19 Replies to “Tributes To Jordan”

  3. My memories of Jordan are from when he was just a kid. My parents have spent a lot of time with Jordan over the last couple years during their vacations. Through their stories and pictures, I got an opportunity to know my kid cousin as an outdoorsman, passionate about fishing and hunting. It felt like Jordan was growing up so fast from the last time I had seen him. Recently, I remember calling my parents to see if they had made it to Minnesota (road trip from Colorado), I was informed of Jordan’s “to get” list he gave my Dad of all the possible fishing supplies he would need (and probably could ever want). I loved it – they always had funny stories to share about adventures with Jordan. Thankfully, my parents shared many Jordan stories, so I felt I got to stay in touch, even from a distance.

    Jordan is greatly missed, by all of his family.

  5. I have more than just a comment, I think. As his sister, I’d rather everyone know what he was like as a person, and not just his achievements. Achievements mean only so much, and it’s the person behind them that means everything.
    My brother, Jordan, was pretty hilarious. I’ll never forget the way he smiled when he made someone laugh, and his response to what I always said to him- “You talk too much.” He would clear his throat absentmindedly and tell me, “You don’t talk enough.” He always had some stupid joke to tell me, yet no matter how stupid it was, I would end up laughing just because of the look on his face while trying- TRYING, and failing miserably -to scold him for some racial slur he had.
    Jordan was smart. He always got good grades, and after he learned a little Spanish, he would come home and every other second ask, “Como te llamas?” (What is your name?) My mom told me that if I had any problems with my math homework, I could turn to him. I knew I could, but after the many times he’d yell at me for walking through his room, the idea never exactly grew on me. Anyway, I had the feeling if I asked him for help, his response would be something along the lines of, “Do you have twenty bucks?”
    He was a bit tight with his money. I wouldn’t call him stingy, though, no way. He would ask mom for some money, never mind the fact that he had fifty dollars in his wallet. He also kept an empty Pringles can in his room, steadily filling it with spare change he accumulated, because he believed that once it was filled, he’d have gained somewhere around one hundred dollars. But I also know that whenever he went to a hockey game with a girl or maybe a friend, he was more than willing to pay their way or buy them some treats. He was simply a good guy.
    Everything revolved around his sense of humor. From his facial expressions, to the things he said, to his habits, to the way he acted around other people.
    Even the way he treated me. I’ll never forget how, whenever someone gave me a rough time at school, his typical response would be, “Want me to beat them up?” Or he would, as the indisputed “king” of Esko, threaten to destroy the person’s social life, leaving them mocked by all.
    And after his death, I learned from one of his friends, that he really was proud of me. His friend told me that he always said I was a great sister.

  6. Amanda – I never had the opportunity to meet Jordan but I know your rather and Kathi. I found out after Jordan passed away that my son played rec basketball over here in Superior last year. Their paths crossed briefly but Jordan left a lasting impression on my son. I ran across this song and thought it was appropriate and the words were a perfect tribune to your brother. I hope you find some peace in them

    http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=kPaBAqiQU_4&feature=related

  7. Hi Amanda,

    I am a friend of your Dad’s & Kathi. I really enjoyed reading about Jordan. I work at an elementary school here in Orlando, Florida. One of my duties is lunch duty everyday with the 5th & 2nd graders. There is a lunch table where the adults put their belongings, their purses, lunch. I walked over there to sit down and here is a can of Pringles chips. The first thing I thought of was Jordan.

    I want to let you and Breanna and your mom and step-dad know how very sorry I am for your loss. There are no words to make you feel any better.

    Through you and your Dad, friends and family I see what an amazing young man Jordan was.

    He will be “Forever in Your Hearts”

  8. Jordan was the light of my life, he was my oldest child and only son. From his very first breath he was a special boy, easy going and always had a smile. I cant remember having any difficulties with mischief or temper tantrums when he was youge. When he decided he wanted to ride a 2 wheeled bike, he spent all day out in our driveway and taught himself, he was 4. His dad was working and I was very pregnant with Breanna, every once in awhile I would go out and push him about, but it was pretty hard on me. Jordan’s determination had him riding that bike without training wheels by the time his dad came home from work that night.

    Jordan loved the outdoors from a very early age, and would play for hours out in his sand box or just running around the yard with his dog. His early friends were Jess Vork and Danny Wakefield and they all got a long so well, he was always good to his friends and shared his toys.

    He was always protective of his sisters and I can still see/hear him, kissing them on the cheek and saying ‘its ok baaaaay be’ stretching out the ‘bay’ sound. As he got older this did not change, anyone who was mean to one of his sisters he would threaten their ‘good social standing’ and as for me, his mom, he always felt he had to stay near me or at least in contact with me. He texted me every day, since he was 14, he would always let me know where he was, who he was with and when I could expect him home, ALWAYS. Even when he was out on Lake Vermilion, I would know when he got in, what fish he caught, and what the weather was like.

