Coming up on 10 years mate and I still laugh about stupid things we did and obsessions we had 30+ years ago. It does get sadder because it’s seems like you were younger as time goes by. 

We were at a loss for words learning of Jonathan's untimely death.  A poem by Robbie Burns, a fellow Scot, seems to say it all.

An honest man lies here at rest
As ere God with his image blessed
The friend of man, the friend of truth
The friend of age, the friend of youth
Few hearts like his with virtue warmed
Few heads with knowledge so informed
If there is another world, he lives in bliss
If there is none, he made the best of this.

I treasure this photo of Jonathan at our wedding with his cousins as it is the last time I saw him.  He was so special to me as we shared some wonderful times together talking in the darkness of the billiard room at Park Mount, putting the world to rights.  Jonathan was so understanding.  I also have the fond memory of a young man who did not like mince pies but managed to east me out of house and home causing me to have to bake a whole new set ready for Christmas.  I only have happy memories of a lovely caring young man who I was pleased to know.

LOVE IS IMMORTAL

I am still here…
Playing high up in a tree
Being my mischievous self
The one you remember as me.

So, it's okay to laugh
To smile, when you think of me
For you are always in my heart
And I am here for you to see.

Just in a different way now
But all the same… I'm here
With you, until we meet again
So please let go of fear.

Shed no more tears on my behalf
But feel my love instead
For all that you have given me
And for the beautiful life I've lead.

– for Judith & Syd Pilley

Jonty, as I take in the events of this year and the stunning and unfathomable news of your death I find myself completely lost about it. I can not even imagine the pain Mr. and Mrs. Syd and Judith Pilley have been enduring and feel today, along of course with my buddy Rachel. I have always admired you, mate. Just a couple of boys we were, trying to find our way, both of us quite fortunate growing up in the lush green grass of our shared backyards of our homes on Elm Street. I respected that rebelliousness and strength you always carried - areas i was clearly too weak to match. Jonty, as such, my whole life thus far, whenever I met anyone named John, I always called them Jonathan - whether they liked it or not! I really did love you. Our connection remains remarkably more special as you went into the next life on that mountain on the date of my birth - May 7. I trust you are having a good laugh somewhere on that one, my brother. I tell you, Jonathan, if I don't laugh about that irony, why I'll just cry more tears. May you rest in peace. It is simply unfair a great man like you is gone from this earth. May your spirit soar. I write this with great sympathies to the fine Pilley family. Jonty - if it's okay, I will carry some of your great courage with me everyday, you sweet man. Peace. 

- Graham Wall

Jonathan, I thought it would get easier, but it's getting harder, probably partly because you're currently sitting on my shelf. You will be happy to know you had a good night out with Ross, Jay, Donny, et. al. We've discussed how you would haunt us, but so far no rude words have been written on steamed up windows and Lily's barbie house scene remains prim and proper. We used to go months, even years, without seeing you but always knew you'd be back in our lives. It's so hard knowing you won't be again.

Gail

Particularly at this time of year, I have such vivid memories of the arrival of Jonathan Tobias.  As a young student just starting university in London, I remember meeting baby Jonathan for the first time at the flat in Wimbledon and being awestruck by my perfect little nephew. Over the next ten years in England I saw Jonathan grow into a smiley little boy who managed to amaze me with the amount of knowledge he seemed to possess at such a young age.  He was the apple of his Grandparents' eyes and I have such clear memories of him sitting for hours interacting with his Grandpa.  After moving to Canada, meetings with Jonathan were limited and our own children did not get the opportunity to get to know their 'big cousins' but we still heard all about Jonathan and Rachel when my parents returned from visits. We know that things had not always been easy for Jonathan over recent years but we are so pleased that he was feeling much happier at the end of his life and that he will live on through the legacy of his three children. We know he is so sadly missed by all of his family in Canada and the UK but that his memory will live on.
Frances and Keith Edwards

Hey JT.
It's been six months now since you had your accident and I'm still not certain how to handle your death.  There are times when I can be very pragmatic about it, and then there are others when a wave of grief completely overcomes me.  The other day I was flipping through my iPhone looking for a contact's phone number, and I came across yours.  I crumbled to my knees, knowing that I will never be able to call that number, or any other, to get you on the phone.  I haven't had the strength to delete your contact info yet, as I just can't quite bring myself to come to grips with that finality.

I know that I put you through hell when we were younger.  I tormented you when I came to Magee and made what was already a difficult time for you even harder.  That is possibly one of the biggest regrets that I have in my life and I don't know if I ever really found the words to properly express that to you.  I am so sorry Bro.

