Josh Contreras

Hello, everyone.

It comes with a heavy heart to announce the sudden passing of our brother - Joshua Contreras. Early on Thursday morning, the news came as whirlwind. Loved by many and admired by all for his generosity, caring heart, sassy disposition, and creativity - his loss will leave a mark on this world and a void so vast it will never be filled.

Josh was the best brother there could be. He filled many roles - partner, "g'uncle", friend, in-law and cat Dad. If you knew Josh, you would know that he was always so thoughtful when it came to others. He would make sure that you were taken care of, and knew that he loved you, even if he did not say it all the time. His actions showed just this. Two things that Josh made sure everyone knew was that he absolutely loved Guelph, and he was the best looking sibling (Faith and I would roll our eyes, but to be honest, he was right).

I think when it comes to these kind of things, you never really think you have to go through this. I never thought I would have to wake up and not have Josh in my life anymore, and I'm sure everyone that loved him is thinking and feeling the same way. Josh was one of a kind, he really just always was himself and never for one second cared what anyone else thought about him. Josh would be the person who would be doing kart-wheels in the park, or sorry a "hand spring and back bridge".

A little bit about Josh... He was the kind of person who put so much thought into everything. His home was filled with everything he loved, and every single item was hand picked so carefully - speaking to who he is. He was so funny in the ways he showed love because if he was making fun of you, you know he loved you. So him, always teasing me I never minded because I knew it was him just being Josh. I think everyone can agree with the saying "Oh, that's just Josh."

I think everyone can also agree that he should have been the spokesperson for Guelph. He was the kind of person who would take something mediocre and turn it into something extravagant. It wasn't just going to Guelph, it was going paddle boarding on Guelph lake and taking drives with the windows down blasting the Barbie sound track and having a smoke. It was kayaking on the river, and then filling our bellies with ice cream after. He was sure to make everything so memorable. He wanted to show you everything he loved, and make you love it, too. Josh absolutely loved being the driver and taking you everywhere, he loved his car and made sure it was reflected who he was (yes of course he had pink LED lights all on the inside with custom rims and tinted windows). His best friend told us a story the other day that accentuated just how much he loved his car. When she would call Josh to see how he was doing, he would literally be driving his car, on the way to wash his car, or doing something related to his car. He even had a monthly membership to the car wash, and the owner knew him.

He wanted you to feel the love and passion in the same way that he felt - putting every part of himself into it. For his birthday this year, we went camping - and let me tell you, it was nothing like you could imagine. It wasn't just camping on Guelph Lake, it was a beautiful spread of food with dried flowers and candles everywhere. It was balloons all hanging from an airstream, and Gazebo with homemade tomato soup (his favourite). It was bottles of red wine (of course it was the red wine call "Josh" - typical Libra fashion). It wasn't just a campfire, but it was a campfire with a whole table of wooden bowls filled with the finest chocolate and an abundance of marshmallows for s'mores. It was absolutely gorgeous and it radiated everything for Josh. When I think of Josh, I think of this.

Josh was not only a fantastic brother, but also a fantastic "G'uncle" - the gay Uncle (what his nieces and nephews called him). He cared for his nieces and nephews just as they were his own, and he was so excited to have kids because of the pure joy that they put into his life. His best friends, his chosen family has a whole album of josh just holding their kids and loving them fully, making them these extravagant gifts and buying these extravagant outfits for them to wear. He was their G'uncle and he will always be just that.

I could go on and on about stories of Josh and it is just so typical Josh that if I told more then I’m sure most of you would laugh and be like “yup that’s josh” but I’ll stop here.

We are trying to raise money to cover the accelerating costs of a celebration of life (funeral). Aside from the suddenness associated with his passing, we are having difficulty navigating the financial aspects associated with having a funeral. There are a lot of additional costs that one would not expect, especially in the year to follow.

Anything that you could contribute to help with this would be immensely appreciated.