Jonathan Dean Apgar

Jonathan Dean Apgar

August 29, 1983 - December 7, 2013

51 LEGACY LIVES ON

Jonathan Dean Apgar, 30, known for his brightly colored mohawks; his insane eating habits, including food challenges that could make any grown man cry; his goofy, yet vibrant personality; and his altruistic care for others, passed away the morning of December 7, 2013 at his home in Salem, Ore., his close family and friends by his side.

Jon was born on August 29, 1983 in Portland, Ore., and weighed in at a whopping 9lbs 3oz, prospective linebacker etched in his future.

Jon was raised in Toledo, Ore., and developed a love for football and an even deeper love for destroying anyone that crossed his path on the field. He sported #51 and was recognized throughout his college career at Western Oregon University as a top linebacker and defensive player. Jon graduated from WOU in 2005 with a BS in Business and went on to play for a pair of nationally recognized teams, the LA Avengers as #51 and the Danube Dragons as #15. Throughout his travels in Europe as a Dragon, Jon became well versed in the culture and language, as well as, an avid consumer of schnitzel, Käsekrainer and gross amounts of warm beer, Ottakringer comes to mind.

After his football career ended with a blown ACL, Jon worked as a Behavior Assessment Coordinator at PCL, a job that he loved and respected, and a job that he was made for. He had future goals of getting his Masters in Special Education and becoming a counselor. Jon was married in August 2012 to his wife and love of his life, Megan. They had no immediate plans for children and of course were surprised with the news that they were expecting shortly after being wed. Their beautiful daughter, Addyson, was born in June 2013.

In early July 2013, Jon was diagnosed with an aggressive form of kidney cancer. Throughout his courageous battle, he always seemed to keep his wits about him. Remembering the times he danced with the CNAs down the hallways, yelling from his hospital bed "get me out of here" or "send in the orderly"; or visions of him corralling strangers (usually women) in the hallways with his IV pole, escaping the floor to sneak a milkshake or flicking ice cubes at anyone within close proximity, will be etched in our memories forever.

Jon was a man that simply LOVED life and enjoyed making other's lives better. He had a snappy giddy-up to his walk and a joyful presence that everyone loved. His witty humor, jokester mentality and leave them laughing personality were unparalleled. He was a man that found peace in the outdoors and loved a long and drawn out game of hand and foot canasta. The things he would say or do, like randomly belting out lyrics to "I Say A Little Prayer", proposing to his wife dressed as Joe Dirt, or his oh so famous saying " I'm Jon Apgar #51", are a few among the infinite "Jonnyisms" that will never be forgotten. Jon will always be missed but his #51 legacy will live on forever through those that love him!

Survivors include his wife and daughter, Megan and Addyson Apgar; mother, Barbara Fox; father and step mother, Chris Apgar and Julia Huddleston; siblings, Jeremiah and Autumn Apgar, James and Sarah Huddleston (Kevin Haralson); niece, Hannah Haralson; mother and father-in-law, Robert and Janice Umbenhower, brother-in-law; Kyle (Lynea) Umbenhower; sister-in-law, Emily Umbenhower; nephew Elijah Umbenhower; and numerous other family and friends.

The Celebration of Life will be held at Western Oregon University in early March, exact date and time to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Addyson Apgar for her educational fund (non-tax deductable), to the WOU Foundation-Jon Apgar Scholarship, or to the See You Later Foundation-Seeds of Hope. For further details on the service and donations please see the Facebook page Jon's Fight Against Kidney Cancer.