Justin's Eulogy
Eulogy - Justin Robert Lee Raymond - Debbie Shkuratoff
Read by Lorene Benoit for Debbie - his Mom
Hello.. I'd like to thank everyone for coming to Celebrate Justin's life with us today.. As most of you know he was full of energy, excitement and life all the time. No matter what he was doing!! Kind of intense on occasion!! LOL.. And believe me he started at a very young age!! He slept well when he slept, and some days I wished he slept more so I could get things done or have a rest!! However, he always woke me up with that big smile and ready to play no matter what age. He crawled at 4 months, sat up by himself early, took his first steps at 9 months, potty trained at 1 year... Are we seeing a pattern?? YES, he was good at everything he did..
I stayed home for his first couple of years and ran a home/daycare so I could be with him.. He loved having others to play with everyday.. We were able to get out to parks, go for walks and play. The only kids show that was on in those days was Sesame Street at 11:30 which finished off our morning program before lunch and nap ( hopefully!! ) We had to keep busy, he just had so much energy!! At 2, I worked in a restaraunt and put him in playschool with his cousin Dawn. They were very close for years..
I met and married Brian when Justin was 4, we were a happy family.. When Justin was 6 we decided to have another child to give him a bother or sister, and along came Brandon.. Justin was 7 then, in school. He was so happy to have a little brother.. Many fun years ahead of younger brother sneaking into big brother's room and snooping about and taking things. Brandon always wanting to be like Justin and see what he was up to..
Justin started in soccer at 5, learned to ride a bike 4/5, T-ball at 6, learned to swim & skate at 6/7, little league baseball 7 & 8, joined beavers/cubs 8/9, hockey 8-16, he made the Cowichan Capitals Rep Team & martial arts at 12 which he carried on over the years and practiced for hours in the yard doing "His Moves" as he called it.. He also joined the local gym and continued for years to work out and keep in shape..
He didn't really like school, except PE and ART, as he didn't like to be confined, kind of always looking out the window, so he's get in trouble from the teachers for not paying attention!! He just wanted to be free to play, explore and learn from life.. He was very smart, and kind of shocked me on occasion as to some of his ideas and thoughts as they were beyond the reality of life at that time, only to prove later he was probably right on a lot of things!! He also read a lot on many subjects..
His first part time job at 12 was working for his Grandpa at his property, weed eating, chopping wood cutting the lawns, lighting big burn piles from the branches, etc., that they collected around the property.. He loved to spend time riding the tractor, boating, skiing, etc., with his Grandpa, the most influential person in his life.. At 17 he got a job at the Jaegar House as a dishwasher.. He loved the people, not too fussy about washing dishes though!!
He was about 19 when he met Stacey.. They met at the gym. We were happy about that as she was a good girl and we knew someone need to keep him in line!! They were inseparable and of course baby # 1 was on the way before too long.. Not long after baby # 2 was coming.. And # 3 and # 4.. OMG a full family overnight it seemed!! He was extremely happy to be in love and have these beautiful kids to take care of.. He had worked a few jobs before getting a job on the Rigs.. He worked on the Rigs for a few years, loved the hard work, taking care of his family, and the money of course..
He loved fishing, crabbing, boating, dirt biking and anything to do with nature and outdoors.. As many of you know if he had his way that's all he would do if he could.. He loved to read Tony Robbins and Wayne Dyer.. Bruce Lee was and Steven Seagal were his other two favorite people.. As a kid The Wizard of Oz was his favorite movie.. He'd play it over and over.. LOL..
He loved and cherished times with family and friends.. At family dinners and gatherings he always had everyone laughing with his jokes, stories and card tricks.. He loved to cook and help in the kitchen always, however, it always looked like a bomb went off when he was done!! LOL..
He was such a happy being - from baby, boy, teenager, young adult, and right through his life.. Always asking people "How's your day going so far?" No matter how he was feeling..
We just had a fabulous Father's Day with Justin and his kids.. He was so proud of them, and loved them so much.. He'll be watching over us now and can be with us all the time..
He had just moved to Victoria and was excited about starting a new life.. He was positive and happy.. Unfortunately, he did not get the chance..
Addiction is a horrible disease and can affect anyone.. He said to me many times " Mom, you don't know what it's like to be me. " He was one of the most loving people I know and I was so proud of him and proud to be his Mom or Mama as he would call me on occasion!!
He taught us compassion, forgiveness, unconditional love, patience, peace, kindness, to be happy no matter what, and live in the moment..
( We feel your presence ) Blessings and love Justin, until we meet again!!
