Maybe because he was tall and lanky (6 feet, 4 inches) with strong shoulders and a killer spike. Or maybe because his long thin muscular legs loved jumping impossibly high.
Jordan loved volleyball! And the volleyball sport and community loved him back!
“I met Jordan about a year ago as we both subbed for the same volleyball team from time to time, and I was drawn to his laid back, friendly personality. He always had a smile on his face, and was a really strong, happy, and fun guy to play the sport with.” ~ Chris
Jordan played intramural volleyball all through junior and senior high school at Chinook Winds in Calgary. He was thrilled to make the volleyball team at Walla Walla University and enjoyed competing against private university teams throughout the Pacific Northwest during his four years of college.
“I just remember having a blast playing on the team together. He always had the best attitude, always positive and friendly even through bad stretches. He was really encouraging to me as I was just starting out. He always had a smile and kind word ready.” ~ Kyle
When he returned home with a business degree in 2010, he joined Kelowna Urban Rec where he played twice a week.
“Jordan and I both played middle and he was a very good player. I for sure learnt a few things from his play on the court. We had some really good times playing together for the couple years we were teammates.” ~Kelley
It was Jordan’s teammates at Urban Rec who unknowingly sustained him through the challenges of the last 7 years of his life as he searched for satisfying work, friendships, and meaning in his life. His volleyball team knew little of his struggles. They regarded him as excellent player who was gentle and supportive of his teammates–whether they were winning or loosing a game. He made a huge effort to show up for an hour of volleyball twice a week because it was a place to be with people his own age who loved the sport of volleyball and helped him feel skilled, competent, and normal.
The night before Jordan died, he rode his electric bike into town and back–28 kilometers each way– in the sleet and rain of a cold November evening just so he could join his teammates in a game!
“Jordan was a treat to play with. He was always content with an easy smile and was quick to commend his teammates. The court won’t be the same without him.” ~ Brittany
As the shocking news of Jordan’s untimely death reverberated through his volleyball community, many requested an opportunity to meet us, his family, and be present at the “Honouring Jordan’s Journey” ritual we hosted on December 16, 2017. His teammates spoke fondly of Jordan, shared their wonderful stories of him, and presented our family with a memorial volleyball they signed to honor Jordan.
The memorial volleyball has a special place in our home and in our hearts. Thank you to all of Jordan’s teammates for the important connections and healing respite you unknowingly offered our son while playing his favourite sport!
“I am so lucky and honored to have known Jordan and play volleyball with him for the past 4 years. His passion for the sport, love for life, and caring for others never went unnoticed. Every time I step onto the court I think of him and know he is watching over me and the rest of the volleyball family. He will be dearly missed by all!!” ~ Jennifer
Janice M. Bell