While you and I have had our ups and downs, I am so glad that our relationship was on an up-swing.  I had really enjoyed having you as a bigger part of my life in the last year or so, and looked forward to seeing you each time I came to Vancouver.  Having you come kayaking in the Desolation Sound with us was fantastic, and although your lack of discretion sometimes irritated the hell out of me, it was a joy to be able to share the wilderness with you and see you bond with my husband and daughter.  It was bitter sweet when Scott and I planned our kayaking trip this year as we had been looking forward to having our “mule” along with us again.  Instead, Scott and I went alone, and often commented on how much you would have loved the scenery, wildlife and adventure of it, and how much we would have enjoyed having you with us.

Over the past six-months I have often tried to console myself by finding the small blessings in the circumstances surrounding your death.  One of the blessings that I have taken great solace in is that I was able to see you less than 48 hours before you died.  Sometimes months goes by without us seeing each other, but that we were able to hook up that Saturday evening and spend some quality time together is, in hindsight, quite fortuitous.   You were so pumped and full of life that afternoon.  You had just come down from mountain biking on Cypress and you had had a great day.   The adrenaline was still coursing through your veins, the flush still on your cheeks, and the passion evident in the way you talked about your day.  Having seen you on that natural high has made it easier to accept your death, knowing without a doubt that you died doing what you truly loved.

Since you died I have had the opportunity to meet many of your buddies whom I have heard you talk about over the years.  It is clear that you were a loyal friend who was loved and admired for his intelligence, willingness to help out and quick wit (many make comment of the cheeky glimmer that you would get in the eye, and tilt of the head, right before you would pipe up with a outrageous one-liner or smart*ss comment).   

Through your friends I have been blessed to learn about a side of you that I, as your sister, didn't often get to see, and I thank them all for sharing their stories with us.   I now associate the term “Absolutely!”  with you and it evokes a strong emotion in me whenever I hear somebody respond to a request that way.

Scott, Alex and I just came back from Disneyland.  While we were there we did a 3D ride called Soaring Over California which simulates flight over various scenes of the state. One scene was a white water river, with kayakers playing in the rapids and current.  I leaned over to Alex and said "There's your Uncle Jonathan" because it reminded me of you. 

Jonathan, I love you and miss you. I hope you are presently having the ride of your life, whether it is on a river, ski slope or mountain bike trail. 

You will be forever missed but never forgotten.
Ride on JT.
Love, your sister.

We knew Jonathan when he lived in Sheffield many years ago. As a young child he was always on the go with a huge smiley face and lots of energy and mischief - making dens inside and out in the garden  - running and jumping around just full of the joy of life. He will be missed by all whose lives he touched. 
Jan and Bryan Greenwood and children Angela,David,Stephen and Tim

Although I didn't grow up with Jonathan, I was always very proud to have two cousins who lived in Canada.  I always heard lots about them from Granny and Grandpa and the times they had visited them in Canada.  My Grandpa in particular always talked fondly about Jonathan and I think he was extra special to him being the only Grandson.    
More recently, Joe and I were lucky enough to spend some time with Jonathan when we visited Vancouver.  Although he wasn't at his best during that time, he always made an effort to chat to us and we enjoyed some lovely family BBQ's in the garden.  I always think of Jonathan as super intelligent, with this amazing passion for the great outdoors. He also seemed a little mischievous as he seemed to love to disagree with my Uncle Syd which tended to end up in big debates!
The other thing that reminds me of Jonathan was his love for Harry Potter books.  I can remember the smile on his face when Joe gave a copy of one of the Potters just before we returned home.
Jonathan will be greatly missed both in Canada and in the UK.  I think it's lovely that Jonathan leaves a part of himself in his children, which alongside his memories will live on forever.
Gina, Joe and Ffion xxx

I knew Jonathan as a very young lad, way before the family emigrated to Canada. I knew him as JT and will always remember him as JT.Right from an early age he was enquiring, energetic,obviously intelligent, always asking questions. I remember great holidays with his Mum, and sister on the caravan site in Anglesey where we would meet up with his Grandparents and other family members.I remember vividly the occasion when JT and I were walking down to the beach. On route we had to pass through a large metal 5 bar gate. JT loved to hang onto this gate when I swung it open, but on this occasion the landowner saw us and we got a real "dressing" down. I think it scared me more than JT.
I lost track of him when the family moved, but was so grateful to see him again when I visited Vancouver a few years ago. He bought Ella for a visit to Syd and Judith"s and it was great to see what a caring Dad he had become.JT, you will be sadly missed by so many.
        Eileen Cripps   England

My first memory of Jonathan was at his home in London -in Culford Road- when Syd kindly invited me round to meet his family.I remember to this day his tousled hair, his welcoming smile and above all his dimples when Jonathan appeared at the door,his body partly hidden behind Judith due to an inevitable shyness linked to our first encounter.