    That is partially why I could not bear to shut off his phone, he has had that same number since he was 14 and it still comes up under his name. Many of his friends will text him still from time to time, I usually just move all the texts into his ‘saved’ folder so I dont invade anyones private thoughts for Jordan. He always had a phone on him and for that reason Im sure he does still get all those text messages in heaven.

    I am so touched by the caring, kind hearted man he was, to everyone who knew him. Every one loved him, and we will all miss him until we are together again. The void he has left in our family is huge, and there is not a moment of the day, that Jordan is not on my mind or in my heart.

    I love you forever Jordan, just like our book.

    Mom

  9. I remember so many things about Jordan- from the time that he was still in diapers and he was running down the hallway at Grandma’s house (he had such athletic legs even back then), having Jordan and Cassie getting their picture under the tree at grandma Dani’sand grandpa Bob’s house every year that we came up from Denver- Cassie and Jordan had a special bond being the first grandchildren. Then as he grew up and we moved back from Denver- Jordan started calling his Uncle Brad with the latest fishing reports. We always knew when Brad’s phone rang later at night or on the weekend that it was Jordan calling with the fishing report. Jordan, Cody and Uncle Brad went out fishing on Lake Vermilliion together often. One night, it was getting darker and darker outside. Jordan and Cody were not back yet from a fishing expedition- It got to be pitch dark outside- I was starting to get a little nervous because Lake Vermillion is no small lake. Finally, we could see a glimse of a light and hear voices from afar around 10 or so at night. The two of them apparently had motor problems way out in the lake and needed to be towed in by another boat. Jordan just laughed about it He wasn’t worried at all. Nothing really phased Jordan. As long as Jordan was fishing he was always a happy man.
    One night, it was about 9:30 at night Brad and I thought we would go to bed earlier- I think it was a Sunday night. We had just gotten ready for bed- had pajama pants on etc… The doorbell rang. I thought who would be coming to our house at this time of night. I opened the door, only to find Jordan holding a big fish on a stringer that he wanted to show his Uncle Brad. Huge smile. “Is Uncle Brad here?” He precided to step into the house with that big fish as it dripped on my floors. He was so proud of himself – so happy that night. We will always remember that look and the happiness in his eyes.
    Jordan never wanted anything to come in between him and his fishing time. Jordan fished alot. I had asked him one time when he was going to get a job. He replied to me. “Well, I have applied at several places – when they ask what position that I am applying for – I just put down that I want to be the manager .” That was Jordan’s way of not letting anything get in between him and his fishing time.
    My last story is about how Jordan could eat. When we were camping last fourth of July up at Lake Vermillion, we had several family members in different campsites. If Jordan was not fishing, he would be where ever the food was being served. He would go from campsite to campsite. One time, he came to our house on Superbowl Sunday. He came to the door with a foot long sub. I told him we just ordered a couple pizzas. He ate half his sub and then about half of a pizza then ate the other half of his sub and still had room for desert. Jordan loved to go to grandma Dani’s house to raid her frig of goodies and the spagetti that he would tease Caleb that he was going to eat. Caleb would laugh at him and say J-dawg.
    Jordan will always be in our hearts – he is missed by us all so much. Stories/pictures of him will be cherished forever. To our nephew – Jordan.
    .

  10. I hope I am not imposing on you. When I go to the Raindance site, I always light a candle for Jordan and read his tributes and memories from his family and friends. There are many songs that I love but I just heard this song by Josh Groban the other day.

    “To Where You Are”

    Who can say for certain
    Maybe you’re still here
    I feel you all around me
    Your memory, so clear

    Deep in the stillness
    I can hear you speak
    You’re still an inspiration
    Can it be (?)
    That you are mine
    Forever love
    And you are watching over me from up above

    Fly me up to where you are
    Beyond the distant star
    I wish upon tonight
    To see you smile
    If only for awhile to know you’re there
    A breath away not far
    To where you are

    Are you gently sleeping
    Here inside my dream
    And isn’t faith believing
    All power can’t be seen

    As my heart holds you
    Just one beat away
    I cherish all you gave me everyday
    ‘Cause you are my
    Forever love
    Watching me from up above

    And I believe
    That angels breathe
    And that love will live on and never leave

    Fly me up
    To where you are
    Beyond the distant star
    I wish upon tonight
    To see you smile
    If only for awhile
    To know you’re there
    A breath away not far
    To where you are

    I know you’re there
    A breath away not far
    To where you are

    ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uIQp9Dqcrw

    Also, a friend sent this to me tonight. I know how much Jordan loved nature.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rooyt3ptNco

  11. Last week the outdoor motion light came on, I looked out the door window to see that 8 pt. buck Jordan was ready to shoot, Tues. Gramma found one 4 pt. antler right under the tree stand Jordan built, coincidence? I think not!

