Fredericton has lost one of its finest. Jon Oliver died at home on Monday, surrounded by loving family and friends. Jon, born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, was an architect by profession – and a pretty good one – but his passion was being a fully engaged citizen. This passion saw flower in fierce and frequent defence of everyone’s rights and civil liberties, fighting for economic equality, publishing an alternative journal under the nom de plume Waldo Shears, political engagement through the NDP, fighting environmental degradation and engaging in unstoppable guerrilla gardening. Jon’s tireless efforts in this regard were recognized with him being awarded the YMCA annual Peace Prize in November of last year. Sometimes you thought he had been born with a placard in his hand.

Jon shone brightest at the personal level. He believed that people were basically good at heart and he lived that belief. He gave everything away. He rarely turned his back on a stray. Those strays have spread his reputation throughout the world. Many, many kept coming back. They are all ages. They are testament to the truth that if you give goodness it will come back to you. His riches were in his friendships many of them gained from reaching out to those needing shelter, needing financial support, needing help dealing with the blows of the world or just needing a place to figure out where the latest idiocy came from.

Jon’s door was never locked. His kitchen table was never quiet. The Provincial Cabinet table might have trouble keeping up with the level of discussion at that table. It will be missed. We need more Jon’s kitchen tables.

Now it is time to say goodbye. Jon has two beloved sons, Nick and Joe. He has a cherished five and one half year old grandson Kiran. He has a niece Janet and a nephew Ian. He has a sister Megan and a brother Hugh. Jon’s family and all those whom he touched will be his testament. They would like you to remember how lucky we are to be able to share time on this earth with people like Jon.

Come to the Station / La Gare at 380 York St, on Friday, January,13 – from 4:00 to 6:00 – where we will celebrate Jon’s life together. And, if like Jon, you think helping others is a good idea, make a donation to the Fredericton Soup Kitchen or the Fredericton Food Bank. Tell them Jon sent you.

• Date : 2012-01-09 06:00:00