Jamie Walter Wilkinson
February 16, 1978 to May 23, 2017
Obituary
Passed away unexpectedly on May 23, 2017 at Toronto General Hospital after a long awaited heart transplant, Jamie Wilkinson, 39 years of age.
Left broken hearted is his wife and best friend Heather Lannon; mother Madonna (late George); brother Jason (Paige); sister Bridget (Richard); nephews Lucas, Ryder and Gabriel; nieces Alison, Ashley, Brooklyn and Jayce; closest aunt Anita Dyer and family; a large number of aunts, uncles and cousins; mother and father-in- law Sheila and Jim; sister-in-law Vanessa; bandmates and friends Jimmy, Wayne, Paul, Chris, Curtis, Bryan and Mitch; staff and students at St. Michael’s High School, Bell Island; as well as a large circle of friends and other relatives.
Special thanks to his Toronto “mom and dad” Madonna and Danny Foley, “brother” Jeff, “sister” Denise; as well as Gord, Roxanne, Leigha and Emily King.
Jamie lived with a congenital heart disease that created challenges throughout his life. At just a year old he had open heart surgery to correct the defect. When he turned 30 his health began to deteriorate which caused heart failure. The treatment he required was not available in Newfoundland and numerous trips to Toronto for medical treatment was required. In 2014 in an effort to save his life, Jamie and Heather relocated to Toronto to be closer to his medical team. During this time he underwent many medical interventions including the implantation of a VAD (a mechanical heart) that would sustain his life until a heart transplant could occur. After two and a half years in Toronto a new heart was finally found. Unfortunately due to complications during the transplant surgery, Jamie did not get to experience life with his new heart.
Despite the many obstacles that Jamie faced he remained positive and never let anything slow him down. He was courageous and brave, a fighter and a friend, and would do anything to help others. Jamie’s journey was made easier by the dedicated staff at the Peter Munk Cardiac Center – Toronto General Hospital, especially Dr. Lucy Roche and Dr. Phyllis Billia, who supported him right to the end.
His memory will live on as his wish was to help others by becoming an organ donor himself.
Visitation will take place at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Monday, May 29 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. and Tuesday, May 30 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. A celebration of Jamie’s life will be held at the D.F. Cook Recital Hall, Memorial University School of Music on Wednesday, May 31 at 6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in support of the LVAD Program at the Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation www.tgwhf.ca/personal-pages/, or Hope Air. Both of these charities help those like Jamie, on their journey to better health.
Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on May 29, 2017
7-9 p.m. on May 29, 2017
2-4 p.m. on May 30, 2017
7-9 p.m. on May 30, 2017
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
6:00pm, Wednesday May 31st
D. F. Cook Recital Hall, Memorial University School of Music
Jamie was a Gentleman and one of the sweetest kids I ever met during my time at the MUN School of Music. I hadn’t seen him for many years, but his warm, loving personality left a lasting impression. Learning of his passing just this evening leaves me feeling sad for his struggles and your loss, but richer for the legacy of courage, selflessness and good humour he leaves behind. My sincere condolences to Heather and family, and best wishes for many years of happy memories ahead. .
Jamie was one of the nicest of the people I’ve ever met. I just found out about this tragedy. My deepest condolences.
Dear Heather,
It was with great sadness that I heard that Jamie passed away. You were quite the soulmates, both warm, kind and with a sense of humour. Keep the good memories close. His is a special spirit, worth celebrating.
Take care, Cathy
Jamie gave the example of strength and perseverance to others that rippled out like a pebble in an endless pond.
Life is not the opposite of death. That definition is birth.
Many people are born, but few truly live, and even fewer live an eternity in each moment. Jamie did that. The ethos of his spirit remain in the hearts and minds of more people than can be counted.
Heather, I got to know Jamie in the Ontario Pops Orchestra. As I was often able to give him a lift after rehearsals I also got to know that he was a cheerful, confident man who did not let his bad luck get him down. I know how much you both wanted to get home. I am sorry life did not work out that way.
Heather I’m so saddened by this news. I was so hoping for a good outcome. I’m thinking of you and you’re families and my prayers are with you all.
To Jamie’s family,
My sincere condolences to all of you. I’ve never met any of you but I did work with Jamie for a brief time. I was principal at Bishop Abraham School when Jamie transferred in to be replacement band teacher several years ago. After just a few weeks he had to leave for Toronto; when he explained his medical condition to me I told him he’d be in my thoughts and prayers and to keep in touch. That year he called regularly to update us. At times he told of medical experiences that were so intense I’d be at loss for words but Jamie’s great sense of humor and his way of looking at things always carried the conversation. Since my retirement I’ve thought of him and Heather often and wondered how he was doing. His courage was amazing, it was a blessing to have met him and work with him if only for a short time.