We have over the years spent several holidays with the Pilley family and in particular I remember their stay with us in Navacelles ,in the South of France ,in 1981 when we went off canoeing for one day in the Gorge du Tarn,possibly the first time that Jonathan took a trip in a kayak.

The water in Navacelles is cold,about 11 degrees C and you only go in swimming when it is hot and you can warm up afterwards.When Jonathan first went down to the river with us,I still remember him dipping his toe in and saying to me,with his normal lovely mischievous smile along with dimples "No way,it is too cold". However Jonathan ,you quickly changed your mind and you dived in and when your head re-appeared out of the waterwith the normal winning smile you said one word" Great "

I will always remember your welcoming smile, your tousled hair and your great sense of fun and mischief which made you such an appealing young man to all of us who knew you well. In my mind you never changed since our first meeting in Culford Road.

Dear Jonathan, 

Our friendship started in the 1970's when you and your Mum, Dad and sister came to live on Elm Street, just behind our house on Trafalgar Street in Kerrisdale. Your Mum and I met on the bus going to UBC. Luckily for me, seeing that I had an in-between ageâ€, I struck up a great friendship not only with your parents but also with you and Rachel. 

Jonathan, I really loved spending time at your house. I remember eating fun meals together at your house and lots of interesting conversations about just about everything.  At that time you were a bit shy but none the less it was clear to me that you had an interest in the world and that you already had a clear opinion about most things happening around you.

 And when your parents went out I was invited to babysit. Again fond memories:  of eating bowls of popcorn and playing board games and watching movies. I also remember playing games of tag and hide and seek; running very fast up the stairs and turning right to your room and left to Rachel's. 

And in the basement you were always building things like giant marble racetracks, Domino towers and Lego/ Mechano constructions. You were always very clever and ingenious and had a lot of patience and forgave me for my lack of building knowledge and two left hands.

And sometimes we went for rides in the (F)argo van with Rachel.  That ol' van often had mechanical problems too and even then at a young age you were able to help me get her started again. I often wondered then who was babysitting who. 

I was the first to leave Kerrisdale but when I came back in town I sometimes managed a visit or too and then I had the pleasure of seeing you and your family again. I recall fondly the twinkle in your eyes and you mischievous grin and your love of sports. 

In 1986 I moved to Holland and our paths diverted until you came to visit met in Holland in 1989. Your European/English root helped you to fit in immediately to life there and you were quite oblivious to the fact that you had a good many girls' heads turning in your leather coat and cool trousers. My husband Rob's family and our friends loved meeting you too.  

The ocean between us meant that we didn't get to see one another very often but luckily in 2011 we were able to share time together again. I loved the way we were able to just pick up where we left off.  You were so open and easy to talk to and lots of fun to be with.  

And in 2011 we also had the chance to drive together again, this time in my Dad's ol' car â€œJoe-Joeâ€. The car which you later inherited and took great care of and loved. Once again your mechanical skills came to my aid: thank you dear Jonathan for taking such good care of Dad's car.

It was in 2011 that I last saw you Jonathan. It was then that I had the pleasure of having another delicious evening meal together with your Mum and Dad, your son Toby and your sister and her daughter Alex. It was lovely to see you with your son who you very obviously loved very much. Hearing you talk about your love for your other two children Ella and Oliver was also very special. 

Jonathan, I shall always remember your big heart and quick wit and all the lovely times we had together. 

