonight.
Just keep those thoughts of your wonderful childhood in your mind and how much you loved him. I know your parents are so sad about their son, may god watch over them and keep them under his wing. God Bless you all. Life is too short.
I worked with Jonathan in Las Vegas and when I heard the news today, I was in total disbelief. I can hardly believe how fast the cancer took his precious life. My heart grieves for the loss of such an amazing person, and for the loss for his family. I will keep you all in prayer at this time…may God bless you all.
I am so sorry for your loss Becky! Your brother sounded like an amazing person and his family amazing because of him. God Bless All Of You!
So sorry for your loss.
Sorry to hear of your loss. Through your blog, we’ve gotten a glimpse of what a wonderful person Jonathon was. May you find comfort in your fond memories of him and knowing so many of us care.
Becky,
I am so sorry to hear of your brother’s passing. You and your family will be in my prayers tonight. As I read your comments about him I was caught by where he served his mission. Was it by chance the Montreal, Quebec mission? And what years did he serve? That is the mission I grew up in as it encompassed the two northern most counties in New York state and it is also where my husband served who is about the same age as your brother. May our Heavenly Father comfort you, your parents, and Jonathan’s family during this time.
Your brother seems like an amazing person. My deepest condolences to you and your family on your loss! God bless you all!
oh Becky…what a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man…I know he will be missed in this life, but I, like you know your paths will cross again… sending up some special prayers for him, you and your families..may these memories lessen your sadness in the days and months to come. Let us all continue to work toward a cure for cancer…in any way you possibly can. God Bless.
Hi Becky.
first of all, so sorry for your loss.
Second, Jonathan is and will always be a good testimony & example to all of us. Indeed, what a good good life he led. It truly touched me and I want to follow in his footsteps – to lead a good life too.
Thank you for sharing your life and Jonathan with us. He is in the arms of Jesus right now and one day, we will all be together again.
Take care.
Becky my deepest condolences to you and your family. Thank you for sharing your profound belief in your faith. Your words are so heartfelt that while I do not know you or your brother or family I was so moved that I was sobbing. May your faith in Jesus continue to bring you and your family peace and comfort in the coming days.
My deepest sympathy for you and your families. May his light continue to shine and illuminate in the lives he has touched. I will keep you and your families in my prayers.
What a wonderful life Jonathan led. What an inspiration he was – and is. Prayers for you and your entire family.
So sorry to hear of your brother’s passing. Isn’t the gospel wonderful, though. That sure knowledge is such a comfort and blessing. Your family is in my prayers.
So sorry to hear about your brother’s passing. I wish I could have known him, for I’m sure he would have enriched my life and I would have liked to be a part of his. Love and peace to you and your family and his children in particular.
So sorry to hear about your brother’s passing. I love that you are rejoicing in all the memories you made with him and that his life is being celebrated with such intention. Wishing you and your family strength and comfort in this difficult time. Your love for him is amazing. Thank you for sharing this blog post Becky.
My heartfelt prayers go out to you and your family at this time. May you feel love and peace.
What a beautiful tribute to your brother. I am so sorry to hear about his passing. Thank you for sharing your testimony with us.
it sounds as if he lead an incredibly enriching and positive life. you were all blessed to be a part of his world. your tribute is wonderful.
What a wonderful tribute to you brother! He sounds lie an amazing person! My thoughts are with you and your family!
I am so very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. Your post was beautiful.
God bless.
[...] to point my readers to something special associated with it. Becky posted an incredibly moving tribute to Jonathan today on her blog. It is filled with lovely details about the things that made Jonathan who he was [...]
My heart aches for you and your family.
Thank you for sharing a little about Jonathan’s life. It made me want to be a better person myself. I believe you and your family are anchors in a turbulant world. Thank you for your examples of goodness.
What a beautiful tribute to your brother!
Sending sincerest condolences & prayers.
Becky, that was so truly beautiful…thank you for sharing. I’ll be keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Our prayers to your parents, siblings and all your family
Thank you for sharing this loving tribute to your brother. My heart goes out to your parents and his wife and children, as well as you and your brothers. Even with great faith, loss is so hard and he will clearly be missed. May we all use our time here on earth as well as your brother did.
Becky what a wonderful tribute to your brother! I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you and your family warm hugs and lots of prayers!
I didn’t know your brother but I still felt I knew him through your posts. My payers go out to you, your brother, his family and friends.
Sending you comfort and acceptance in the difficult days to come as such a loss is so hard, even when embraced by faith, what a beautiful momentum sharing his life with all.
Ann
With tears in my eyes I am wishing you and your family quiet moments of peace in the coming days. The words and images you’ve shared are a beautiful tribute to your brother, his family, and your parents. May God watch over each of you as you celebrate his life and mourn your loss; thank you for sharing his amazing story with all of us – how lucky you were to have such an incredible big brother.
