It is with heartbreaking sadness that we announce the tragic death of our sweet son Jonathan after his courageous battle with his mental health issues.

Jonathan will be greatly missed by his loving mother, Jo-Anne Berlinguette, father Stephen Mullins and devoted brother, Daniel Mullins. He was cherished by his aunts and uncles, namely Jacqueline and Louis Parai, Louis and Lorna Berlinguette, Paulette and Bruce Longley, the Mullins family, cousins and many dear friends.

Jonathan will be remembered by his extraordinary generosity, kindness and his sense of humour. He was interested in the environment, and health and fitness. He had a deep love of sports, and an interest in computer technology. As a young man, Jonathan was a ‘natural’ athlete often excelling in various sports such as hockey, soccer, baseball and tennis.

During his mid 20’s, the battle with his mental health issues progressed. In recent years, he had moved home and completed his Bachelor of Commerce – Business Technology Management from Ryerson University, after having completed his Business Administration Certificate in his early 20’s. He had held several Bilingual Customer Service positions, and had recently started a Bilingual position in Technical Support. From all accounts, he seemed to be improving. With the increase in Covid-19 restrictions, his love of working out at Goodlife Fitness, going to the library and movies along with ‘hanging out’ with his brother at Boston Pizza and watching live sports was all shut down. He always liked going out for a good meal. The collision of many events curtailed his ‘Joie de Vivre’.

Jonathan was always appreciative for all that was given to him and he never complained. He only shared with each one of us what he felt we could handle emotionally, rarely sharing the deep turmoil which afflicted him. He didn’t want to burden us with the demons and horrific voices that haunted him. In the end, the voices were too powerful and overwhelmed him. His struggle was so very difficult and in spite of it all, he persevered. He put up a ‘good fight’, but the odds were against him. Jonathan, you can now Rest in Peace.

As St. John of Chrysostom said: "In the dark night of the soul one is always alone" and so it was.

Jonathan, we gave you all our love, a safe refuge and happiness that you needed. You will be loved and missed forever.

There will be no formal Funeral Service at this time. Cremation will take place along with a private family internment. Once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, we will celebrate the memory of our dear Jonathan.

If desired, a donation in memoriam can be made on Jonathan’s behalf:

The Institute for Advancements in Mental Health IAM (formerly the Schizophrenic Society of Ontario):
https://www.iamentalhealth.ca/About-Us/donate-now

CAMH:
https://www.camh.ca/en/get-involved/ways-to-donate


Bridge of Love

There is a bridge of memory.
From earth to heaven above.
It keeps you always near us,
It’s called the bridge of love.
May you always walk in sunshine
And God’s love around you flow,
For happiness you gave us,
No one will ever know.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you did not go alone,
For part of us went with you.
The day God called you home



À mon enfant, mon trésor

Mon enfant, mon trésor, toi, la chair de ma chair que j’ai porté, enfanté, nourri, bercé, soigné, veillé, tenu par la main au fil des heures sombres et des jours heureux…

Mon enfant, mon amour, transfiguré dans la lumière, je crois que tu n’as rien perdu de tout ce qui fait de toi un être unique. Tu es irremplaçable pour Dieu, pour ton père et pour ta mère.
Mon enfant, mon chéri, nous voulons garder l’image des jours heureux quand ton sourire illuminait ton visage.
Mon enfant aujourd’hui de nouveau né, ta présence nouvelle se lève dans notre cœur comme un soleil de printemps qui nous illumine et chasse les ténèbres du désespoir qui nous engloutissaient.
Mon enfant, mon ange, nous osons te prier! N’es-tu pas, désormais, plus proche que nous de l’amour brûlant du cœur de Dieu!
Nous te prions de nous aider à ne pas nous épuiser à te retenir dans un passé qui n’est plus.

Mon enfant bien-aimé, puisque tu es devenu notre ainé dans cette longue ascension vers Dieu, prends-nous par la main pour que nous ayons la force d’aller plus loin, donne-nous le courage de nous dépasser pour atteindre cette joie lumineuse où tu nous as précédés.

Mon enfant, ton sourire nous manque mais nous croyons que ton amour pour nous est immortel.



Here is a video which Jonathan had posted on his Instagram in December. He is taking a late night skate at Mel Lastman Square.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CJGDQ_yBzvQ/?igshid=1otnptqp393s2