Miss you Jonty!
Until we meet again,
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxo!!!!
Ker

Dearest Jonathan:  It's been almost four months since you left us. During that time I have cried and grieved and missed you enormously but the miriad of vivid memories of you are so real that they give me strength.
Jonathan, I was so privileged to be your Mom, you were certainly a gift from God.  I am so proud of you and all the things you did and achieved in your all too brief life.  Your three beautiful children, your BSc, your intellect was remarkable, left us all standing, your loyaty to your rriends  was admirable and has been comented on and reemphazised time and again since you died, as too your unconventionality and sense of humour.  I never knew you had soo many friends!  Funny how the different aspects of your life did not overlap, childhood, family, school, scouts, bike courier, university, cranberry farming etc.  But Jonathan, they all came together at your Celebration of life, all 180 of them.  They have all been wonderful to your Dad and me and now we know them all!  Your certainly had/have good friends.  
I miss your regular visits  and knowing you sre downstairs, cooking your favourite Sunday dinner, Roast beef and Yorkshire Puddings followed by Steamed Treacle Pudding, our trips to Vancouver's curry houses, listening to you and your Dad discussing world history and pouring over the Atlas, our discussions about novels we've read or are recommending to each other.  I am slowly working my way through your eclectic library which we'll keep as a reflection of who you were. Where we will store them I do not know.
There's not a day when I don't thinki about you and say with pride, "Yes that's my Big Guy who had so many challenges, both physical and emotional but came through, through your own determination and the love of your friends.  I am so proud of you.

I am so sorry for your - losing Jonathan.  It is difficult to express in words.  I was part of the False Creek pack of friends in our teenage years.  Jonathan was a fearless leader and we all strove to be like him.  Honest, intelligent and sensitive - he became like family in those days.  I remember one summer he invited us on his Deep Cove boat and we had a great adventure in the cabin up the waters.  We were so young and free.  Those will forever be my memories of him.

Funny disjointed memories, like the time a mouse ran
through my hair at the cabin on Indian Arm (and Jon laughed his head off), staying up all night. Fighting, making up, sneaking out of the house to go to his, more fighting, throwing the phone down the stairs, my mom's lost look of desperation not knowing what to do about a wildly in-love and defiant teenager. We didn't waste our time sleeping. I snort about how stupid Twilight is, like everyone, but I also remember that feeling so vividly - the 17 year old brain hopped up on a chemical overload of love.

We were so young... were we ever that young? I still sometimes wonder how anyone survives the perils of adolescence. I'm glad I spent part of mine with Jon. 

I miss his laugh, and that funny, mischievous look he got on his face before the laugh even came out.

I remember sunday dinners with Syd and Judith - yorkshire pudding, always perfect, gravy, the works. We never ate like that at my house. Syd's architecturally brilliant gingerbread houses, and Judith's warmth and hugs and how she always made me feel part of the family. Like I would always have a seat at their table. Syd fitted me and gave me my first pair of contact lenses which changed my life... no more squinting. They invited me to participate in selecting a charity for their Christmas donation, and I felt incredibly honoured.  Jon and Rachel bringing out the
absolute best in each other 50% of the time, and the absolute worst in each other 30% of the time. Somewhere in that spare 20% I think they were reading each other's minds and deciding whether to use what they found there for good or for evil.
I didn't know Jon as an adult - I haven't seen him in almost 20 years, but I've always had a warm thoughts of him, even when I'm shaking my head at the memories. Jon was my first love. My first big crazy magic love. He owns that part of my heart forever.

Well, it's obvious from reading these letters how much we all loved Jonathan.I am not surprised.What an execllent person he was.
I invited Jonathan to come and stay,"for a bit" to get him out of the city, and away from whatever it was that was depressing him.I thought I could help him,guess I did a bit,but Oh, he helped me far more.We kept him here in Oregon for as long as we could that year,and every year after.I know a good thing when it's picking and planting my fields for me.And not just me.Jonathan quickly became in demand around here.What a capable guy!For half a dozen beers you could have your pumphouse rewired,replumed,repaired.Was there anything he couldn't,or wouldn't help with?Halliburton even wanted J.T. to manage his investments for him.Could he have done that?I guess we'll never know.
I remember sitting having coffee in the morning,Jonathan and I,and half a dozen dumb farmers when a local big shot - Mr.Harden, came into the coffee shop.Harden makes night vision glasses for the army and owns half the town.Long story short,as we left I heard Harden saying "who was that guy ?" Ha.
Sure Jonathan was wicked smart,but I'll remember him more for his interest in everything and help with everything,no matter how mundane.And yes,when his eyes would lightup,he'd get that grin,and you just knew something good was coming..."I just saw a chicken laying an egg,and..."
We sure miss him.
Toby,Oliver and Ella,your Dad was as good as they get.Be glad you've got those genes.
Michael and Frangee
Bandon,Oregon

