Jon Shearer Obituary
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55 Entries
Jasmin
September 27, 2021
I was thinking about Jon Shearer recently, my professor from Algonquin College. I was going to send him a note to thank him for a project he assigned to our class years ago that stuck with me. It was a project on what our passion is. I had to think long and hard about this one but figured it out, presented it to the class (which was very out of the box for me) and he gave me an A+. It stayed with me and still comes up now. He made a difference in my life and it sounds like he made a difference in many. God bless Jon and to all your loved ones.
September 27, 2021
I was thinking about Jon Shearer recently, my professor from Algonquin College. I was going to send him a note to thank him for a project he assigned to our class years ago that stuck with me. It was a project on what our passion is. I had to think long and hard about this one but figured it out, presented it to the class (which was very out of the box for me) and he gave me an A+. It stayed with me and still comes up now. He made a difference in my life and it sounds like he made a difference in many. God bless Jon and to all your loved ones.
Dave Morris
November 1, 2014
In the 1980's Jon taught the science of stress management with the benefit of improved sleep to we weary child protection workers in London. He was funny and entertaining and provided practical research based advice that anybody could do, While those strategies are common place now they were cutting edge at the time. I can honestly say that he changed my life.
Paula Cameron
January 20, 2014
I was watching an episode of 'The Nature of Things' this evening about the affect electric light has on our sleeping habits and I wanted to tell Mr. Shearer he should watch it! He was my teacher in 1967 at Stephen Leacock Elementary in Kanata. I was so sorry to see he is gone - but I know he will never be forgotten by the thousands of people he taught. My deepest sympathies to his family. I'm sure you all played a wonderful party in the legacy that he leaves.
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Randy Bingley
November 27, 2013
Jon's Family;
I had the pleasure of having Jon as a Professor at Algonquin way back in 1976 -77. He was a real inspiration to all of us and we never missed his lectures. He spent a great deal of time chatting before and after class with many of us. I followed his research over the years when I had a chance. I am a shift worker in the law enforcement field and have been having a difficult time sleeping lately and I thought I would check on the computer looking for some help. Jon's name immediately came to me. As I was looking over his name and information I was shocked and saddened to see he had passed some time ago. I have 2 sons that are now adults and I told them of Jon and what an inspiration he was to me and many others so many years ago. It is so nice to think of a man that has touched so many of his students in this day and age. I have not seen Jon for over 30 years and yet I sit here with tears in my eyes wishing I had the chance to have seen him again and meet his family. I wish you all the very best and I am truly sorry you have lost your Dad and Partner. My deepest sympathies. I was so very fortunate to have crossed paths with Jon and enjoyed some good times with him so many years ago. He truly was a one of a kind. Regards Randy Bingley
October 27, 2013
Jon; you let me know when I was't there that you thought that I was special. If I had of had that type of support earlier in my life I would had the support to to become what i may of become what I could of become. I pass this message along to all those that need the same encouragement to those that follow. You sir, do not know what you have left as your legacy.
Gerry Bell
September 15, 2013
jon, met you 40 years go @ carleton in the radio station when you came back down from slave lake. you became my closes friend, as life carried us apart your passing brings us back together. recently, you came to mind as this year has been the most enjoyable year for me since we first shared our space.
wasn't easy to find these traces of you.
for the same reason we bonded life is sustaining me: am still looking, still asking, still miraculously supported by the same universe we shared back there.
thank you for all you did for me then, bless you for the gift of your being - still with me now.
sleep deeply, breathe easy.
big hugs,
peter fischer
north vancouver bc
September 13, 2013.
Paul S. Sussman
July 17, 2013
Jon, old son, it's taken too long for me to make a note here. You always delighted in me, and your memory is a delight and blessing to me now. Our work at the sleep lab was truly great science; I still brag about it and about you. I for one know that sleep telepathy, astral travel, and all to that does happen. The "Sultans of Snooze" proved it, documented it, and based it in data.
Please show up in my next life, Jon. I'll let you be in my dream if I can be in yours. Bob Dylan said that.
Thanks for introducing me to KISS; and for everything. Give Al a hug for me. If there's any fairness in the after life, our energies will cross again. I'll meet you there most joyfully.
