FAMILY
For Jordan
I am a much blessed Mother. At this moment, this is not the first description that has come to my mind over the few agonizing days without my Jordan.
Jordan always knew I "had his back" and even in this awful time, I feel I must think first of him and let you know as we view the photos of my beloved Jordan's rich, short life that he was not, as many are, just a son to me but a confidante – the best anyone could ever ask for – and moreover I called him a best friend – the best friend anyone could ever ask for. I am abundantly blessed by his three other remaining brothers, Colin, Evan and Steven and my husband, Lee. All of my sons I am proud and grateful to call friend as well as son and without them I would not have made it through this ordeal.
Jordan was born under strange circumstances 7000 miles away in Saudi Arabia and today we say his farewell under even more mysterious, but more heartbreaking circumstances.
If all I can do now for him – my youngest (my baby, though as he watches us today, he will not be pleased I still call him that)- is to find the courage and strength to stand here in front of all of you – his much-loved friends and our dearest family is to let you know how fortunate I and his Father and family were that God saw fit to send into our care and companionship and love this generous, kind, devoted and thoughtful young man for far too short a time. It must be said and remembered that he was a rare treasure for all of his life.
I ask all of you today to please remember him so thatin whatever way he may have touched your lives he may live on through all of you and all of your deeds, which is what Jordan would want.
As we send him so reluctantly into God's loving care, I am comforted in knowing that his kind, joyous and caring soul will be warmly welcomed into the embrace of his four grandparents, his brother Warren, and that he will even have our Teddy-Bear and Cougar awaiting him to be his animal companions in heaven as he embarks on this new journey. When our time comes, Jordan will be there first in line to welcome us all.
Please keep Jordan in your hearts and minds for he loved you all and this will be his legacy.
Eulogy
Linda Selkirk
We’ve all spent the last few days grieving Jordan. None of us can believe he is gone. All of us don’t want him to be gone. We all know it is just not fair.
But what is done cannot be undone. So instead of sorrow, it is instead time for healing. It is time to remember the good times. Time to remember the summer days spent camping, the endless nights spent partying, and the marathon video gaming sessions.
Among some of my fondest memories of Jordan was playing a video game against him when he was only 6 or 7. Even then he was already kicking my butt at video games. I was so frustrated by the fact that I just couldn’t beat my little kid brother that I was banging my head against the window I was sitting beside. And then he’d beat me again and again and again. And man, could he ever rub it in. Even then. I ended up actually breaking the window I was hitting it so hard. And I can still remember the look on his face, as I brushed little bits of glass out of my hair. He gave me that classic look of his, the one that said “Man, are you dumb!”.
He was full of life. And that is what we should celebrate. For a life cut so short, he lived more than most men could ever hope to live. He was always there for anyone, at any time. And he knew how to enjoy life in a way that so few of us do. And that is not to be forgotten.
As many of you know, Jordan was a ridiculously good poker player. King Selkirk was what he went by at the poker table. And he just seemed to pull all the good cards. Every time. That’s why I never played against him if I was sitting anywhere near a window.
Fate dealt us all two cards this weekend. We’re all holding a 2 and 7 right now. And no, not of the same suit. They are the worst first two cards you can get in poker. They offer the least chance of winning anything. But here’s the thing folks. Jordan always played by his own rules. So while we’re all distracted, sitting here celebrating his life, Jordan has grabbed the deck off the table. He’s stacking it for us. So we may only have a 2 and a 7 today, but a few weeks from now, we’ll get dealt another 7. A few months from now, another 7. And someday very soon, we’ll get last seven dealt to us. We’ll have a 4 of a kind in our hands. And we’ll win big with those cards, because Jord saw to it.
After the service today, there are decks of cards for hopefully everyone who wants one, which were generously donated by Zellers. I invite everyone here to do as I do now. To take a 2 and a 7 out of the pack, and keep it with you in your wallet or your purses. Let it remind you that while it hurts today, there are better cards on their way. That Jord isn’t done impacting our lives, and won’t be done any time soon.
He’ll see to it that we get that second best hand. But as we all know, he can’t give us the best hand. That would be any hand where he is still across the table from me, watching me bluff oh so badly, and giving me that look…”Man, are you dumb!”
In sum, celebrate him. Remember the good times he shared with us. He would want it that way.