I wanted to add our sympathies to the wealth of support and encouragement you have doubtlessly received from your wide network of family and friends at the news of Jonathan's untimely death.  It is a cruel world indeed that snatches away a son, brother and father so suddenly.  Yet the phoenix from the flames must be Jonathan's spirit: never extinguished, often questioned but always questioning.  This is one of my abiding memories of Jonathan:  the way he never seemed to accept things at face value or just because that is how it is.  His individual and enquiring mind carved out his unique nature or was it vice versa?  Either way he was his own man and I know you will all value that forever.  We need more like him.
As a briefly mentioned to  Syd the utter disbelief on JT's face when confronted by the French messieurs toilets on our skiing trip lives with me to this day and still makes me smile - free fall urination over the restaurant balcony.  He gave it his best 'shot' of course.  I trust there were many more heart-warming stories at his Celebration of Life.

With our love and best wishes.

Jonathan and I didn't see one another very often since our days together as roommates and couriers, especially so in the last year and a half.  The last time I saw him was on Christmas morning 2010. He spent Christmasd Eve watching me bake cookies that didn't turn out so well and wrap presents for my daughter who was 4 at the time.  It was late by the time I had done my chores and I offered the couch for Jonathan to sleep on.  I can still remember driving him home the following morning, saying goodbye, and promising to call him to take him up on his offer to help with rennovating my dilapidated home.  Even when Jonathan was not in a good spot of his own, he was always there to help his friends.  I will allways remember him for his generosity.  Even though I hadn't seen him since that morning I knew something good was happening for Jonathan lately when I saw pictures of him on Facebook mountain biking with his friends, something he had said he could never do again the last time I saw him.  I was so happy to hear that the sparkle in his eye had returned... I just wish I had seen it for myself.

I lost a friend, I don't know why,
I can't change the fact, I can only cry.

It's not fair, it's not just,
but continue on I must.

but I must carry on and be
the same old man my friend called "G".

because my life has changed so much
it's hard to keep my world in touch

it's hard to think of life tomorrow
with all this pain and stress and sorrow.

One day I'll heal, my heart will mend
but I won't ever forget my friend.

So, so sorry to hear about Jonathan.I am truly at a loss for words.  It is always upsetting to me when the natural flow of life and death takes on a different order.  I am sure you always anticipated leaving this world prior to your children.  We worry about them, take care of them but rarely is there a thought that we will outlive them.  To face that must be difficult.  We will think of you often as you go though this and remember Jonathan fondly.

As "Shack Manager" for the Vancouver Sun children's delivery I got to know Jonathan really well at age 10 and his sister Rachel age 8.  They arrived at the shack straight from school along with other neighbourhood children ready to sort their papers.  I baked them cookies to give them a treat and made them feel welcome.  Jonathan and his sister were treasures, polite and always on time.  They took their jobs, which they continued into their late teens, seriously.  It was marvellous training for the neighbourhood children and I loved seeing how they developed.
Jonathan was given a royal send off at his Celebration of Life.  I am sure he would have been proud.  He knew he was loved by his Mom and Dad and appreciated all they did for him.

Judith & Sid. I felt as though I needed to do something to help give you both comfort... if that is even remotely possible. Jonathan was a wonderful friend and confident to me over the years and I really wanted to express my love for him. You raised a beautiful son and I was honored to have known him. I wish you both the best and will hopefully see you again in the near future. Lots of love, Christina.

Jonathon, wherever you are now, I'm thinking of you. We had some great times together as children who lived next door to each other. I remember so many good times. The lego creations, the model rockets, the back yard tent outs, Atari Adventure, the chute the chute, the haunted houses, bmx, mini bikes, tree forts, the bravery test in those bushes, the long bike rides, the camping trips ..... growing up together at a special time in our lives. I won't forget you special friend. Thank God for me and I'll see you again one day.

I am so sad that I missed knowing you as a man, Jonathan. My memories are of you as a little boy in London, when you and Lara were great buddies and played and swam together.You were so obviously highly intelligent and a really lovable  person. We all lost touch for many years but none of you were forgotten;
Jonathan, you will not be forgotten now,  but you will be sadly missed.

Jonathan,  like everybody else I had to say 'what? no way' about ten times before I could really believe it but I am deeply saddened by your sudden passing.  You were an inspiration to live life to the fullest and your wit was out of control and your mind was full of genius.  I will always remember how you got me into and back into VIP after some time off and how those years together on the road made a huge impact on my life.  I have always thought fondly of you and was always proud to share a name with you and with your son.  May you rest in peace.  To Jonathans friends and family I send my sincere condolences and wish I had been able to be at his memorial I am thinking of you all and send out all my best wishes and blessing to you in these difficult times

Jonathan well remembered as  a team player by many. I had the honor to knowing Jonathan from 157th St. Giles Venturers in Vancouver 1983-1985. Jonathan received Scouting's highest proficiency award "Chief Scout award" from Governor General Edward Schreyer March 1984 on his leadership, voluntary service and outdoor skills.
Jonathan made a positive difference in many people's lives!

