RIP Jesse James Marshall (right)
We met Jesse last summer in Penticton on our first Tour. A woman named Adele entered us into the Peach Fest Parade and mentioned a wonderful young man she knew that was terminally ill with cancer who had a list of things he wanted to do before he died. She mentioned that she worked directly with this young man and that his resolve and courage inspired her every day. She asked if we could help with some of the things on his list. We were honoured to help and said yes.
learning to ski-doo was #3 on his list, so we helped out
That day in August, we went go-carting and sea-dooing with Jesse and set up an appointment to finish his tattoo’s. Throughout the day, I was continually blown away by Jesse’s positive spirit and resolve. He talked openly about his battle with cancer and the lessons he had learned living on the streets in Toronto. He opened up to the 4 of us like we were old friends and we shared a memorable day. Throughout the next 12 months, we kept up with emails and phone calls with Jesse. Although his health continued to fall, his spirits did not. After every call and email I was left with a fraction of the resolve and spirit Jesse himself embodied and i was left inspired.
I’ll leave you with a short quote I took from one of Jesse’s emails:
“Why were you getting depressed? You know if you ever need to talk you can call me, I know we barely know each other, but sometimes thats better. Life is to short to not be happy. I learnt that when i found out i was going to die. People don’t understand that you can die at any given time so to not live your life the happiest way possible is the worst sin of all in my book.”
godbless you Jesse
Although Jesse is not with us, he has left behind something that we should all hold dear. Do not sin in Jesse’s book, life is too short to not be happy. The four of us will try to live Jesse’s mantra every day of our lives. And Jesse, if you are listening, your spirit continues to fuel our project and mission - Thank you. To all the friends and family of Jesse James Marshal, our hearts are with you in this difficult time.
BEN