Jonathan Ormson

 Jonathan Emmett Ormson was born in Calgary in 1975, to parents Linda and Jack Ormson. He was a happy little guy, quiet, but very interested in the world around him.  As a young lad he played hockey, and the clarinet, but books were always Jonathan’s best friend; so, from the age of 4 when he learned to read, he was entertained.  His love of Lego helped to grow Jonathan’s imagination and creativity. He was always involved with United Church youth groups like, Messengers, Explorers (Jonathan was one of 2 boys in a girl’s group; so he learned to respect women at an early age). Jonathan’s was on the High School Curling Team and enjoyed watching the Briar and the Tournament of Hearts each year with his Mom.  He was active in the church youth group and was an Air Cadet for 4 years. At age 17 an opportunity arose through a unique High School program, for him to join the Canadian Armed Forces.  He trained in Calgary with other youth and after completion from a very rigorous program; joined the 52nd Combat Engineers Reserves. At that time Jonathan was a student at University of Calgary.  After a few years, he left the army and Calgary, and worked at Home Hardware in Nanton and eventually ended up helping his parents run The Changing Seasons B & B.  As his mother Linda was an alumnus from Athabasca University, Jonathan was familiar with the open university concept and began a bachelor of arts program in history. In 2009, his father became ill with cancer and Jonathan helped care for his dad along with sister Leah and Mom.  When Jonathan’s dad died in 2011; this sad event rocked his world and his studies fell to the wayside.  Jonathan remained in Nanton and helped his mom, but eventually he continued to poke away at his studies. Finally in 2014 he completed his degree in history.  Loving the open university concept; especially after his experience, he applied for a credit evaluator role in the Office of the Registrar at AU.  Jonathan moved to Athabasca, eventually buying a little house, and while working completed a graduate degree in 2022.  Shortly after that, he joined the Faculty of Science and Technology as a student advisor; a role he just loved, along with his colleagues. 

Jonathan was a Royal Canadian Legion member, a member of the Athabasca Heritage Society and Theatre Athabasca. He was a big gamer and played table top role-playing games with many close friends in Athabasca.  He enjoyed cooking, making jams and in the past year has been making flavoured vodkas, such as Saskatoon, Spiced pear and Strawberry.

Jonathan was predeceased by his infant brother Daniel in 1977, his grandparents, Bert and Jean Ormson, Ernie and Elda Bengert and his father Jack in 2011.  He is survived by his Mother Linda of High River and sister Leah Best and her husband Tim, from Newfoundland.

Thank you to all his Athabasca friends for loving our very bright, kind and gentle Jonathan, who gave the best hugs!

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