I got to know Jonathan quite well in the last few years - all of which he beat be at Scrabble.  I will miss him around the compound, as will Bill, Rhys, and Case.  He had a tendency to become quite attached to toques and woolen socks, one hat of which I happened to comment once that I thought was nice.  As much as Jon loved that hat and was so attached to it, he showed up at my door with the hat in tow (sparkling clean), to give to me.   I have that toque now and every time I wear it I will think of the caring, and giving person that I knew and of all the times he beat me at Scrabble.

Today I remember fondly a brother.  Forget him not.. I first met the family as they moved into their home on Elm Street.  A Family Home it was.  Everyone that met Johnte, Rachel, Sidney and Judith were welcomed with open arms, warmth and love.  Well maybe not some of our Boy or Girl friends, but to the most part.  I will always love the Pilley clan, and thank you for being a part of my life.  Love Peggy.

Hey Bro,  

You're missing a great party.  All your friends are here and we're all talking about you.   There's lots of love in the room.  We miss you.   

PS -  There's lots of cold beer in the fridge!!!

Jonathan, 
You impressed me with your wit,  intelligence, and kind heart.   I especially enjoyed our conversations about mathematics, nature, and nonsense. I was so impressed, I introduced you to my lovely friend Susan with the outcome of Toby, such a beautiful boy.   One of my fondest memories is having the pleasure to dump a full bowl of fruit salad all over your head in reaction to one of your mouthy moments.   I wish you were still here so I could repeat that pleasure again.   Rest in peace and I miss you.

Michelle Pegg

I had a brother in Johnte that I will miss greatly.  I met him and Rachel right after they moved to Vancouver, onto Elm Street.  Oh the family days back then, and then there were the Parties.. Thankfully Johnte had moved out so when I needed a place to live, as I could not move back to my parents home I was welcomed into the family home, which made the bond even deeper between me and the Pilley's.  I love you, will Forget you Not, and will stay by your families side for ever.

At Ideal Mini School, Jonathan was one of my very able and enthusiastic History 12 students.  They were an exceptionally talented and combative bunch - in a good way- and despite my urging them to focus on cooperation, they enjoyed competing with one another.  Jon was keenly attentive to detail and despite my reputation as a 'hard' marker, loved to negotiate and dicker for every single extra 1/2 or 1/4 point he could possibly squeeze out of me.  I often felt exasperated, but it always but a smile on my face and we did have such great fun doing it. Whenever Jon 'beat' me, he never failed to look most pleased with  himself.  Marcy Toms

no greater love for a child than that of Syd and Juthith's.

David and Jennifer Nelson

Remembering Jonathan Pilley, a unique, funny, and charming scoundrel that I had the pleasure of growing up with in my turbulent twenties and whom I was very proud to call a friend.
-Anne Dodington

Jonathan, I'm so thankful for the big hug we shared when I said goodbye to you on our last visit - with no idea it would be the last time. I'm honoured you talked with me about your life and how you were feeling. I'm grateful for our friendship that re-grew in recent years, and I have many hilarious memories of your crazy shock value humour. And of course, I am ever-grateful for our beautiful son - the treasure of my life. I could go on and on and on - with so many memories flooding to mind lately - but I'll leave it at that my friend. We love you xoxox


There are some lovely notes on the tribute page, which made me smile and cry. I thought the comment that Jonty had discovered the secret to life was so true. Our busy, busy lives don't allow us to spend enough time doing the great things... the things we love. I think Jonty did get it right. He may not have been happy all the time, but he must have had more blazing moments than the rest of us. 


Skiing with him on two occasions on two different continents was pretty darn good. I've become a pretty good skier over the last 20 years - thanks to an absolute love for it and a not insubstantial investment, but Jon was in a different stratosphere. I saw him huck a cliff in Courcheval in France, his binding popped on take-off and he just held his form perfectly through a long gliding flight and landed effortlessly on one ski. Truly wonderful.


And on your side of the world, he showed me his favourite spots on Whistler & Blackcomb mountains. It certainly felt like his place and it was an absolute joy to ski with him, sadly cut short by him tweaking his ACL.