Heather & family,
Myself & Dera send along our sincere condolences.
Exceptional “Celebration of Life” for Jamie last evening, I’m sure he was looking down smiling. It was an honor to have known such a wonderful man.
God Bless you & your family.
Madonna and family: I was really saddened when I heard this morning that Jamie had passed away. He was a courageous person. I remember seeing him at power skating when he was about 14 years old while the other boys in the group were 10 or 11. He put his heart and soul into his routine and was totally unconcerned about his age difference. I remember saying to Joe Power how admirable Jamie was.
You can be assured that Jamie, despite his medical problems, was fortunate to have an advocate and a fantastic mother like you. I’m sure no words can express the sorrow at this time.
Jamie left his legacy of love for life and an example to all who knew him. Whenever I heard his name it was always about what a wonderful person he was. There is no doubt he is resting in peace– how could it be any other way?
God bless you all.
MADONNA,
I am so very , very saddened to hear this tragic news! My thoughts and prayers are with you at this extremely difficult time!
Take care, and God Bless,
Ella (Strong)
Madonna,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts are with you.
The boys of Shamrock
Heather,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We always enjoyed spending time with you and Jamie. His sense of humor and attitude about his situation was an inspiration as was yours. We are so sorry for your loss. He will be dearly missed.
Heather,
So very sorry to hear about Jamie’s passing. You are in my thoughts during this sad time.
Allison (Battcock) Whelan
Heather & Family,
We are so sorry and heartbroken over your loss of the amazing Jamie. He was such a fun-loving guy and we always enjoyed his company and zest for life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Jill & Matt
Sincere condolences, wishing you strength during this difficult time.
Heather, we are so sorry for your loss.
The Boundridges
Madonna and family, Don and I are so very sorry for your loss. Jamie learned so very much from you and his dad about building the strength he needed and your encouragement over his lifetime carried him in his journey. Take strength now in knowing that. His love of music started with you. Keep your wonderful memories close to your heart.
Heather, thinking of you at this sad time. May the memories you hold in your heart bring healing and peace and help to comfort you.
Wayne and Andrea Newhook
Sincere sympathy to Jamie’s wife Heather on his passing. May he rest in peace.
Jim and Maureen Murray-Danny’s parents.
Dear Madonna,
So sorry to hear of your son’s passing. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Ann Williams
Madonna and family,
just arrived back in the province and was so heartbroken to hear of Jamie’s passing, Thinking of you and yours at this difficult time. Sincerely, Anna and Mike Kelly
Dear Loved Ones of Jamie,
I only knew Jamie, personally, in passing through his involvement with RMTC Orchestra, but even through the small times i interacted with him, I enjoyed his company and liveliness tremendously.
I knew him better for the music he was a part of, and I am happy that those amazingly fun and lively tunes he helped us perform will always remind me of him.
Sheila & Family
Thinking of you at this difficult time. I know yours
strength and love will help Heather in the days ahead.
Michelle & Audrey Moore
Dear Heather, Madonna and families,
I am truly heartbroken about Jamie’s passing. I am still in disbelief! You, too, are devastated about losing such a wonderful son, a loving husband, brother, uncle and brother in law.
Heather, you were such a devoted and caring wife to Jamie throughout his illness. Take comfort in his love for you and the time you shared. He truly loved you with all his heart!
Jamie was a soul mate and mentor to many of The Celtic Fiddlers in the four years while he was a member. He was a great model to the younger members and took them under his wing to assure that they were ‘gettin it’.
I would speak on the phone with Jamie at length and would laugh all throughout the conversation as Jamie’s wit and description of events was second to none! He was funny, sincere and said what was on his mind! I’ll traesure these memories of him!
Madonna, to lose your son must be so difficult.. The heartache and loss must be unbelievable. Your influence in his musical life was due part to your own love of music. He loved and admired you always
Jamie loved his music, whether it was The Celtic Fiddlers, Redline or his school band and choir. He was focused on where he was at the moment and gave 100% of himself to everything he did.
I/we, The Celtic Fiddlers, shall miss Jamie- he was a genuine individual, and true to all who met him. I hope he and Robyn are singing away!
I am so sad for all of you, please know that I am thinking of you and wishing I was there to express my condolences in person.
May you find peace and happy memories always!
Korona Brophy (The Celtic Fiddlers)
Sarasota, Florida
With great sadness we offer our condolences to all of Jamie’s family and friends.