Evan Selkirk, Loving Brother, Dec 12, 2006
My father told me that the only thing in life that is truly your own is your word, your honour. Others can take your wealth, health, and even your life, but only you can give away your honour. I passed this on to Jordan. We discussed its meaning on several occasions when tough things were going down with his crew. He interpreted this to mean that when he accepted someone as a friend and said ‘I’ve got your back’, that it was his duty to go the wall for him, either in one of the crew’s many legendary street battles, regardless of the odds, ( and, come on guys… three to one against is not good odds!) or to provide a bed to sleep on, a hot meal to fill an empty stomach, and a few dollars for an empty pocket. Many times he asked if I had work the next day and if I did then he’d say ‘great, I’ve got a helper for you!’. ‘But I don’t need a helper’. ‘Maybe not, but he’s broke and needs the money!’. so I would have a ‘helper’ who caused me to work an extra two hours and then have to pay for the delay… of all the lessons I tried to pass on, in this one he excelled, and I am proud of him doing so and grateful that he did.
My personal relationship with Jordie was typical of that between a father and a teenage son. The easiest way to describe it is to recommend that you read the ‘zits’ comic strip – what a beautifully done item. Our ‘discussions’, as many of you here will know, sometimes were elevated in temperature and language. However, regardless of what went on, in the end Jordan always graciously conceded that he was in the right, and I now am grateful that he did.
Amanda read Jordie’s take on the meaning of life. One time when I told him to get a serious job, he said that he would have plenty of time when he was older to groan at the wheel, but right now, while he was young, he intended to live life to the fullest, surrounded by his great bunch of friends, and enjoying every moment. Well, I had to agree then and, now, I am grateful that I did.
In recent months I found myself worrying about Jordan’s survival. In particular, driving – like the wild trips to Waterloo and Wasaga done in minutes instead of hours. I said bluntly, that he had pushed his luck well beyond the limit and, consequently, would he now please quit tempting the gods and sit in the back seat. He laughed and said ‘yea, yea, I’ve pushed my luck but I ride shotgun wherever I go. And if my luck runs out, I’ve lived more in the last ten years than most people do in forty”. He then used my own advice against me: ‘Dad, you said that if you book yourself on the ‘titanic’, make sure you book first class’, and then he laughed. Well, Jordie was booked on life and he made damn sure that he was booked first class, and I am grateful that he did. Thank you all.
Oh, before going, I want to pass something on. I think it’s fair to say that the people here who know me would not accuse me of being too soft or girly, but I think that everyone should hear what happened to Linda, his mother, last night. Evan and I told her to relax, totally, and get a good night’s rest and, if she did, Jordan would likely visit her. So she agreed to take some meds and give it a try. About 5:12 in the morning the dogs, being sensitive to such things, started nervously whimpering. Linda woke up and heard a whisper : ‘it’s ok…I’m here…’. She looked over to Colin who was sleeping on the couch but he was out cold. Then a wave of warm air swept over her…Jordie was there… Guys! Brighten up! Jordie Lives! Three Cheers for Jordie!! Hip Hip Hooray!! Hip Hip Hooray!! Hip Hip Hooray!!
Lee Selkirk … Jordie’s reasonably tolerant dad
THE INTERVIEW WITH GOD
I dreamed I had an interview with God.
“So you would like to interview me?” God asked.
“If you have the time” I said.
God smiled. “My time is eternity.”
“What questions do you have in mind for me?”
“What surprises you most about humankind?”
God answered...
“That they get bored with childhood,
they rush to grow up, and then
long to be children again.”
“That they lose their health to make money...
and then lose their money to restore their health.”
“That by thinking anxiously about the future,
they forget the present,
such that they live in neither
the present nor the future.”
"That they live as if they will never die,
and die as though they had never lived.”
God’s hand took mine
and we were silent for a while.
And then I asked...
“As a parent, what are some of life’s lessons
you want your children to learn?”
“To learn they cannot make anyone
love them. All they can do
is let themselves be loved.”
“To learn that it is not good
to compare themselves to others.”
“To learn to forgive
by practicing forgiveness.”
“To learn that it only takes a few seconds
to open profound wounds in those they love,
and it can take many years to heal them.”
“To learn that a rich person
is not one who has the most,
but is one who needs the least.”
“To learn that there are people
who love them dearly,
but simply have not yet learned
how to express or show their feelings.”
“To learn that two people can
look at the same thing
and see it differently.”
“To learn that it is not enough that they
forgive one another, but they must also forgive themselves.”
"Thank you for your time," I said humbly.
"Is there anything else
you would like your children to know?"
God smiled and said,
“Just know that I am here... always.”
Author unknown
Good afternoon everyone. I’ve probably introduced myself to the lion’s share of the group, nevertheless, I am Colin, Jordan’s eldest brother. I want to start by saying thank you to everyone who has come by the house or called over the past couple of days, to those who made it to the viewings yesterday, and to everyone who has otherwise had my family in their prayers at this difficult time. Jordan loved you all, and I am indebted to you for the joy that you brought into his short but full life.
