Coffee lover. Social magnet. Forever learner. Dependable friend. True gentleman. Incredible adventurer. Family connector. Tremendous athlete. Eternal optimist. Dedicated son. Proud brother. Loving husband. Endearing Baba. One of a kind. That was our Josh.
Joshua Daniel Edgerton Cinnamon entered this world on January 31, 1977. It was –40 and brilliantly sunny. A perfect day to start an unforgettable life. A proud product of Tete Jaune Cache, BC, Josh set tracks through life like no other.
As the second born of six, family was incredibly important to Josh. He was fiercely protective of his parents, and took tremendous pride in being a brother. He had unique relationships with each of his four brothers and his sister. Josh loved to be immersed in the chaos of the Cinnamon farm, and the endless family antics. When they were together, their shenanigans were dangerous and legendary and of course, Josh would be beaming in the middle of it. Josh travelled the world and saw tremendous sights, but nothing made him happier than being on the farm with a coffee in hand.
Through life, Josh found a way to make everyone feel important and special, like they were the star of Josh’s world. And they were! Josh was genuinely interested in others and had a way of engaging that made you feel so good. And he was always there for his family and friends. From an important family celebration a day’s drive away, to a redeye flight to squeeze in a friend’s European wedding, to a late night call with a friend, Josh made the time and effort and he always showed up. He was the glue holding everything together. Josh had an adventurous spirit and nothing intimidated him. Foregoing the safe route, Josh never let fear or uncertainty dissuade him from forging a life filled with new experiences, opportunities, and challenges. He wouldn’t waste time considering all the potential outcomes when he could just start and deal with the consequences.
Josh enjoyed athletic pursuits and these activities provided a forum for him to develop, and then showcase, his indelible drive and enduring optimism. After learning to skate at the age of three in Jasper, Josh found hockey and was hooked. As his hockey career progressed, he first left the family farm at 15 to play junior hockey in Invermere for a couple of years before advancing to play with the Nelson Leafs. Josh was a teammate that everyone loved, both for his fun-loving nature but also his ability to always put the team and others first – it was never the “Josh show”. Josh’s time in Nelson was formative in many ways; he created life-long friendships and proudly worked as a Wildland Firefighter for the BC Forest Service. Josh was honoured to be invited to play for the UBC Thunderbird varsity hockey team where he capped his hockey career while finishing his undergraduate degree. By Josh’s standards, he took a few years “off” while finishing his law degree at the University of Calgary before developing an appetite for cycling, cross country skiing, and other endurance events. As a testament to his determination (and athleticism), Josh entered the Penticton Ironman in 2011 – a race consisting of a four kilometer swim, 180 kilometer bike, and 42 kilometer run. 2,800 people entered the race and 2,600 finished. After a breakfast of two cups of coffee and a muffin, Josh started his race and was in 2,598th position coming out of the water. Josh passed over 2,200 of his competitors and finished 312th overall! This past winter, Josh cross country skied at Cypress Mountain over 40 times – many of those times involved towing his son Deacon in the Chariot with his other son Bennett mushing the sled and hanging on to the back. If you were one of the many that the Josh team passed on the trails this winter, don’t feel bad, Josh was extraordinary.
Josh had an exceptional career. He pushed himself constantly and always set the bar tremendously high – he craved growth and impact, yet his colleagues will recall his kindness amongst his most significant traits.
Josh met his wife Amanda in Calgary and she became the centre of his universe. He absolutely adored her and committed to giving her everything he had. He fully immersed himself in her family, welcomed their traditions, and they became an extension of his own family. Josh and Amanda built a beautiful life together – travelling, exploring, renovating, and eventually settling in North Vancouver and making their every dream come true. When Bennett and Deacon came along, their world was complete and their Baba committed to them like none of his other pursuits. He dedicated his whole heart to his boys, and created a world full of wonder and adventure for them. With Josh at the helm, nothing was impossible.
Over the past weeks, Josh was ambushed by cancer yet he demonstrated unwavering optimism, determination, humility and love. On April 22, 2021, surrounded by family and his wife Amanda, Josh slipped peacefully away.
Left to remember Josh are his wife Amanda and his sons Bennett and Deacon;
His parents Dale and Pamela, brother Jason (Wendy), brother Jon (Charlene, son Bruno), sister Tamara (Ken), brother Joel (Emelia, son Corbin, daughter Adala), and brother Jesse (Kala, son Jakob);
His in-laws Mounir and Mona, sister-in-law Christine (Hany, daughter Abigail, sons Christopher and Thomas), sister-in-law Holly (Chad, daughter Jillian);
His Nelson billet family turned forever family Sandy and Patti with sons Travis (Megan) and Clayton (Mya, daughter Goldie);
And many members of his extended family and friends.
As Baba won’t be physically around for Bennett and Deacon, you are asked to share stories and memories of Josh so that the boys can read about their father as they grow up. Please email [email protected].
Josh received unprecedented care while in the hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation. Alternatively, if you prefer to support Josh’s boys directly, please click here http://bit.ly/cinnamonboys
Josh’s family is looking forward to celebrating his inspiring life with the many that loved him at a future date.
As someone who knew Josh, go out and sprinkle a little Cinnamon in the world and share a bit of Josh: call an old friend, be kind, make someone smile, be better.
And in the words of Josh, “Gotta jet”.
May the Lord bless you and keep you,
May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you.
May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and grant you His Peace.
Meaning of Joshua: Strong and Of Good Courage
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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