The British poet John Donne wrote “Every man’s death diminishes me because I am involved in mankind; And therefore, do not send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”
Last June 4, the funeral bell tolled for the sudden death of Jeremy Mahood. I am, and we are, a diminished people and community.
Jeremy was a friend, a pastor, a mentor and a leader. A man of faith, he was the Pastor at All Nations Church where he preached “It’s not about religion; it’s about relationships.”
A relationship with loving God, and a relationship with loving our neighbours reflecting Christ’s teachings that these are the two greatest commandments.
Beyond the walls of his church Jeremy inspired others to follow and live those teachings. He established a Living Nativity on the parking lot of a science centre. Only Jeremy could create a space for both the spiritual and secular.
He was the Chaplain for the Sudbury Regional Police and the Sudbury Wolves Hockey Team. Jeremy understood policing the blue line took teamwork and discipline to make a community proud.
He helped KFM Radio and the Elgin Street Mission. Jeremy knew the importance of nurturing the soul and stomach.
Jeremy sang at the Tom Davies Concert and the Police Memorial Service. Jeremy’s voice knew how to commemorate and celebrate good leadership and dedication to service.
That’s why we describe our city as “great” and our officers as the “finest”. He knew how to heal brokenness and help those who worked with the broken.
Jeremy as a Pastor and presenter had the listening skills to dispel the darkness for hurting people and debrief EMS personnel who help heal the hurting. In short, there was only one Jeremy Mahood.
On this first anniversary of his death, I reflect how much we as a community miss him. In the midst of this COVID pandemic, Jeremy would be leading by example in helping front-line workers with his EMS/Police Chaplaincy.
He would be encouraging people to support non-profits like the Elgin Street Mission. He would be innovative with IT creating a virtual fellowship of belonging and defeating self isolation with spiritual bonding.
He would make the word “together” for those in leadership a reality with a synergy that would maximize resources and outcomes. The reason I write these bold words is that I grew up with Jeremy. His light of faith and gift of friendship encouraged and empowered me.
The license plate on his Jeep read “Hope4U.”
A year later I appreciate Jeremy’s hope for me remembering the lessons of his life’s legacy. I know that it is that hope that will defeat our present problems because Jeremy would agree – we will get through this together.
Gerry Lougheed Jr. was a lifelong friend of Jeremy Mahood and a director on his “I Believe” non-profit charity.