Becky,
A truly amazing and inspiring tribute to your brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Lydia
I sat here sobbing as I read this. I am so sorry for your loss & what you’re undoubtedly feeling right now as you miss your sweet brother. My deepest condolences. I am sure there are many like me who have seen pictures of your family since the beginning of Creating Keepsakes that we feel like we know them. Thank goodness Families Are Forever.
My heart goes out to all of you and I am so moved by the poise and grace by which you have all conducted yourselves as you all cultivate a good life. Inspiring beyond words that you can bring to tears someone you have never met or ever likely to meet. Who knows not you or your family yet feels such an emotional connection. Warm thoughts at this sad time
Dear Becky,
I am stunned to hear the news. Your tribute to Jonathan moved me. With tears in my eyes, I pray for you and your families tonight. Especially Tina and Jonathan’s children.
God Bless,
Arlene
I am so so sorry or your loss.
Thoughts and prayers, Melanie
Dear Becky,
Thank you for sharing his life with us. It is such an inspiration.
Our prayers have been and are with you and your whole family (parents, siblings and their families) and especially with Jonathan’s family.
Hugs and love, Outi
My thoughts are with all your family at this sad time, especially his wife and children. What an incredible man he was; and some wonderful memories that he left you all with. I will be thinking of you over the next few days. Jude.x
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing some of your brother’s wonderful life with us. <3
Becky, I’m so very sorry for your loss and for that of your family. Jonathan surely did cultivate a wonderful life. Thank you for sharing with us.
A beautiful tribute to your brother.
Sending sincerest condolences and prayers and hugs to you all xx
My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Becky I am so sorry to hear this sad news. Peace be with you & your family at this time.
So sorry for your loss, Becky.
Sending you prayers and thoughts as you and your family during this difficult time. What a wonderful tribute to your brother.
Sympathy and hugs to you and your family. I wish peace for you all.
I am so very sorry for the loss of your brother. Wishing you and your family the peace and comfort that come from the wonderful memories you have of him, as you walk this path of transition. You and your family are in my prayers.
[...] oldest brother Jonathan would have turned 43 in October, so in honor of him the challenge will simply be to log 43 miles [...]
I am new to your blog but all I can say is xxx
Becky and family, I am so sorry about Jonathan. You and your family are in my thoughts.
I am so sorry for you and your family’s loss. I love the tribute you wrote about him and his life. It was beautifully written. I will be praying for you and your family during these next few months as I know you will need strength and comfort. It sounds like you have a great closeness with your family. It is so nice that you have one another to lean on during hard times.
I am sorry I wasn’t on here earlier to read this, which is why I am commenting late.
Blessings to all of you.
[...] who recently passed away after a fight with cancer. Here’s what Becky has to say, “Jonathan would have turned 43 in October, so in honor of him the challenge will simply be to log 43 miles [...]
I haven’t been by the blog recently and just saw this. I’m so terribly sorry that your brother is no longer here with your and his family. It’s obvious how much you adored and respected him. What a beautiful tribute that his loved ones shared those lovely thoughts and stories with him through FB, and that he was able to hear and take comfort in their memories and fondness of him. I lost my Mother to cancer 8 years ago and know how hard it is to watch a loved one suffer. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
So very sorry for your loss. I’m sure that your brother is watching over all of you and so pleased that you have chosen to celebrate his life. May you and those who loved him all find peace and healing in your hearts.
[...] Jonathan was an architect and engineer before he passed away just a couple months ago – and his handwriting is an indication of that profession. From the time I was a little girl, I had huge admiration for his perfect handwriting. All of us who knew Jonathan’s handwriting revered it as a form of art. My brother Steven also has pretty amazing handwriting for a guy. It’s just as particular as the way he carefully spreads his peanut butter to the very edge of the bread. [...]
[...] Q: How are you doing after the loss of your brother? [...]
I’m sorry for your loss and am feeling that I should share my favorite verse from the Bible with you. May it be of comfort to you.
II Timothy vs. 4-7
I have fought the good fight;
I have finished the race;
I have kept the faith.
I was Jonathan’s home teaching companion in Apex, North Carolina in 1999 and 2000. I lived about four blocks from him as well – the Raleigh temple was built between his house and my apartment during that time. We left Apex Ward about the same time and lost touch. If I’d known we lived relatively close to each other again (I’m back in northern Delaware where I grew up) and that he was so sick, I certainly would have tried to come and catch up.
I’m just now hearing about this because it was in the BYU Magazine that came today. And I think I understand – my mother would have turned 66 yesterday but she died of breast cancer three years ago. And I lost a sister to leukemia when she was five and I was thirteen. I know you’ll be with him again someday – and he really hasn’t gone far.
John Taber
Elsmere, Delaware