Bob & Ruth McCloskey
February 15, 2013
It is with shock and great sadness that I stumbled upon Jon's obituary today.
Jon and my husband, Bob McCloskey, went through high school together at Ottawa Technical High School an were the best of friends. We enjoyed many a weekend getting together with Jon and also many fond memories of getting together to chat with Jon's mother and his father.
Jon was the best man at our wedding in 1968. Unfortunately as time progressed and we became busy with our children, we lost touch with Jon.
Jon, you will be always in our thoughts and in our prayers. May you finally be at peace and rest dear friend. Our condolences go out to your two sons.
Bob & Ruth McCloskey
Another photo taken by Jon.
Dawn
February 7, 2013
Jon had a thing for fences. He took this photo on one of the long walks we shared. I know that many of you think of Jon often, I do I.
Dawn More
February 7, 2013
Rachael C
January 31, 2013
Jon was a warm and charismatic man whose best qualities have been passed along to his two sons, Peter and Michael.
Jon was a wonderful friend to my father and he never failed to make me feel happy and comfortable when visiting Peter and trying (and often failing) to run with the boys.
Anton Kiez
September 18, 2012
Even now your inspirational role is still being felt in my life, funny to think that had it not been for needing your class to graduate I likely never would have finished college or even thought of attending university. Despite the number of professors who have taught me only four or so come even remotely close.
Dave Ings
May 17, 2012
Way back in 1974 Jon worked part time in the Treble Clef record store at Carlingwood. I was a high school student just learning about the world of music and Jon freely shared with me his passion for music of all kinds by his many and varied recommendations.
Subsequently he invited me to his flat on several occasions where he had a vast album (as they were called in those days) collection that he would play for me as he explained the musical family trees of the artists.
When I went to Carleton in 1975 I'd see him on campus occasionally and we'd briefly chat. However what I never forgot, even as the decades passed, was the kindness he showed me during my high school years.
Rest in peace Jon.
Gerry Bell
March 12, 2012
Hi Jon, I have been in long period of depression (9 months or so) but I am slowly recovering. Often during those dark moments or days I've felt very lonely and empty and during some of the worst moments I have drawn strength from your wisdom and values. I am so lucky to have you as a source of strength to go too when my spirits are low. Thank you, always.
Gerry Bell
March 9, 2012
I stumbled upon Jon's lecture class by chance, and continued to audit his courses through out my time at algonquin college. Dispite my not being formally enrolled in any of his courses, he provided invaluble advice during a time in my life where I lacked direction; which culimnated in his assistance in my enrollment @ carleton university.
I retured to algonquin today to offer my thanks for what he had done, and got the sad news.
His inspiration will be missed by many
-Phil Ralston
Mary Lantz
January 26, 2012
Jon gave a lecture in NB in 2000. His information changed the way I think about life practices. I go back to my notes from that talk at least once a year. In fact I am on this page b/c I was looking to see if he has updated his information. Thank you Jon.
October 29, 2011
It has been a few years since his passing but Jon's teachings still make an impression on me. unfortunately many people have passed on in my life, but few have made lasting influences. But Jon and my Uncle Barry have still images in my mind that will always carry with me; their teachings will be passed on.
William Renwick
October 26, 2011
Mr. Shearer was one of my favourite teachers (this would be around 1970 at Erskine Johnston). I remember vividly his rendering of the album cover from King Crimson in coloured chalk all over the blackboard; and I remember he used to take us kids night-skiing up in Quebec, with pizza afterward. He was much more than a teacher!! We had so much fun while learning more than just school-work.
Rest in peace.
Anton Kiez
August 12, 2011
Its currently 6:30 am, yet here I find myself reminiscing about Jon and the year of 2005. I have taken your advice Jon and had I not met you who knows what I would be like today. I can still remember sitting in your office with two other students sipping on licorice tea listening to Wu-Tang's CREAM, or the first week of classes when I offered you some of my recorded music. Without hesitation you gladly accepted it, no doubt and no second thought. There is too much wisdom and too many times to recount when you listened, or gave advice no matter what was going on.
Where would I be now had I never known you? Not where I am today, or who I have become. If there was one professor from college who taught me how to think differently and not always accept whats happening but to challenge it, and never take things passively it was you.
