Jon Jolly was the man who made all of my wife and I's camping trips special. He provided us with Kayak and Canoe rentals. My wife and I just saw Jon this past Saturday. We had a great time, as always, and things were well.
Jonathan Jolly, 41, passed away Tuesday, October 14th, 2008 at North Carolina Baptist Hospital. He had a life-ending heart attack. He will be missed dearly.
Mr. Jolly ran the Hanging Rock Outdoor Center in Westfield, NC. He did so with great pride and a passion not all small business owners carry. We first met Jon several years ago on our first camping trip to Moore's Spring Campground. He was incredibly friendly and always made our trips down the Dan River a wonderful experience.
What makes this particularly hard to deal with is that we just saw him this past weekend. If you've ever met Jon you would know that he is in shape, very active and in the low percentile for Heart Failure. This is a lesson for everyone. Enjoy life. Do not waste the time you have on this Earth. Do not waste it because your time could run out at a moments notice, not matter how healthy or how careful you are.
Jon, if there is a Heaven you are in it. If there is a river in the sky, you are on it. If there is a ski slope in the clouds you are skiing down it. You were a wonderful man, a wonderful husband, a wonderful father and a great friend. We all love you and miss you already.
The last thing I said to Jon this past Saturday was, "The next time you see us, we'll have a baby!" He replied, "It's the greatest thing in the world, you will love it."
I'm so sorry that he will not be around while our child grows. He would have been a great role model for our son or daughter. Our sincerest condolences go to the Jolly family in their time of need.
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10 comments:
you have my utmost condolescences redwing on your families loss.
I have no doubts though that his spirit will be near as your life moves forward. :)
Sorry Redwing. He seemed like a fine friend.
That's insane redwing. I just searched for him last week on facebook. Jon was a great guy. On the way to Hanging Rock I always stopped in to say hi. I knew him well but hadn't seen him in a few years. I always thought his last name fit him perfectly.
His name did fit him perfectly Jamie. I just can't believe he's gone. Not sure if you knew him, but it appears Paris will be the one to get canoe/kayak rentals from in the future. I just don't know if I can go to his shop anymore unless it's run by his family.
Paris is a POS a-hole (and that's being nice)! If he runs the store I'll never set foot in there again.
Jaime, I'm sure you're a good guy and thanks for the support of Hanging Rock. I have know Jon and Paris and the rest of the crew for over 15 years. All solid individuals. Paris is a good soul, guarded, but has had my back on many occasions and would trust him with my life. Under these circumstances and what has happend, I suggest you keep your negative feelings and thoughts to your self. Paris was a brother to many, especially Jon. Blogs and Memories dedicated to Jon are not the place to protest your dislike for anyone.
Thanks for your consideration.
Ted
Thanks for the comment Ted. I've never had a bad experience with Paris so I could not speak to Jaime's apparent dislike of him. He's always provided us with anything we needed and if he didn't have it, he pointed us in the right direction.
It's going to be hard for me to imagine camping without Jon next year. Especially since my wife and I will be bringing our child for the first time. I hope his family will be well taken care of.
Oops, I meant Jamie. :)
Sorry Ted, but I would never treat anyone, particular people I didn't even know like I've seen paris treat some. Maybe he was just young at the time - back in the mid-nineties - but it's all the same. I knew them pre-HROC.
Jon was a great guy, father, friend, skier, and kayaker. He was always upbeat and willing to lend a hand. Jon you will be missed dearly. Again first turns next season are for you brother.
RIP PDiddy...
Wayne Cash
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