Hello I’m Chet Nordskog, one of Jonn’s friends. We have all gathered here today to not mourn but celebrate the life of a great individual, Jonn Flath. I had the pleasure of knowing Jonn for three years before he passed and from the day we met Jonn’s loving personality shown through. I met Jonn the summer before freshman year during volleyball camp. It was the first day and I had arrived early and sat all alone, when all of the sudden I was approached by a scruffy haired kid who reminded me a lot of myself except with glasses. He asked, “are you here for volleyball camp?” I of course replied with a sheepish yes, not being the social butterfly he was. Then he outstretched his hand and said, “ me too, hi I’m Jonn.” And that set off the next three years of friendship I wouldn’t trade in for anything. Whether it was volleyball or just hanging out after school me and Jonn hit it off and by his senior year we were inseparable. We were in West Ranch TV together and we spent practically every moment with one another laughing and joking in the usual Jonn fashion. But as you are all aware he may have been a joker sometimes but that never yielded his incredible work ethic. He never stopped making videos for West Ranch TV. Every day he came in so excited and anxious for the next thing we could be doing and on days even when I didn’t want to film he always got me too and we created some amazing memories. Whatever it may have been whether it was highlighting the next school event, covering hard hitting news, to the famous chicken dance for a fundraiser commercial, and of course our infamous stint as bearded 90’s R&B singers. Jonn’s creativity and personality was showcased in whatever he did and although everyone didn’t exactly understand it all the time, he always put himself out there for better or worse and wasn’t scared of the criticism. That’s just how Jonn was he was fearless and anything but shy. I remember when we went to Florida for a West Ranch TV competition known as the STN convention this trait of Jonn’s was more apparent than ever. He was quite the chatty cathy in case anyone in here is unaware; striking up conversations with people in the elevators and in the lobby and in the convention center he was never afraid to go out and meet people and make new friends. That’s the thing I remember most about him is that he was the friendliest guy in the world and never shunned anyone and if you looked alone or you could have been in some form of trouble Jonn was the person to come to your rescue. I also think this is the thing I’m going to miss most about Jonn because whenever you needed a friend he was always there for you rain or shine whatever he could do to help he would; without question. But I know he is here with us now watching over us all, because he is up in heaven above us all and whenever we need him he will be with us in one way or another. If you can hear me Jonn I love you buddy and miss you and like our last phone call ended with a see you later and not a goodbye I’ll see you later and can’t wait to see you up there. Until then watch over me and everyone here because we need you now more than ever that you’ve gone, in the meantime while I wait to see you, I’ll be doing what you always told me to; just smiling. I love you Jonn.
