It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of Jonathan on Remembrance Day, November 11, 2025, at the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre in Fort McMurray, Alberta. Jonathan was 37 years old and had fought an epic battle with pancreatic cancer until his last breath. Jonathan was with his beloved Anna; his parents, Eugene and Marina; his sister, Stephanie and her partner Collin at the time of his passing.

Jonathan was born on August 27, 1988 at Etobicoke General Hospital, Toronto to very proud and delighted parents Eugene and Maria Rosa (née Giarrizzo) West. Two years later, Stephanie joined the family and over time Jonathan and Steph became the best of friends. Eugene and Maria Rosa (Rosie) were so incredibly happy with their two gorgeous little kids and Rosie was able to be home full time with them. The family lived in Etobicoke close to their families and enjoyed many family events, birthdays and BBQs together. Nonni and Piera (Jonathan’s aunt) lived around the corner and more than happy to provide dinners – the Italian kitchens were always open and ready to put pasta and Jonathan’s favourite meatballs on the table.

The family moved to Snow Valley, just outside of Barrie, Ontario in 1992 where Jonathan attended Minesing Central Public School. As a little guy, Jonathan loved playing with his hundreds of Hot Wheel cars and carefully lined them up on window ledges and around the rooms. Maybe this was a sign of his future career as a Heavy Duty Mechanic. Although life was good, sadly Jonathan’s mom Rosie passed away from breast cancer in 1996 and this was a very tough time for the family. A while later, Eugene, Jonathan, and Stephanie welcomed Marina as she joined the family.

Living in Snow Valley Jonathan became an expert skiier and loved doing tricks in the Terrain Park on his twin tip skis. Later in life when he was out West, Jonathan developed a passion for heliskiing and extreme back country skiing. If there was an adventure, Jonathan was in! As a child, Jonathan always loved being outside: whether he was collecting frogs when we were camping, canoeing around a lake, or cross country skiing in the back yard. At the age of 18, Jonathan started his big adventure to Fort McMurrary working in construction. He then worked for years running a hydro-vac truck and then in Health and Safety. Jonathan went on to earn his Heavy Duty Machanic ticket in Lakeland College in Vermilion. He was incredibly proud of this accomplishment and had really found his calling.

In 2017, Jonathan met Anna who quickly became the love of his life. They met each other at The East Village Pub + Eatery – a local spot in Fort McMurrary. They enjoyed some hardcore cycling adventures at Tyax, camping, hiking, and spending time with their family and friends. On March 7, 2025, Jonathan and Anna got engaged in Canmore, Alberta following a hike at Grassi Lakes Trail. Jonathan’s love, care, and admiration for Anna was so evident to all. Anna loved Jonathan so much and was a rock solid anchor for him throughout his journey with cancer.

Jonathan embraced his life in Fort McMurray. He had so many friends, and many families, especially the Sullivans, adopted him as his Fort Mac Family. He loved meeting friends for coffee, giving people car and tech advice, and all things Toyota! Let’s not forget about the only hockey team in Canada worth mentioning – the Oilers. His love for this team was infectious and he even had his family cheering for the Oilers!

His family always looked forward to Jonathan’s visits back to Ontario. Whether it was devouring his Nonna’s meatballs and pasta, visits to Niagara with Stephanie, burgers with friends, coffee with Poppy, chaotic and loud family meals and just hanging out with parents – he loved it all.  On his last visit to Barrie, the family went on a jet ski adventure on the lake – Jonathan’s smile lit up the bay. He also enjoyed his last sailboat ride on It’s All Good with a long sail to Friday Harbour and a beautiful night sail back into the lights of Barrie. He was always happy and peaceful on the boat.

During his illness and battle with cancer, Jonathan had an epic support team that surrounded him including his family, and so many friends. This was truly inspiring to him and he wanted to ensure others with cancer had the same. He was part of a cancer support group, and also started one (YMM Cancer Group) in Fort Mac to ensure there were support to others.

Jonathan will always be remembered for his bright radiant smile that would light up a room. He was so strong from a young child through to his last days. We all know Jonathan always walked his own path. He always had a great sense of humor and really knew how to make people laugh. Jonathan would always know how to get his Dad belly laughing and all would join in to tease Eugene. Although our time with Jonathan was much shorter than it should have been, we had lots of quality time together. We will miss him forever more than any words can ever express.

Jonathan is survived by Anna; parents, Eugene and Marina; sister, Stephanie and partner Collin; Anna’s parents, Judy and Linus; Anna’s sister, Robyn and husband Dawid and their children Nash and Mia; his grandparents, Edgar West (Poppy), Maria Giarrizzo (Nonni); and an army of aunts, uncles, and cousins and too many friends to mention.

He is predeceased by his precious mother, Maria Rosa Giarrizzo; Juanita West (Grandma); Gino Giarrizzo (Nonno); Pauline Whelan (Gran); and Declan Whelan (Grandad).

There will be two celebrations of life for Jonathan. One will be held in Fort McMurrary, Alberta in the next couple of months, followed by another in Barrie, Ontario next year. Details to be announced.  

Memorial donations can be made in Jonathan’s honour to the Canadian Neuroendocrine Tumor Society.

‘‘To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.”