I should warn you all about at least one or two Selkirk character traits that may pop-up during my short (roars of laughter) speech: First, we tend to use humour to ease otherwise difficult situations; and Second, we have a love of analogy and metaphor that will become apparent shortly. I am well-know for it, anyway.
So, when I look at the hand that Jordan was dealt, I realize in hindsight how well he played it. In this game of life (Yes, I even mix my metaphors), there are many fortune-cookie-style philosophies that may come to mind. The one that bears amendment, at this time, is the one that our North American culture is (arguably) based upon: “He who dies with the most toys wins.” An interesting philosophy, perhaps, but it is only now that I have come to realize the required amendment to this well-known saying – it goes like this:
“He who dies with the most Friends wins.”
I think that we are all well aware of who has set the benchmark that we may now all strive for… and come in a respectable second-place, at best.
They say that King Midas was blessed with the most glorious gift – everything that he touched turned to gold. Not too shabby. I must admit, that would be a useful capability to have, at least once in a while… Given the choice, however, I would give anything to have the gift that Jordan possessed … and used without prejudice:
Everyone that he touched turned into a Friend…
and, most often, into a member of our extended family.
I loved you Jordan: I still do; and I always will.
We say that you were taken from us far too early. Deep down, however, we know that you would humbly concede that you were right, though ”you guys are so dumb”, and that you actually got everything that you wanted out of your amazing life.
If you had not guessed it by now, I am a university professor who has been given “the floor” – a dangerous mix, if you expect to meet any time constraints here…
Let me conclude with a thought that I would like to share with you:
We all know what happened, more or less, last Saturday morning, and the devastating consequences that resulted. I would like you to consider, however, a slight modification to the events that transpired, to bring an important issue to light:
It’s early Saturday morning, and a car is sliding along a road in Brampton – it is going to hit a pole: we don’t want it to, that’s just the way it is. Then, all of the sudden, everything STOPS…
A voice says to Jordan, “Well Jord, I’m sorry, but there’s going to be one less soul in the world in a few moments… Nothing can be done… So, who’s it going to be?”
Without hesitating, Jordan replies, “Are you kidding?”
“I’ve got their backs.”
“Take me.”
True. He was just that kind of guy.
Jordan would take one for the team. You know, as the oldest sibling, I have spent much my life trying to “set a good example”… to “do the right thing”… to be a role model and give my younger brothers something that they would want to be like when they grew up. Well, Jordan was a great friend to all of you, and he never let you down.
I want to be like that when I grow up.
Jordan has left us an amazing legacy… and I know that he would want you to be there for Your Friends… to talk to them, especially if it’s been a while… to listen to them without judgment… and if you think that they have done something that you can’t forgive – forgive them… Jordan would.
I love you, Jordan. Thank you all very much for being here today. Take care.
Colin Selkirk, Dec 12, 2006
FRIENDS
__The Perfect Stranger__
Everyone who is viewing this pretty much knows the story behind how Jordan and i met, this poem is a small reminder to not only myself, but all of the people who were in his life, to remind us just how we should act and treat those who we don't know.
The Perfect Stranger
They say there is no such thing as the perfect stranger,
But this my friend Is faithless,
For I have seen, spoke and listened to him,
And he is as real as I.
He picked me up,
Brushed me off,
And lent me a listening ear,
And before I knew it,
I was through it,
A new day of the year.
Before he left he turned and said
“Now you are the perfect stranger”
Confused was I, when he replied,
“The Answer My Friend… Is Blowin’ In The Wind”
I will always love you buddy, you changed my life
A.C
Remember Jordan
Remember Jordan, the person he was, The way he smiled, the way he laughed, The way he would look at you if you said something funny. Remember the way he made you feel when you were together. Remember the good times and all of the things you did together, And know that he is doing the same. He is our best friend and that will never change. He knows how you felt and how you feel now. He always will be here for you, Looking down on you, looking after you. He will make sure that you are okay the way best friends do, The way angels do. He is our angel now and always will be, Keep him in your heart and in your thoughts, He will do the same.
Chris Ford
Jordan’s Friend Naveen said it best, 1 in a million, that’s the kind of guy Jordan was. Words can not describe his personality because it would do him no justice. You had to be with him everyday, like his friends were, to know all the angles there were to Jordan. Jordan loved two things more than anything in this world. His family and his friends. Nothing came before those things for Jordan, he was the kind of guy you could tell anything , and if you wanted him to keep it a secret he would. I considered Jordan as another brother, and his family an extension of my own. It hurts when you lose a brother, but Jordan will live on through the friendships that he has held together over 3 years after high school. He didn’t even go to school with us but he was always a part of everything, even graduation. He was the centre of our groups friendships, the glue that held us together. Jordan lived life to the fullest, best 21 years anyone could ask for. He was never alone, he had no stress and he was loved by so many people.
