Headstone Fundraiser for Jordan Thomas

December 13th will mark 1 year since our family, friends and community lost an amazing and talented young man. Jordan Thomas, 18, was senselessly and viciously stabbed to death by 3 youth will he was walking home with his older brother Brandon, now 21, whom barely survived the 19 stab wounds he suffered that fateful night.

Jordan's love of his family and friends was one of his many endearing qualities he shared. He was also very humble and generous- especially to those in need and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was charismatic and loved joking around. This was who Jordan was. He truly was an all-around amazing young man who did not deserve to have his life cut so tragically short.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/homicide-jordan-thomas-winnipeg-1.4449978 

Growing up for Jordan and his brothers was not easy, but he and his brothers made the best of their situations and they decided for themselves to work towards a better life. All through their middle and high school year, Jordan and Brandon were in the enrichment programs at their schools- math and phys. ed. is where they truly excelled. They even worked odd jobs as young teenagers- first with their own paper routes and later on with the Manitoba Youth Workforce at the Aboriginal Bethlehem Fellowship. As soon as they were old enough, both boys began working with their father at Krevco Lifestyles.

Jordan spoke often of joining the army after graduation, learning a skilled trade within the engineering field so that he could someday own his own business with his brothers by his side. It was his plan to be a millionaire by the time he was 30. Jordan had a great many talents and gifts and he was looking forward to pursuing his dreams after graduation. It was this drive and ambition that kept these fine young men out of trouble with the law and out of gangs, despite growing up in the Northend, in poverty and being Aboriginal youth.


As a senior at St. John's High School, Jordan was extremely intelligent, motivated and athletic. Not only did he play basketball and rugby for his school, he was also considered one of their star quarterbacks. In 2016, Jordan helped his teammates to the Winnipeg High School Football League Championship game for the first time in 16 years. Despite losing 35-32 to the Kildonan East Reivers that day, this game will forever be Jordan's greatest moment in time and was one that he talked about often. His teammates, not just in football, but in basketball and rugby as well, were his second family and St. John's High School was his home away from home. Some days, he would be at the school as early as 7am and not leave until after his last practice at 6pm. He truly exemplified Tiger Pride.


As you may have seen on the news recently, the St. John's Tigers once again made it to the WHSFL Championship game against the Elmwood Giants. After 38 years, the Tigers were finally able to bring home the Championship title with a win of 13-10. In a very surprising and touching tribute by the team and its coaches, the Tigers honored Jordan and dedicated their win to his memory by running his #7 Tigers jersey onto the field for a victory run and for the team's Championship photo. As Head Coach Grant McMillan put it “Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger!”. This was truly a special and emotional moment for Jordan's family and will be one that they will cherish forever. Jordan's family is very thankful for all the love and support that they have received this past year from both the community and St. John's High School- especially from Jordan's coaches, teachers, team and class mates.

On November 21, 2018, MLA for St. John's, Nahanni Fontaine honored the St. John's Tigers and its coaches for such a victorious win and bringing home the Championship title. At the same time, she also paid tribute to Jordan as a former Tiger. Our family was blessed to be a part of this special moment at the Manitoba Legislative Assembly. A great big Thank You to Nahanni and Bernadette for this honor.


The family is requesting help with raising money to help them pay off Jordan's headstone so that it can be placed with him in Peguis, Manitoba this spring. A portion of the money raised will also be used to help the family host a Candlelight Vigil and Memorial Dinner for Jordan's family, friends and community that wish to honor his memory. This event will take place on December 13th, 2018.

On behalf of our family, we extend our sincerest thanks for your continued support!