I hope the sun shines on Friday, it should, and that those who are there smile when they think of him. I'm so sorry I won't be with you, but our thoughts will be with you both and Rach.


Lots of love.

Jonty, where do I start? From us playing cowboy and Indians in your big house with lots of stairs in London, to skiing on Whistler 6 years ago. I am so grateful that we reconnected in Vancouver in 06. It was a very tough time for you but in the days I was there we managed to have a good laugh and share some magic and very special moments. 
Your support meant everything to me and I am devastated that you're not going to make it to Australia and meet my little man. I am grateful that you were in the outdoors and doing what you loved. But it's still just tragic.
Judith, Syd and Rachel...thinking of you constantly. I will miss knowing he is there but am very thankful for the time we had.
Claire xxxxx
Australia

My heart goes out to Jonathan family and my deepest condolenses to you.  I haven't seen Jonathan in a while but have many great memories of him while we spent a few years couriering together.  His smile and friendship is what I will always remember about him.  I hope wherever you are Jonathan, you are on your bike and doing what you love.

When I think of you Jonathan it will be with a smile on your face & the good times we shared. My sincerest condolences to your family.

So many great memories Jonathan, your spirit will never die.

Dear Judith & Sid

I am so sorry to hear about Jonathan. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

Reading these tributes was like getting to know Jonty all over again. Many a year spent as kids in Anglsea with Granny and all the cousins. When he discovered that 'lamb' came from those adorable little bundles of wool in the field and immediatley gave up eating forsaid animal, to diving off the high board in Haverfordwest swimming pool at perhaps 5 years of age, with his Mum's blessing and trepidation, his adventurous spirit was evident even then. My regrets as I never got in touch. But Love to All who Love and Miss him, Hugs all round. X X

Jon Pilley, still can't believe the fluke accident that claimed your life. Tragic.

Rachel, we are so sorry for your loss. Our deepest condolences to you and your family.

Jonathan,
I liked you immediately when we first met. You always made me feel at ease and always made me laugh. I wish Greg and I could have seen more of you the last couple of years. I hope you know how much you mean to us both. You will be remembered in our house and hearts forever.

Ride In Peace J. Your warm, devilish, smile will always be remembered. Although it's been years since I was on the road, it was a pleasure to work and ride alongside you.

I will remember Jonathan fondly always, we have shared many laughs through the years. Ride on buddy.

Our shock and utter disbelief at the very tragic and untimely death of Jonathan is beyond words. 
When he was young and living in England, our families spent many happy times together. Since the Pilley's move to Canada we have followed the paths his life has taken. What has always come across was his love of the outdoors and the opportunities that B.C. presented to him. It must be a small consolation to know that he was taken from you doing something he loved.
Our heartfelt sympathy and love to all  the family. Rest in Peace Jonathan.
Angie and John Shoemake, London, England

I feel like I've known Jonathan forever and it seems impossible that he's gone. It's taken a lot of days just to be able to grasp that his death might be possible. It's as though the world has been flipped upside down for a moment and now nothing is quite as it was. Not to mention that my husband and I can hardly seem to tie our shoes in this new unreal world. 

I think it is so important to share our stories with each other here but also to record them for his three children who will grow up and no doubt wonder about their father at various points in their lives. I would urge anyone reading these to leave their names and whatever words they can muster, however brief, for all of us and those who may need these bits and pieces in the future. 

As I knew him, he was a real character. I watched him transform many times over the 20 years that I knew him and this latest version of him that I had the pleasure of witnessing was my favourite. He had gone through so many brutal injuries and long recoveries, both physically and emotionally, that it was really uplifting and inspiring to see how full of life and sparkle he was lately. 

He had lost so much, and been through such hard times and yet he had this mischievous twinkle in his eye when he would tell us about what he had been up to, that I couldn't help but smile and shake my head. 

I take comfort in the fact that to me, he had found the secret of life, that simple thing that eludes me most days, just digging in and enjoying what is happening right in front of us. Thank you for that important lesson Pilley. 

Thank you for being such a good friend to my husband (the other Jonathan) for all these years and especially the last handful. You leave large shoes to fill in our doorway. Your cheeky remarks will still be heard, and we will interject them on your behalf, and we'll share your Cheshire cat grin with each other when we do. 

Love as always,
Michele

Rachel, I don't know what to say except that we are so sorry for your loss.  Our deepest condolences to you and you family.