Will Samuel
August 11, 2011
It's 2:53am and I am writing a blog about charity... It was through Jon, back in 2006, I came to know myself. I learned more in two years studying under him than I could have ever learned in a life time. He is very much the reason why I am the way I am today and I miss him every day.
Not everyone agreed with him in his teachings or approach, but few could say he didn't have an impact. He challenged all of us to think out of the box and step away from ourselves long enough to take a look at the world around us.
I can only hope that one day I will be as inspirational to someone else as he was to me.
Will Samuel
http://willsamuel.ca/
Gerry Bell
August 8, 2011
Jon, I have just read a recent entry honouring your Legacy and I felt that I should once again say Hello and Thank You!
Gerry Bell
Dan Connolly
August 2, 2011
Jon, you gave a confused and desperately unhappy kid in grade eight a reason for hope and I will forever be grateful for the very good fortune to have had you in my life at that time.
Our paths will cross again.
Dan Connolly
Former student
W. Erskine Johnston PS
Gerry Bell
October 31, 2010
Jon, Time, relentlessly, moves on, but wonderful memories stay forever. Since, last speaking with you in the Rotunda many hills and valleys have I experienced during these later years, but you gave me the wonderful sense of being myself and in doing so have sustained me in difficult moments and given me cause to celebrate the good ones. Your inspiration and spirit shall accompany me on the rest of my voyage.
Gerry Bell
Ron Perkio
August 10, 2010
It is currently 2 AM and I was awakened by thoughts of Jon. My belated condolences to Jon's family.
I invited Jon to speak to a group of young Intelligence Officers freshly recruited to the Canadian Security Intelligence Officers (CSIS) back in 1986. I will never forget Jon's message and prescription to these young people in a formula he coined - RED40CIA. Rest-Exercise-Diet-40 or the aging process-Communications-Intimacy-Attitude.
Jon was an inspiration to us all, he lives on in our hearts and minds!
Alba Lucía Hernandez
July 15, 2010
Te extranaremos Jon, fui tu alumna en el 2001 en Algonquin.
Alba Lucia
March 31, 2010
I knew Jon at Carleton. He suggested Goddard College to me. I went there and completed an M.A. in hermeneutics and psychology. Later, I taught at university with my m.a. Very deep appreciation and condolescences.
Fred McGregor
miranda
January 17, 2010
Whenever I felt a little down, homesick or in need of some good tunes I would go to Jon's website. Flipping through his recommended books, music or even old lectures. It always made me feel grounded. One day I couldn't access the website so I browsed the net for him and was met with his obituary. Tears immediately filled my eyes. I was so confused as to how a man so full of life could leave us.
According to Yeats "Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire"
Jon was a firestarter to be sure. His passion and vigor for life and everything in it was a force to be reckoned with. I consider myself truly blessed to be one of his students.
Jon, You will forever be one of my most favourite people, and if you are listening. This RL song is for you!
Amy
November 28, 2009
Thank you for everything you taught me
Michael-Paul Shearer
November 1, 2009
It is hard to imagine that it has been a whole year since my Dad passed.
Like so many others, I was shocked and saddened to hear the news but I was glad to know how he has influenced and changed people's lives and guided them to a better place.
My Dad was a great mentor, teacher, listener, friend and father.
I remember many great aspects of my Dad's life and his passions - his biggest love was music and he instilled that in me from a very early age. Today I share his passion for it and will always remember the influence he had on me.
I can vividly remember my friends saying: "Your Dad is so cool!"
I looked up to him and his inspiring words that still have an impact on my life.
It is impossible to change the past - that's why I say that we must all learn from each other's mistakes and qualities and live our lives positively and full of love for the people whom are the closest to us.
I miss you and think about you everyday, I will always remember your enthusiasm, caring persona, and your ability to change/guide people to a better place in their lives.
I am the person I am because of you and I will carry you in my soul until I meet you again.
I Love you,
Your son,
Michael-Paul Shearer
Timothy Rebertz
October 29, 2009
This man went to the next lifecycle before he should have. Even though he touched many lives and changed my own, I believe that his teachings should live on through all of us.
