Jonathan Russell Workman

He is survived by his wife, Blanca, his two sons, Anthony and Micah, his stepchildren, Jocelyn and Brandon, his mother, Rebecca, and his stepfather, Chris.

Jonathan arrived in this world on December 26, 1980 in Phoenix, Arizona, born to Rebecca and Richard Dominguez.

Growing up Jonathan’s interests included skateboarding, playing practical jokes, and making up silly stories. His favorite story was how he saved a walrus from a dinosaur. The poor walrus had a toothache so he couldn’t run fast enough from the fire-breathing dinosaur. Jonathan pulled the giant tooth which eased the pain from the walrus. He then used the tooth like a sword to slay the mean dinosaur.

Jonathan attended Desert Cove Elementary School where he participated in Pop Warner Football. He then attended Shadow Mountain High School where he was active in wrestling.

While Jonathan excelled in sports, football always being his favorite, he also had musical talent. Jonathan was a drummer but he could also play the guitar. In high school he formed a boy band with a few of his friends. Jonathan was their drummer. They were an instant hit at the yearly school talent show. The name of the band was ‘Matrix’. Although it had been years since he had played the drums, he would pick up his guitar and pluck a few chords from time to time.

He lost his father at an early age but he had a wonderful relationship with his maternal grandfather, Aubra ‘Butch’ Workman. Through this close relationship, Jonathan learned to love nature and enjoy life. Butch had some land north of Phoenix where he liked to get away from the city and tend to the garden he had there. Jonathan and his grandpa spent many weekends ‘up north at the garden’. There Jonathan had the freedom to explore anything that his heart desired. He, with the help of his grandpa, had his own small garden. His favorite vegetables were the beans and the potatoes. They went fishing in Big Bug Creek when it was flowing. Although they never caught anything more than a few weeds. His gentle spirit would never have wanted to catch a fish for he never like seeing any living thing in pain.

In his adult life, Jonathan’s likes were many. When it came to sports, he was an avid Arizona Cardinals fan. As for music, he liked Metallica. His favorite movies were The Matrix and Lord of the Rings trilogies. In addition, he enjoyed all of the Harry Potter movies. From all of these cinematic favorites would stem many philosophical discussions. Jonathan was a man full of life, wisdom, and a sense of humor.

His love for his wife, Blanca and their son Micah is eternal. Whenever Jonathan spoke of his wife, son, and stepchildren, one could sense the pride, love, and contentment he held deep within his heart .

Jonathan will be missed by friends and family. But his gentleness, his compassion, and his love will live on forever in our hearts and the hearts of those he touched.

When I am Gone

Author Unknown

"When I am gone, release me. Let me go.

I have so many things to see and do.

You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears.

Be happy that we had so many beautiful years.

I gave to you my love. You can only guess

How much you gave to me in happiness.

I thank you for the love you each have shown,

But now it's time I traveled on alone.

So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must.

Then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It's only for a while that we must part,

So bless the memories within your heart.

I won't be far away, for life goes on.

So if you need me, call and I will come.

Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near.

And if you listen with your heart,

You'll hear all my love around you soft and clear.

And then, when you must come this way alone,

I'll greet you with a smile and say welcome home…