Jordan was the only person I ever knew that could sleep for 24 hours, literally. Sometimes he’d go a full week without ever seeing the sun. He’d wake up at 8.…pm and go to bed at 5am. Jordan had an open door policy, you didn’t have to call when you wanted to go chill, but I always did, and I could always expect him to ask one thing “Grab me a pack of cats?” I’d always say “Ya man, and I know…..DeMaurier Light Regular.” Other days it was “12 of Moose?” and before I could answer he’d throw in “I’ll toss you a .5, no, .6!” I’d laugh and again “Ya man…” How could I refuse? I can never remember saying no.
To sum up Jordan’s attitude in one word I’d say “Confident” . Some would have said “Cocky”, and I might have agreed, but I think confident fits better. Jordan and I didn’t always see eye to eye. We got into heated arguments on numerous occasions, ending with both of us telling the other how dumb we thought the other was, then two seconds later we’d be laughing at something else, and the argument rarely ever surfaced again. Jordan possessed a unique insight that I never appreciated until now. Jordan always sat shotgun in every car he rode in, he wouldn’t go anywhere in any back seat. We were talking about that one day and he told me that statistically the people in the front seat had less of a chance to survive an accident. His exact words were “It’ll be the death of me.” We laughed it off, never thinking that the nightmare would come true.
We can ask ourselves why did this happen? But Jordan answered that in his final name on MSN “The Answer My Friend… Is Blowing In The Wind……….”
I love you Jordan!!!
Andrew Scott
To Jordan: Scottamous, Bombascott
Jordan was such a GREAT friend in soo many ways to soo many different people. One thing that stands out to me is how Jordan taught me everything i need to know about preping bathtubs to get refinished.. I went to work with him one day and all it took was ten minutes of him explaining to me and a new tub preper was born.. thats just one of the many many many memories i have together with Jordan...
J.P. Kamber
Jordan was one of the best friends a guy could ask for. I remember almost everyday after my classes, I would go to Jordans house. Somedays it would be early and somedays it would be mid afternoon, but either way he would welcome me like a brother.. "LOOK AT YOUR FACE!" he'd say. Even if he had gotten no sleep the night before, he would usually wake up just so I wouldn't have to sit there alone in the dark. We always use to go to the mandarin lunch buffet, and just recently we started ordering instead of actually going. I think we ordered mandarin 4 times in one week and everytime it was just before they closed haha. I'd turn and look at him, and all i'd have to say is "mandarin?", he'd be on that phone in a second. He loved living life to the fullest every minute of the day. Hated MCDonalds with a passion haha. Loved his seafood tho.. "REDLOBSTER?".
I have millions of stories, basically because I was with him on a daily basis. I'll never forget the good times and the rough times.. when he'd give me that look like "are u stupid?" haha. Jordan was a king among kings and always will be in my eyes. Never forget you buddy, "WHITE?". haha
Love
Amir Karimzadeh
Jordan!! he was an amazing guy, I didn't get the chance to know him as well as i could have and i really wish that i did! He was always really funny, and opinionated and smart! We had a lot of really good talks over msn and even in person the couple times i got to see him. Some things i remember is chatting about girls haha and how complicated they are, having a few arguements in person about anything and everything, he was very determined to make his point, and of course just hanging out at chris's house; foozeball, hot tub it was all good! He was a real good guy, and a lot of fun...and I'm really going to miss him! xox Jordan buddy, you rock!
Alison Allen
I only got to meet jordan a couple of times and really didn't get to know him... but i know that he was an amazing person and will be missed by all
much respect to his friends and family.