Jon, I hope that your soul remains happy in the next Life, but I truly hope you are in Nirvana.
Mallory
October 28, 2009
I just found out about Jon's passing today.
I am sad that the world has lost such a great teacher, mentor, and friend.
Jon, you helped make me who I am today and I am grateful for that. Thank you for everything that you've done.
Sean Lance
October 28, 2009
I have no words to truly describe the impact this man has had on my life. He was a mentor to me. I would not be where I am in the world if it wasn’t for him. He pushed and expanded my mine in a way I thought not possible. Anytime I have doubted myself, I just think back to what he taught me. You will missed, and to his family thank you for sharing this wonderful person.
Anton Kiez
October 28, 2009
Jon, you have had an amazing impact on my life over the past five years. I was not the only person who you touched, but one of them.
I owe you a lot.Thank you for everything.
Christina Ranieri
October 27, 2009
He was a great person and I'll never forget him.
Robert Giroux
July 31, 2009
My condolences to Jon's family and close friends. He was a brilliant and charismatic man that holds a special place when I think back on my time in college.
Alex Buwalda
July 28, 2009
I was researching online to find the proper spelling of his name in order to complete an application to study Politics at another school. I'm so sad to learn of his passing, he was so incredible charismatic and inspiring. I remember how much he cared to get young people involved in the world and politics, his opinionated nature, just a brilliant man. Inspired a lifelong love of politics and the world for me, if not for him surly my life path would be different today. Someone who truly made a difference in the world, thanks Jon for your time with me, I'll never forget it.
Les Weir
April 4, 2009
I hadnt heard of Jon Shearer since I attended a management course at Ontario Police College in the early 90s until today when I ran into a friend who was a mutual acquaintance. I, along with all of my colleagues found Jon to be a riveting speaker who had an incredible talent for getting his message across to an audience. Many of the messages and suggestions that he put across in those lectures I carried faithfully throughout my career and I believe that they helped me survive on many many occasions. I wish you had been able to do the same for yourself as you did for many others Jon. May God rest your soul and my heartfelt condolences to your family and those closest to you.
Brian Cummings
March 17, 2009
I only learned today of Jon's passing. I immediately got goosebumps when I heard the sad news. I only had the privlege of hearing Jon lecture one time, at the Atlantic Police Academy in the summer of 2008, but he left an indelible impression on me. The last words I said to him were, "I hope we get to meet again someday," and he responded, "Bull, the pleasure of meeting you was all mine." Our next meeting will have to be in the next life, Jon, but it's comforting to know that there will be someone like you waiting to greet me from the other side. Godspeed, my friend. My sincerest condolences to his wife and children, who he spoke so fondly of. Det./Sgt. Brian Cummings, Miramichi Police Force
Dawn Firestone
January 1, 2009
Namaste.
I honour the light that shone within you and hold it in my heart.
Gerry Bell
December 9, 2008
Jon,
I first found out about your leaving last week when talking to Professor Mark Allston; tears came to my eyes and I sobbed. When I think of you, and that has been often, goodness returns to my world. As the oldest student in your class, 64 going on 19, I remember you saying that one morning we all wake up and realize that we are old and I wanted to say that is only a temporary condition because we are all as young as we feel and the inner company we keep. You gave me faith, joy, and purpose along with many hours of happiness during those class hours and that provides me with inner strength when life gets tough and starts to get me down. I, as many, who have been lucky enough to have been your student, shall 'carry on the sweep' and do our best to make this a better world. Yes, you have gone away, but not so far as that for you reside deeply in my heart.
Utmost love and respect,
Gerry Bell 67 going on 22
Robin Smith
November 26, 2008
Jon Shearer was my prof at Algonquin College. Before he taught me I knew who he was simply becuase of his vibrant personality. He put compassion and dedication in everything I saw him do, and that was passed on to his students. I know he touched many lives, and instilled a good sense of humanity in everyone who encountered him.
John Butler
November 22, 2008
Novemer 22, 2008
Jon,
There will always be a bright corner in my heart for you. Though time and distance have seperated us over the many years, you have never been far from my thoughts, nor will you ever be.
Good bye old friend.
