Memorial



Inukshuk

In the Inuit language, Inukshuk means "in the likeness of a human". These mysterious stone figures are native to Canada and can be found throughout the circumpolar world. Inukshuk are monuments made of unworked stones that are used by the Inuit for communication and survival. The traditional meaning of the Inukshuk is "Someone was here" or "You are on the right path."

Thomas Jasinski was here. He was a 17-year-old musician, dancer, tech wizard, budding entrepreneur, and busy Grade 12 "A" student at Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School in Oakville, Ontario. As a testament to Thomas’ commitment to his own success, he had been accepted at five universities as he prepared for the next phase of his life. Thomas had a love of learning, a passion for business and technology, and above all a desire and commitment to help others succeed in their personal and academic lives. He always looked for ways to improve things around him without expecting or looking for compensation in return. Thomas and his father Tony shared a lot in common, including a very generous heart. Tragically, on March 31, 2009, only three minutes away from home, his promising young life ended in a tragic single vehicle accident.


The Inuit make Inukshuk in different forms for a variety of purposes: as navigation or directional aids, to mark a place of respect or memorial for a beloved person, or to indicate migration routes or places where fish can be found. Other similar stone structures are objects of veneration, signifying places of power or the abode of spirits. Inuit tradition forbids the destruction of Inukshuk. A familiar Inukshuk is a welcome sight to a traveler on a featureless and forbidding landscape.

On the shores of Wadsworth Lake, Kaszuby near Barry’s Bay, Ontario, a summer retreat that Thomas adored, and where he spent the few summers on earth that God gave him, his family have erected an Inukshuk to mark a place of respect and memorial for their beloved Thomas. In light of the traditional meanings of Inukshuk - "Someone was here" - "You are on the right path" – there is no more fitting memorial to Thomas’ life, his love of life, and how he lived it. Not only was he “here”, but the devotion of his time to helping his family and friends find “the right path” was an integral part of his life.


Go quietly and peacefully dear Thomas, in the never-ending love of your family and friends. Your work in this world is done. Your Inukshuk will be welcome sight to all who see it, reminding everyone that you were here, inspiring those who may be temporarily facing a “featureless and forbidding landscape” in their lives, and helping to point us all in the direction you would have us travel.

To see pictures of the blessing of the Inukshuk, click here

Memorial Tree

This tree was planted outside Holy Trinity Catholic School in Oakville in memory of Thomas.

Memorial Video

The following video was created by a high school colleague of Thomas'.

View on YouTube 		View on Vimeo


Memoral Poetry

Family Chain

We little knew that morning,
God was going to call your name,
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we do the same.

You left us beautiful memories,
Your love is still our guide,
And though we cannot see you,
You are always at our side.

It broke our hearts to lose you,
You did not go alone.
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.

Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one,
The chain will link again.


Letter From Heaven

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say
But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's not more tears of sadness; Here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon, and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through.
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you.

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly, you're part of my plan.
There's so much that I have to do, to help our mortal man"

God gave me a list of things that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you...in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry: it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over,
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night..."My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented...that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.

So, if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low;
Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go...from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going...you're coming here to me.