How very sad. Our thoughts and love go to Syd and Judith and Rachel. We have not seen Jon since he was still a child, but remember many happy times together. He was always one of a kind, living life on his own terms. It is comforting to know he was doing something he loved.
with sympathy and much love, Alex and Sally

My sincere condolences to the Pilley family especially to Judith, who was my vice-principal at King George for a brief time.

Johnathan, Ill always have fond memories of when we were all kids hanging out at my dads with the crew back then. How time flies. We will all miss you.

You were full of warth and kindness to me, riding together all those years ago. That's what I remember most about you.

Patches you were one of kind and will never be forgotten. I'll miss the laughs, inappropriate comments and the good times that we had. Goodbye my friend.

Dear Judith and Sid

Please accept my most profound and heartfelt sympathy.  I saw Jon rather recently on Commercial Drive and we promised to get together, a prospect I relished after so many years.  I will remember with great fondness and affection his time at Ideal School, especially his delightful first grad outfit - tails, if you please - and his return for a second year in grade twelve.  My very best wishes to you both and the rest of your family at this tragic time. 

Yours most sincerely

Marcy Toms

Jonathan - I met you 13 years ago, when I was dating your sister. Over the intervening years, we've done more & more together. 

I'm still learning how to "dance" with your family & will miss your ability to cut through the familial chatter with a well-pointed, single sentence. 

I really enjoyed our sea kayaking trip to Desolation Sound, last summer ... and am pissed off that you're not around for another trip, this year.

I'll miss the "Cheshire Cat" look you got on your face and the tilt of your head, right before you said something having a "shock value" of 10 or more. Not sure which was more fun, the thing you said, or watching the pleasure you took, in the delivery. Either way ... I'll be missing you.

Our hearts go out to Jonathan's family and friends. We wish all of you strength at this difficult and sad time.

Through our sport I feel like I've known you my hole life, the most easy going friendly person I've ever known. Ride In Peace my friend you will be missed.

So sorry to hear about this.
RIP. Jonathan, you will be missed, even though it has been years.
will be lookin' for Toby on the drive.

Sweet Johnathan, your bright spirit has left this earthly world but I know that you smile down on those of us left behind. Until we meet again my friend... Love always.

Although we lost touch years ago I am sadden by the news, thanks for days at CCNS and remembering my birthday

Jonathon,

You were the first friend I made when I moved to Vancouver and became a bike courier in 1993.  We made the progression mountain biking from the Delta Watershed after work rides when we were at CCNS to SFU and the Shore.  Many camping trips, many ski trips, the Bowron Lakes, white water paddling (where you saved my butt many times) and countless other adventures. You were there for a lot of firsts in my life. Thoughout the years you were always there for me sharing in the good times and propping me up in the rough patches.  I am grateful for having gotten to know you so well over the years and will miss you so much.  You will always be in my heart.

We got a fireball shot on the table and my bloody Valentine loveless on the turntable. You will be greatly missed. May your flame burn brightly my friend. Rest in peace

Jon it was a blast the short time I knew you, who knew what coloured hair you would have, watching Repo Man in your basement and the great time in ventures. You will be missed.

I remembered Jon when he came to our school from England. I funny guy with a big smile and what we thought was a funny accent. He played soccer well with us and i had the chance to become friends with him. Though we lost touch as we got older i never forgot the guy. I was just thinking about him and then to hear this news I am shocked. He was doing what he loved and i guess given the situation that is a great thing. I will quietly miss him yet never forget.

Oh my Darling son.  How we will miss you but we gain solace from the fact that you were happy and died doing what you loved.  We will think of you every day and gain solace knowing that you are not far away, maybe in the next room,just beause we can't see you doesn't mean you are not there. Take care, my love, enjoy the mountains which we know give you great joy.  Ride on JT

Jon I am absolutely gutted with the news. I have great memories of knowing you in high school and beyond. Knowing you made me a happier person and even though we had lost touch years ago living in Kerrisdale always stirs memories of good times. Jon stomped on this earth like few people and he will be missed but most of all remembered.

Jonathon was the best friend I ever had. From teaching me the ropes on the trails when i was 24 to helping me move,and fix my truck in April. He was always there for me and others too. A great listener with just the right thing to say. An honorable man who always paid his debts. He loved a challenge, was strong but never violent. I will never forget him.

OBITUARY

Jonathan Tobias Pilley

22 November, 1968 – 7 May, 2012

Glenhaven Memorial Chapel

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