Obituary of Joshua Switzer

On Saturday morning, May 19th, 2012, a beautiful beacon of light was extinguished. Joshua Switzer brought light when there was darkness. He found many ways to demonstrate his joy for life. Joshua understood that the true path to happiness was in living simply and loving greatly. Josh took great joy in a nice run, a good workout, a fast paced game of CounterStrike, a great meal and a couple of dogs to pat in his lap. Those of us who are devastated and left behind can’t imagine how we can continue without Josh to soothe our souls. He was a graduate of CCH French Immersion, a student of Economics at UWO and a proud member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. He betrayed his stature of physical strength with a gentle sensibility and a kind heart. Josh will be dearly missed. Joshua was the adored son of Rob and Pam Switzer, both of whom treasured the special time he took to help his mom with her Rheumatoid Arthritis and his dad with anything he needed help with; brother of Matt (Lisa), brother and best friend of Benjamin and constant teaser of his sister Brianna, which is how he showed his love for her. He was the proud grandson of Mary Smith, of London, and Lloyd and June Switzer, of Ilderton. Josh spent many a night smoking cigars and drinking red wine with his Uncle Kevin and benefiting from the love of family at a gathering hosted by Aunt Brenda. He is also sadly missed by all his aunts and uncles, Pat and Wayne King, Cheri and Peter Ansley, Kim and Julie Switzer and Perri Smith. Lots of families don’t know their cousins, but in our family, the cousins are very close friends. Josh will be missed by Sarah, Katie, Meagan and Amanda Switzer, Kristen and Leslie King, Christine and Andrew Burns and David Ansley. Josh also would have been an uncle, any day now, to little “Bean”. He was predeceased by his Grandpa Murray Smith. Visitation will be held at the WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Wednesday from 3:00 - 5:00 and 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at “The Chapel” in Revera’s Windermere on the Mount, 1486 Richmond Street, London, on Thursday, May 24th, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Private family interment, St. Peter’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Josh’s family request that donations be provided to Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity for a scholarship that is being set up in Josh’s name. Cheques may be left at the funeral home. Brother, son, unlucky one; loyal friend, untimely end; woken from a sleepless dream, to lay and rest in peace again. Now every breath a reverent sigh, airy metronomes of mourning, instead of crying, asking why – to duties for performing: Joshua, the Brundle-Fly, his monitor marked with notes: “focus on where the crosshair is, don’t give up…don’t change what works.” Love you Josh – we will never forget you