Madonna and family. Our deepest condolences to you all. Jamie was such a kind person who’s memory will live on in all who knew him. May he rest easy now in the arms of angels.
Madonna & family , so sorry to hear of Jamie’s passing , sending our deepest sincere condolences our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time . God Bless you !
Madonna,
May God be with you during this most sad time! I just want to let you know that, ever since I heard of Jamie’s passing, I have been constantly thinking of you and offering prayers that God will give you strength to see you through. God Bless you!
Madonna,
We were so sorry to learn of Jamie’s passing. Although we can’t be there with you, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May the strength of your own faith, as well as the support of your many friends and family members, help you through this most difficult time. God Bless you!
Heather and family;
So sorry for your loss at this time. Memories are a gift of God that Death can not destroy. Cherish your memories.
Madonna and family, I am so sorry to hear of Jamie’s passing, there are no words I can say to help ease the pain you are feeling. May God Bless each and everyone of Jamie’s family and friends and give them the strength to carry on with all the beautiful memories that he left you.
Heather,
everyone here at your Hope Air family of friends are thinking of you, and send our most heart-felt condolences. Jamie was a special presence at our events, and friends to many of our staff and volunteers. He was just that sort of guy — looking at everything with a positive smile despite his own challenges. He will be missed but the memories and good thoughts we all have will be carried forward by so many.
Madonna and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Jamie’s sudden passing. Please accept our sincere condolences. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you .
Heather,
So sad to hear of Jamie’s passing. Thinking of you & your family during this time.
Heather , sincere condolences on the loss of your precious Jamie . Thinking of the King , Lannon and Wilkinson families at this most difficult time . May your cherished memoriies ease your pain in the days ahead .
To all
I met Jamie only a few times.
There are people you meet and take to right away.
Jamie was one of those people.
I know how he will be missed by those close to him.
My sincere condolences to all !
Dale Pike
Heather. Words cannot express the saddest we are all feeling for the loss of Jamie You two were the perfect couple and anyone who knew you two could see the love you had for one another You gave Jamie the best years of his life and yours. Without any family around you moved to Toronto and you both fought a battle to get him his heart all the while yearning to be home together Without you by his side he would never of had the love and support to get him as far as you did. And so now whatever brings you peace at this terrible time is a beautiful thing. A celebration of Jamie’s life is the most fitting and appropriate way to celebrate him and he would love it as I’m sure he is looking down and smiling and cracking a joke or two. Stay strong and you will weather this as you have done so many times when Jamie was so sick and you only had each other We will all miss him. A celebration of life with music is a beautiful way to celebrate Jamie. and it will bring you his wife great peace
Thinking of you all at this difficult time, Jamie you may be gone but your spirit lives among everyone you touched. Rip angel!!!
Heather,
I am so sorry for your loss. May your memories of happier days help you through this difficult time. There are no words adequate to express sympathy for the loss of someone so important in your life. Hope it helps to know you are in the thoughts of many. Take good care of yourself.
Diane
Sending our deepest condolences to Jamie’s family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dear Madonna
David called to give us the very sad news.
We send our love and condolences.
Please accept them.
Our prayers are with you.
John & Kay
Stamford, CT
Madonna, Heather and family; We were visiting Aaron when we got the devastating news. We have many fond memories of Jamie and Aaron when they both were attending music school. He will be remembered as a beautiful soul. We have lost him much to soon. We all loved him very much.
Madonna and family we were o saddened to hear of Jamie’s passing our hearts are breaking for you please accept our sincere condolences RIP Jamie you will always be remembered and sadly missed
My passion in life is music. I owe that to Jamie. He was my very first guitar teacher, for five years of my life. He gave me the ability to express myself through music and for that I am forever grateful.
I am so deeply saddened to hear of his passing. He will live on every time I pick up my guitar.
Heartfelt condolences to Jamie’s family and friends.
This is very sad news and I extend my sincere condolences to Jaimie’s family.
Paul Rice
School of Music, MUN.
Madonna and Family ,
Saddened to hear of your son’s passing .
You are in our thoughts and prayers . God Bless .
Sim and Maxine Wentzell
Heather and Family,
We were so saddened to hear of Jamie’s passing. May you find comfort in the many wonderful memories you had with each other. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. RIP Jamie.
Lisa and Paul Bailey
Madonna, Heather and Families,
Our deepest condolences on Jamie’s passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Heather and Family,
Our deepest condolences on Jamie’s passing. May God bless and strengthen you during this difficult time.