  12. A Good Heart – Ernie Haase from Signature Sound

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTvZgoVdvr4

    The concert I went to on Valentine’s day, Ernie sung this song. He wrote it. He told the story when he was a young boy he always went to visit his Grandfather on the farm, his grandfather always tucked him in every night and told him stories and always told him what a good heart he had, how important he was. He said he would always put his hand on his chest when he told him stories, so Ernie wrote this song for his children.

    All the memorials and tributes I read from Jordan’s family, friends, classmates, I see what a good heart Jordan has.
    ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

  14. Here are the words, just in case the link doesn’t work, I seem to have a problem with this.

    It Will Be Me – Melissa Etheridge

    If you hear a voice in the middle of the night
    Sayin’ it’ll be alright
    It will be me

    If you feel a hand guiding you along
    When the path seems wrong
    It will be me

    There is no mountain that I can’t climb
    For you I’d swim through the rivers of time
    As you go your way and I go mine
    A light will shine
    And it will be me

    If there is a key that goes to your heart
    A special part
    It will be me

    If you need a friend
    Call out to the wind
    To hold you again
    It will be me

    Oh how the world seems so unfair
    Creating a love that can not be shared
    As you go your way and I go mine
    A light will shine
    And it will be me

    Past the ever after there’s a place for two
    In your tears of laughter
    I’ll be there for you

    In the sun and the moon
    In the land and the sea
    Look all around you
    It will be me

    There is no mountain that I can’t climb
    For you I’d swim through the rivers of time
    As you go your way and I go mine
    A light will shine
    And it will be me
    It will be me
    It will be me…

  15. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UWx-shGM0g

    Tomorrow Never Comes
    — By Norma Marek (used with permission)

    If I knew it would be the last time that I’d see you fall asleep,
    I would tuck you in more tightly, and pray the Lord your soul to keep.
    If I knew it would be the last time that I’d see you walk out the door,
    I would give you a hug and kiss, and call you back for just one more.

    If I knew it would be the last time I’d hear your voice lifted up in praise,
    I would tape each word and action, and play them back throughout my days
    If I knew it would be the last time, I would spare an extra minute or two,
    To stop and say “I love you,” instead of assuming you know I do.

    So, just in case tomorrow never comes, and today is all I get,
    I’d like to say how much I love you, and I hope we never will forget.
    Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, young or old alike,
    And today may be the last chance you get to hold your loved one tight.

    So, if you’re waiting for tomorrow, why not do it today?
    For if tomorrow never comes, you’ll surely regret the day
    That you didn’t take that extra time for a smile, a hug, or a kiss,
    And you were too busy to grant someone, what turned out to be their one last wish.

    So hold your loved ones close today, and whisper in their ear,
    That you love them very much, and you’ll always hold them dear.
    Take time to say “I’m sorry,” “Please forgive me,” “thank you” or “it’s okay”.
    And if tomorrow never comes, you’ll have no regrets about today.

  16. Jordan, Happy 20th Birthday Jordan.

    If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever. ~ Winnie the Pooh

  17. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RiRFTLH0y8

    You’ll Be In My Heart
    Songwriters: Collins, Phil

    Come, stop your crying, it’d be all right
    Just take my hand, hold it tight
    I will protect you from all around you
    I will be here, don’t you cry

    For one so small, you seem so strong
    My arms will hold you, keep you safe and warm
    This bond between us can’t be broken
    I will be here, don’t you cry

    ‘Cause you’ll be in my heart
    Yes, you’ll be in my heart
    From this day on, now and forever more

    You’ll be in my heart
    No matter what they say
    You’ll be here in my heart always, always

  18. Jordan what a beautiful website your Dad made to honor you. I’ve enjoyed looking at the pictures and reading the comments. Although I never meant you I feel I know you some through the pictures, and comments from your coaches, friends, classmates, and family.

  19. Remembering Jordan

    Remember, I will still be here
    As long as you hold me, in your memory

    Remember, when your dreams have ended
    Time can be transcended
    Just remember me

    I am the one star that keeps burning, so brightly,
    It is the last light, to fade into the rising sun

    I’m with you
    Whenever you tell, my story
    For I am all I’ve done

    Remember, I will still be here
    As long as you hold me, in your memory
    Remember me

    I am that warm voice in the cold wind, that whispers
    And if you listen, you’ll hear me call across the sky

    As long as I still can reach out, and touch you
    That I will never die

    Remember, I’ll never leave you
    If you will only
    Remember me

    (Remember me…)

    Remember, I will still be here
    As long as you hold me
    In your memory

    Remember, when your dreams have ended
    Time can be transcended
    I live forever
    Remember me

    Remember me

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMRokfV3EpU

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