Christina Raneiri
November 17, 2008
Jon,
Truly made the world better place to live in. With his love for helping others and inspiriting lectures. He made and encouraged people to live life to the fullest. Which I am sure he did himself.
Eric Lanctot
November 17, 2008
Jon made learning fun. He inspired curiosity, laughter and an all around joy for life in and out of the classroom and I will forever be indebted to him for his generosity, kindness and above all, humanness. Thank you Jon.
Jeffrey Hawboldt
November 16, 2008
Jon,
You were the most influential and captivating teacher I ever had. I've always enjoyed your classes, due to the personality you could apply to any subject you taught. I still remember them fondly, and will continue for the remainder of my years. Thank you very much for your teachings, both in and outside the classroom. I will never forget.
Patti Webster
November 16, 2008
Thank You Jon Shearer for being such an amazing Teacher. There are many Teachers but few that leave such an imprint on those you touch. I want to thank you personally for the imprint you left with my Son Will Samuel. You instilled belief of self in him, challenged him, opened his heart. Through your eyes Will experienced the first sight of himself and for that Mr. Shearer I will always be thankful to you from the bottom of my heart. My Son will always remember you and keep you safe in his heart.
Will Samuel
November 15, 2008
Jon,
You were the most influencial teacher I have ever had. Your smile, sense of humour and fervour for life was more than inspiring, but goal-setting. You gave a poor, beat up old kid a shot at trying to be the best that he could be and inspired him to reach for the stars.
I remember sitting in on so many of your classes ... even leading one of them when you were absent. I remember the call you made for me to come in and proctor your exam on such short notice. There wasn't a thing I wouldn't do for you.
My wife, Sarah, and I saw you only a month or so ago in Loblaws. We chatted like we had so many times over my time at Algonquin College. It was familiar... friendly... comforting.
I will forever miss you and I will forever be thankful for everything you ever did for me ... for Sarah ... for all of us.
Love and regrets
Will
Peter Gaffney
November 15, 2008
Jon was and still is a major influence in my life and I am saddened to hear of this great loss. Jon was an incredibly charismatic, funny and intellectual man who many found to be inspiring. I was so impressed with Jon’s ability to connect with people that I invited my father to come and sit in on one of my classes so he could witness Jon’s teaching style.
I will remember Jon as a passionate man, as well as for his love for music, his fight against Styrofoam, his Bic lighter lamps, his checkout line analogy, the way every time he spoke about his mother he would tear up, sandals in the winter and how he constantly reminded us that we needed to be the ones to make the change in the world. I hope to have half as much influence on someone as he had on so many.
Truly one of the most influential and inspiring people I have ever had the honour of knowing.
Krystina Spagnuolo
November 15, 2008
Jon was an inspiration and a mentor to all of his students. I will miss you Jon, and I will always remember what you said: I will be your student for life.
Justin Jones
November 12, 2008
Jon was a great man. I had him as a teacher at Algonquin for only a single semester, But I will never for get him.
Anton Kiez
November 12, 2008
I knew Jon as a teacher at Algonquin College, he was amazing. He was funny, inspiring, and very spiritual. When his office was open, it was open to any of his students. Past, and present. Often times, he would lend an ear to music, or be up for a general discussion.
I speak on behalf of the class of 06, and students of his everywhere. You will be greatly missed my friend. You were an inspiration to a lot of students, as well as the faculty.
Luke Kutschke
November 12, 2008
Jon, you were the best teacher ever, & you inspired me & made school awesome....you will be missed by me & everyone...rest in peace, my good friend....love ya forever, peace...luke
Lyn Donaldson
November 6, 2008
I was very saddened to learn of Jon's passing. I have known Jon for a long, long time. We went to First Avenue Public School together. As a kid living on Third Avenue he even had an English accent back then which he told me years later he tried very, very hard to lose. I would run into him over the years and ended up being his next-door neighbour in the 1980s. It was nice to re-connect with him. He hadn't changed much from the little boy he was at First Avenue all those years ago. My thoughts are with Jen and the boys. I will remember him fondly as a very nice person.
Cindy Hitchins
November 1, 2008
To the Shearer Family....
I remember Mr. Shearer when i attended Erskine Johnson Public school, he was a wonderful teacher back in the early 70's, and was a fun
teacher too...god bless him!
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