I still miss and think of you often. I’m sorry we lost touch

Not a day goes by that I don’t think about you Jonathan 😔
I wish that you could have talked to me…why didn’t you ?😞

I am only now just processing your death, and the weight of this loss is earth shattering. You and I used to sit in my car, late at night after working at our shitty Chipotle job and we would just talk about anything and everything. We always parted ways feeling better than when we had joined. You taught me what being a true friend is. I love you Johnathan ♥️

Lighting a candle for you my friend. Still in my heart. 🕯

I am so deeply sorry that we have all lost Johnathan. He inspired me, and challenged me to be a better person. He was smart, funny, kind, and caring. I met him through my work, about equity and school finance. He was a source of inspiration for our first Equity Symposium, and helped us bring an understanding of equity to so many people across Connecticut. It was such a success that we are starting an organization, EquityCT, to grow the work.
Johnathan will continue to inspire me, and will be forever remembered through our youth equity work.
Blessings to all

I just remember how much light and love you gave me. Even when you struggled you’d put people before you, and I relate. I remember cleaning my dad’s classroom at the end of sophomore year I believe and we were making jokes. You always knew how to make me laugh and smile. You made me feel important. I’m sorry your candle burned too bright. I will always miss you. 

🙏🏽I just want to say that you was a very good friend and most Definitely important to me I enjoyed the times we had together playing Egyptian rat screw and Mario kart and ping pong and we would have our talks and you would always want me to be in a play that you and another friend was working on... your a very talented guy and very smart and was always there when I needed you your still successful in my eyes even though your gone your still loved and thought of by me I just can’t believe your gone and my heart aches I just wish peace on you and you will not be forgotten🙏🏽In the beginning when I first met you I was rude to you and I’m sorry I wish I wish I wish I can take that day back cause when we started talking more I loved the heck outta you 😞 when you told me “I wish I saw you before you left to Louisiana” I wish I did to buddy you’re good company and always supportive I WISH I HAD ANOTHER MATCH TO PLAY YOU IN PING PONG AND SEE THE LOOK ON YOUR FACE WHEN I WIN 😊☺️😞😞 but we shook hands and called it a day ~love jayde❤️😞🙏🏽

This guy was one of my closest friends. He was so cool. From the countless games of chess we’d play, to Watching him get down and dance. He was a true braj (bro that is a joy to be around). He will be missed. Love you Jon 

I remember when Johnathan moved into my neighborhood for the first time. I had never meet anyone quite like him and we became instant friends. He had so much energy and was always funny. He knew how to make you smile. When he moved away I was sad but tried to keep in touch with him over the years. Every time I pass that house I think of Johnathan  and the great times we had.
R.I.P  Johnathan 

I feel so privileged to have met Johnathan - even if ever so briefly. But, it took just a split second to know that I was in the presence of a towering spirit. I feel pained that he has passed so young. My condolences to his many friends, and most especially, to Johnathan's family and inner circle. He is a gentle flowing river.

Brian Reignier 

I feel stirred and saddened as Johnathan has passed. Such a sweet and gentle spirit 

I am truly in disbelief over this. I remember the first time I ever met Johnathan in middle school. It was during lunch in the cafeteria, I noticed him sitting at a table alone reading a history book. We made eye contact and he smiled and went back to his book, and for some reason I was interested in what it was about. I walked over and asked him what he was reading and he was so passionate and enthusiastic and offered it to me to take home and read even though we had just met. I enjoyed talking to him so much I asked him to join me and my friends at our table, and he ended up sitting with us every day from then on. It is one decision I will never regret. He was the kindest, most thoughtful and intelligent person I have ever met. He could always make me laugh and had a contagious smile. He didn’t care what anyone thought and wasn’t ever afraid of being himself.  Although we hadn’t kept in touch often after high school, I am extremely grateful to have had a friend like him and the world has most definitely lost an amazing person. Rest In Peace, I’ll never forget you. 

I met Johnathan through our advocacy training Partners in policymaking. I always looked forward to his 3 minute speeches or working with him on a group project. But what I'm going to miss the most are our phone conversations.  The way we discussed abstract ideas; about the universe;about life. The way he talked with precision adding pauses to make sure he used the right impactful words. He was an artist with words that is a fact. He wasn't an ordinary 22 year old, his hero's in high school weren't athletes or celebrities but historical figures and philosophers.  I loved his spirit,  his intelligence and his empathy.  He will be truly missed and I feel an emptiness now in my heart. 

I was blessed with you as my guidance son for only a year and a few months, but you touched my heart forever.  You challenged me to be a better teacher,  mentor, and human being,  You were  brilliant and your writings are powerful.  I am so proud of you and your work to help other.  I love you so much. You will be greatly missed.  The world is  emptier now.

Johnathan,
You were gone way too soon, but you will never be forgotten.
May you rest in Eternal peace.

"The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.
[Isaiah 57: 1-2]"

Mike Whilby
Partners Class of 2019

Jonathan,

The first person I became friends with back in middle school. You were one of the nicest, funniest, and always thoughtful people I knew. I remember those times we rode together on the bus to school and the many conversations we had about classes, projects, the future, and anything else middle schoolers would find themselves talking about. You always sat next to me and was definitely one of the best memories I have of my middle school years.
R.I.P. to the Greatest

Seku-Baye

Johnathan, 
This is unreal. I cannot believe you are gone.  I will never forget the laughs and fun we had in speech arts class. You were a kind and loving soul and I will never forget your smile that was so contagious. Rest In Peace my friend. We love you! 
Erin

Johnathan,
I am lost for words. I saw you this summer and remembered all the beautiful memories we shared in Speech Arts class. You lit up the room and your smile was infectious. Shine on bud, I know that smile will bring so many people joy up above. May you Rest In Peace. Miss you already bud. 
Here’s to you my friend. 
-Andrew K

You were always ready to help others and were one of the friendliest guys i knew. I remember having sixth grade history class with you as we all were nervous starting middle school, you always made sure to be a friend to anyone and everyone. You will be dearly missed. 

He was such a great soul.. I wrote poetry and still do and I remember reading one of mines to him because I was not confident to read it in front of so many people .. and he sure did give me confidence... he was an amazing talented such a caring human being .... May you rip ❤️

Johnathan, you were always an inspiration. Since middle school you always lifted everyone up, such a kind soul.  This photo was from 2012, found on a camera that hasn’t been touched since then. God truly gained an angel.

Heartbroken is an understatement. Johnathan's bright personality touched so many people. May his soul rest in peace. My deepest condolences. 

Johnathan, 

Your beautiful soul and incredible kindness will live on.  You were a special young man that found a place in the hearts of many.  

Sorry for your loss my God keep your family in his arms R.I.P

The most kind-hearted person I’ve ever met, this one hurt. He had the biggest heart ever, I appreciate you brother for your amazing personality.  From the moment I met you. I knew you were an authentic person, he had such an uplifting soul. Thank you for all the memories. Forever grateful to have met someone like you.

I’m so heartbroken. 
Johnathan: you were always so kind, so gentle, quirky, funny and so motivating. You had a radiating aura of light and good. I’m so sad to read this today, I’ve always been so excited to run into you and be greeted with your bright smile. 
My prayers are with you and your family. May your soul rest easy 😞❤️
Your poetry will forever remain with me

Johnathan was an amazing person and I will always remember his poetry. I'm blessed that he was willing to share his gifts with his Partners in Policymaking family members including myself. 

May you rest in peace, my friend.

Tammy Raccio
Partners Class of 2019

OBITUARY

Johnathan M.S. McKenzie

9 August, 1997 – 17 November, 2019

Green Funeral Home

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