Tiffany Strobel
Some of you may know me but a lot of you wont. My name is Mary and I’m dating Mark Friend, a good friend of Jordan’s. I was lucky enough to have the chance to meet Jordan once at Casey’s for Naveen’s birthday last summer, but sadly that would be the last and only time I would see him. But as an outsider looking in at the Brampton crew during a time like this, there’s only one word to describe it,“inspirational”. Never in my life have I ever seen anything like the way all of you, everyone who has been a part of Jordan’s life, come together to show your love and support for each other. It is such a beautiful thing, SO MANY friends and family members coming together to celebrate the life of a wonderful person who touched so many people. I just want it to be known that even after life Jordan continues to inspire people, even those who weren’t lucky enough to know him as well as all of you do. If there’s one thing ANYONE can learn from Jordan, it is that the most fulfilling lives are the ones that take advantage of sharing as many experiences with loved ones as possible, and it is obvious Jordan had an extremely fulfilling life. Much love and support goes out to anyone that was lucky enough to have been a part of Jordan’s life, and know that he’s far from gone. His message is simple yet strong and will always continue inspire others. So thanks Jordan and all the wonderful people in your life that reminded me of the meaning of life :)
xoxMaryxox
I met Jordan soon after he had helped a fellow brother of mine through a tough time. All I knew was that some stranger, through god’s will, went out of his way to help my friend, although a stranger to him. The kindest of acts...by a true angel. I for one am so happy that I had the good fortune to be in his presence although I wish I had more opportunities to be graced by that same presence. I guess what I can take comfort in is that the presence will last an eternity… in my heart. I was touched by the same soul that apparently touched many others. Little did I know I was in the presence of such a great person. One who wouldn’t even let you praise him without praising you back. The few times that we did get to spend together he always had something good to say... always had something to say to make me smile... always made my day.
The first time I met Jordan, we went out to a bar together and never have I had someone lay a red carpet down for me like he did. There I was, total chump doing my thing and of course, there was Jordan (a complete stranger at the time) giving me props for being me. “King Mack” was the term he used to describe me. We had an awesome time that night, and I will never forget. He told me he was going to return the next week with a t-shirt saying, “I’m with King Mack”. And as soon as next weekend came around, there was Jordan.. lighting up the room with only good things to say, making me smile.. making my day.
I didn’t realize how touched I was by him until I thought about the few times when I was down and Jordan was there for me, even though he knew so little about me. And to this day the words he spoke still stick in my head, affecting some of my daily decisions.
You may have called me king for a second, but I will remember you as a King forever. You mastered the art of authenticity, of genuinely caring for someone and showing it. You, my friend, are the King. RIP KING SELKIRK.
You took the time to make me feel content about being me. Well here’s my chance to let you know how content I was about you being you. Thank you... for being you, Jordan.
Love,
Your Boy,
Prasanna “Praz” Ketheeswaran
My first memory of Jordan was in Grade 3. My first day at a new school, and who was the first to become this new kid's friend, Selkirk. He was my best friend until grade 8. Jordan meant alot to me cuz back in the day I was probably the smallest kid by about a foot and 50lbs so I was an easy target for picking on. Jordan was my protector, the only bigger guy who would look out for me. He really helped me growing up, I don't think I ever really got the chance to tell him how much it meant to me. I saw him most recently at 205 Carter about 2 years ago. He was still the nicest guy I had ever met... RIP my most beloved friend...
Matt Bell
MAN OH MAN...what can i say...THIS MAN WAS THE COOLEST..and everytime i would see him. He always had this thing to say to me which was like
"YO FROGY LOOK AT YOUR FACE"and we would CRACK UP about it..theres so much things i can say about this man. He always had such great support
when it came to me doing music..im sure everyone remmebers the tracks "DA BASEMENT"and "DA BASEMENT PART 2"..those were classic songs i made
for him...he will always remmeber those..even though such profanity was displayed in the songs..it was awesome.everytime i would be in the basement. He would always play them
and look over at me and be like "FROGY"and i would be like AH DUDE..TURN THAT OFF..he played them out LIKE NO OTHER MAN WOULD...man im gonna truely miss you..
and i will always remmeber you my friend...you always showed me so much respect and support.I LOVE YOU MAN.god damn..!!.I will see you again!
Faraz Mokhtarian *Frogy*
What can I say man. Jordan I grew up with you since Junior Kindergarden till Gr. 8 man. I remember going to camp with you bro, and causing more than enough rukus with the ladies. You were a leader in all situations, and werent afraid to take charge of anything. I can only imagine what it is like where you are now man, must be spectacular. Dude you were the first guy that I ever drank with, and the same guy who got me into skateboarding and snowboarding. I think about you every day bro and hold you dear.
R.I.P.
Ryan "BIGGUY" Matthews
How come no One has been writing on jordans website?.. Jordan Miss you tons, There isnt a day that goes by that I dont think about you and my mom. wow I still cant believe how time has gone by soo fast, its been 5 months now. I hope your up there taking care of my mom, thanks Jordan
I am Not Here
Don't stand by my grave and weep
For I'm not there, I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamonds glint on snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain
When you awaken in morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight
I am the soft stars that shine at night
Do not stand at my grave and cry I am not there,
I did not die
- Christina -
Comments (0)
You don't have permission to comment on this page.