Jonathan Jon-Alec Chervin

Jonathan Alexander "Jon-Alec" Chervin of Boulder, Colorado, died on Friday, November 23 in a swimming accident on Magnetic Island in Queensland, Australia. He was born on August 2, 1993 in Memphis, TN.  He graduated from Fairfield Warde High School in Connecticut, and was pursuing higher education in Colorado. He loved the outdoors, excitement, and adventure, and channeled that intensity by serving as a wildland firefighter/medic throughout the West. When he was not working, he continued the adventure by snowboarding, rock climbing or hiking, and, most recently, scuba diving.  He loved travel and always wanted to be where the action was. In Denver, he worked as an Emergency Medical Technician. He took particular interest in ambulance calls for patients with mental health emergencies. He cared deeply about these patients, and instinctively knew how to talk to and relate to them even within the confines and stresses of an emergency call. Because of these experiences as an EMT, he planned a career in mental health counseling, and had begun coursework to become a certified addiction counselor. Jon-Alec was resolutely individualistic. As a teenager, he was a rebel, and blazed his own trail, sometimes against the advice of others. But as he matured, his uncrushable spirit allowed him to do it his own way and succeed.  He would debate with conviction and never gave in, but always maintained respect for his opponent.  He firmly believed in personal liberties, responsibility for one's actions, and healing the world by educating people to make healthy choices. He was insightful and committed to self-improvement of mind and body. He made meaningful connections with people and cherished his friends in Boulder and around the world. He deeply loved his best friend and partner, Christina Szabados. Together they cherished their dogs, Odie and Snoopy. Jon-Alec loved sharing time, laughter and adventures with his parents, Bradford Chervin and Lori Murchison-Chervin, and his sister, Eliana Chervin, of Fairfield, Connecticut. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 2nd at 1:00 p.m., Congregation B'nail Israel, 2710 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT. Please wear something orange, his favorite color, if you are so inclined.   A funeral service will be held on Sunday, December 9 at 1:00 p.m. at Congregation Har Hashem, 3950 Baseline Road, Boulder, Colorado with burial to follow at Green Mountain Cemetery, 3290 20th Street, Boulder, Colorado. Please wear something orange, his favorite color, if you are so inclined. Following the burial there will be an outdoor life celebration at Foothills Community Park, 800 Cherry Avenue, Boulder, Colorado. This will be an opportunity for those close to Jon-Alec to share love, support and stories at one of his favorite places. Following this event, please join Jon-Alec's family and friends for an informal gathering and light refreshments. at Homewood Suites, 4950 Baseline Road, Boulder, Colorado.   In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory to support the education of young people pursuing careers in wildland firefighting/emergency medical services and addiction counseling can be sent to: Jon-Alec Fund ? Westport National Bank 1495 Post Road East Westport, CT 06880