Pete and Lorraine Miskell
Dear Heather and the family,
I was very sad to hear of Jamie’s passing. I was truly inspired by his perseverance during the time I knew him in Toronto. My son had a similar heart defect in where he and Jamie shared hospital rooms. I was inspired by Jamie’s positivity and knew he tried to make others happy for those around him.
My sincere condolences once again.
Norma
Madonna and Family,
We were saddened to hear of the passing of your son.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you .
God Bless ,
Sim and Maxine Wentzell .
I am so very sorry to hear of Jamie’s passing, our Aunt Elsie Pendergast called with the sad news. Please pass on my condolences to all his family and friends
I am so sorry to hear of Jamie’s sudden passing at such a young age and wish to offer my condolences to his family and friends.
Thinking of you all during this difficult time. So sorry for your loss.
Dear Heather,Mrs. Wilkinson and Family. Though we didn’t meet Jamie personally we felt as though we did from the musical industry . We cannot express the magnitude of sympathy and condolences to you all at this very trying time in your lives.
Our thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone of you .
To Jamie’s family,
We have heavy hearts here at the Canadian Club of Toronto after the news of Jamie’s passing. He was a dedicated volunteer that was raved about by the entire team.
I was fortunate enough to work with Jamie at one of my first events at this job. What a beautiful, genuine, lovely guy he was. I was so looking forward to the next time we would interact again.
I am thinking of you all and I know we are all so grateful for the opportunity to have someone like Jamie in our lives.
All of my love.
In November past, I had the pleasure to meet Jamie and his wife. My friend was having open heart surgery in Toronto; Jamie and his wife came to visit. We chatted, we laughed and we learned from on another. Jamie was both an inspiration and a strong advocate for health care. He was thoughtful, caring, and most certainly a warm Newfoundland personality! I am so sorry to hear of your loss and so thankful we had the opportunity to meet with him and to learn from him. My prayers are with you all at this time.
So very sorry for your loss. Heart felt prayers going your way.
Madonna and Heather and family members, We were saddened to hear of Jamie’s passing, we truly thought with all the prayers from the community, family and friends he would make it through his surgery. He was indeed a fighter to the end and there are so many memories of Jamie to be shared. I’m sure he wants you to remember all the good times with him and shed tears of laughter instead of sadness. With the help of family and friends you will get through this terrible time. Take care and God bless you all! You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
To Jamie’s family.
I was saddened to hear of his passing. I fondly remember Jamie from my days spent in Flatrock and him performing at St. Patrick’s Day concerts when he was a young teenager.
Thinking of you all during this difficult time and keeping you in my prayers
Dear Heather, Mrs. Wilkinson, and family – I’ve known Jamie for many years and he was a star of a guy. They say that it’s not the years in your life but the life in your years and this definitely applied to Jamie. He made an impact on those that new him and never took things too seriously, even when he was faced with the most serious things in life. I appreciated our time together in Toronto and will miss him dearly. All the best to you and yours as you go through this difficult time. I know you have many warm memories that will make you smile as you continue to remember and celebrate his life.
Madonna, Heather and Family, There are no words to express how sorry we are for your loss.Please accept our deepest condolences and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time in your lives. May his souls rest in peace.
Heather words cannot express the deep sorrow we are all feeling for you and your family at the loss of Jamie. He was am amazing man who showed such courage and strength despite the challenges and lived life to the fullest. His gift of music will live on in the children he taught and the community he entertained. And the love he had for you and his family and friends will continue to shine and to grow in everything you do. May all the wonderful memories you have shared together help guide and comfort you in the days and weeks ahead. Thoughts and prayers with you and the family.
Heather, Madonna and Jamie’s family, I am a Celtic fiddler Mom, and no words I say will make this any easier. Jamie toughed every persons life that he came in contact with, he was always a joy to be around and always brought laughter to every situation. the world was a better place because of Jamie. His Wit, smile, laughter, and that wonderful sense of humour was so nice to be around. He was very kind to both my daughters when they first joined the group and went out of his way to make them feel part of the group. I saw in Jamie a beautiful soul, so calm and peaceful and would light up any room. I hope your beautiful memories of Jamie will help in the days and months ahead. RIP my beautiful friend Jamie, your presence here will be greatly missed.
So sorry for your loss , I knew Jamie in school at HTH . God bless the family and give you the strength to get through such a difficult time . My prayers .
LoriLee Rixon
Heather I am so sorry to hear about Jamie. He was one of the kindest souls I ever met. It was so apparent how much you loved each other. You both showed so much strength over the last few years – so admirable! I am thinking of you and his family and hoping in time the memories, and your friends and family, will provide you comfort.
I’m so very sorry to hear about Jamie’s passing.
Whenever I think of him, his smile, laugh and sense of humour are the first thing that pops into my mind. His love of life, music and people was infectious. A great man taken too soon.
My condolences to his family.
Jamie was such a kind, generous person who lit up the room! We worked together at Rotary Music Festival and he always had a story or two to regale us with at end the long days . Our deepest condolences to the family.
Madonna, Bridget and Family,
I was deeply saddened when I learned of Jamie’s passing. How blessed was I to know Jamie as a student and then as a teacher of music. He embraced both with sincerity and joy. My heartfelt condolences to all of you.
Condolences to the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May Jamie rest in peace.
Melanie Kelloway and family.
such a sad sad turn of events–my heart goes out to all–god bless-
Our family was deeply saddened to hear of Jamie’s untimely passing. We shared so many wonderful memories with Jamie over the years when we traveled across the island with Korona Brophy and her very talented Celtic Fiddlers. We brought along our little trailer we called ‘Brownie’ and filled it with Jamie’s drums and our fiddles, bodhrans, guitars, mandolins and keyboard. Such great times, full of music fun and laughter! Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories of Jamie to forever hold in your hearts. With much love from Gordie Rhonda & Angela O’Brien xox
Our thoughts are with Jaime’s family at this difficult time. Brad and I attended MUN School of Music with Jaime. He was always such a wonderful man who brightened up any room.
“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” – Helen Keller
I went to school with Jamie and he was always a quiet sweet boy. My prayers are with his family. RIP Jamie.
to Jamie’s family and to Heather,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time’
Condolences also from Patrick Boyle and Jenny.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.
Michael and Annette Boyle
I will always remember Jamie for his positive outlook, enthusiasm, kindness and passion for music. My sincere sympathies to his family and friends. God be with you in this time of sorrow.
So sorry to hear the sad news. Jamie was a kind-hearted, fun-loving man never without a smile. Thinking of his family, friends, and all those close to him.
Someone so special can never be forgotten.
Heather, we were devastated when we heard the tragic news that Jamie’s heart transplant surgery was not successful. As you know, we have followed your journey, and we have admired so much how you and Jamie continued to live your lives with such optimism and positivity and fun, in spite of the challenges you both faced with Jamie’s heart condition. You and Jamie have been an inspiration to us all. We know that your journey now will be difficult, but we hope that the beautiful memories you have made with Jamie will help you in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead. Our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to you and all Jamie’s family. With much love and sadness, Mary and Fred. xo.
Heather, Sheila ,Jim and Vanessa…We are so sorry to hear of Jamie’s passing,our deepest sympathy to you all at this sad and difficult time,Keeping you close in our thoughts and prayers.Your memories, family and friends will help you get through the next few days and all the days ahead.God Bless you all.
Linda and Pleman
Heather and family.. cannot begin to express the sadness we feel in the loss of Jamie. Our deepest of sympathy, may family and friends comfort you during these very difficult times. Roland and Marion Pryor.
Madonna sorry to hear about Jamie passing he will live in your all hearts I
Madonna and family, I only remember Jamie as a small child as it has been awhile since we lived in Pouch Cove. I ember his smile and his wanting to play hockey with Jason. Our children are not to go before us, but it is not in our hands. Only one person has control. I’m so sorry fr your families loss. Until you meet again. RIP JAmie.
I’m so sad to hear of Jamie’s passing. I grew up playing in concert bands with him in St. John’s and always admired his dedication and commitment to music making and his positive outlook. My thoughts are with his family at this time.
Our heartfelt condolences to Heather on this difficult time from Shawn and Donna Evans RIP Jamie
Jamie you will for ever be remembered as a kind, caring, friendly, and greatman rest easy my great friend.
Heather so sorry about Jamie Deepest Sympathy to you and your family also to Jamies family . GodBless Hugs ❤❤
Karen ..Chrystal & Juanita ..
Madonna and Bridget
From myself and all of us at Sorensen School of Dance deepest sympathy on the passing of Jamie. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very sad and difficult time.
Kim
Madonna and family,
My deepest sympathy on the passing of Jamie. I will always remember Jamie as a true gentleman, the kindest and gentlest of souls. His generous spirit, strong character and kind nature was admirable.
Thinking of you at the most difficult time. You are in my prayers.
Our hearts are breaking for you all. He was such a spirited and kind-hearted man. Cherish the memories of your loving husband, son, and brother.
So sorry for your loss, Jamie was always such a nice sweet caring guy he will be greatly missed.