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Jonah


“To my old pal Jonah, and all the others whose dance ended too soon. Wish you were here, pal.”

– Sheldon Birnie in Missing Like Teeth: An Oral History of Winnipeg Underground Rock (2015)



Jonah Nepon was a very special person. His family reminisces: “He had this extraordinary presence that was gentle yet powerful. He was thoughtful and kind. His empathy towards others was unbelievable, whether they were a close friend or a complete stranger. He had the best yet strangest sense of humour and could make anyone laugh, particularly his six sisters. Jonah had such an overwhelming impact on the lives of so many; more than we could have ever imagined.” 


Early in his life, Jonah developed a passion for muisic and then film, eventually launching his production company, Ghost Town Manitoba. His goal with GTM was to promote memorable shows for artists he felt were overlooked and whose talents were underappreciated. For over a decade, he reached far and wide into the depths of performance art and worked tirelessly to provide artists with a platform. After his passing, a dear friend Bob Wiseman highlighted Jonah’s passion and commitment, writing “It was crazy of you to manufacture vinyl (records) for me, Magali and Jason Trachtenberg 8 years ago; thanks again for being crazy in the best ways”. The University of Manitoba’s radio station, UMFM, recognized Jonah’s work in support of musicians with the dedication of their live band room.

Like Jonah’s pal Sheldon Birnie said, the dance ended far too soon, but throughout his short dance he taught us the importance of following our dreams. He left us with lessons how to love, laugh, and most importantly, how to be kind. After a brave two-year battle with cancer Jonah passed away March 3, 2013 at the young age of 29. 

Jonah's family lost a son, brother, uncle, and best friend to many more after a difficult but brave fight with brain cancer. To honour him, the Jonah Nepon Memorial Fund was established at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba. If you would like to make a donation to the Jonah Nepon Memorial Fund in order to help build our community, please complete the form below.


 

Adam, Jonah, Seth Auntie Annette, Jonah, UNcle Pat (Morrow) Hannah (C.), Jonah Jonah (Florida 2012) Jonah (Age 2) Jonah (age 4) Jonah 2011 Jonah and Grandma (Dorothy Montagnon) Jonah Grade 11 class picture Jonah and Hannah (C.) Jonah, Adam, Seth (Florida 2012) Jonah, Aunite Andrea (Montagnon) Jonah, Hanna (C.), Jordan (C.), Adam Jordan (C.), Hannah (C.), Asher (C.) and Meir (P.) Meir (P.), Jonah, Meirav Meirav, Jonah Jonah, Jordan (C.) Meir (P.), Meriav, Jonah Rachel, Meirav, Mara (P.), Jonah Meir (P.) jonah Picture3 Picture1 Picture4 Picture2 11 8 9 7 10 12 13 16 18 14 15 17 19 20 22 25 24 23 26 27 30 1 28 2 5 3 4 6 34 37 41 36 32 38 33 35 39 31 40 41 Jonah Rachel Jonah Rachel 2
 

Help Us Reach our Goal of $100,000 to give Jonah an encore; to have his legacy play on. 

The fund reached its original $10,000 goal so quickly with an overwhelming show of community support for our first community project that we have decided to expand the fund's goal to $100,000. The objective is to allow the fund to support various causes inspired by Jonah's big heart, his love of music and his commitment to helping others.

As the fund grows, it will support art and culture, health, education, and community services.

If you would like to donate to the Jonah Nepon Memorial Fund to help the Nepon family achieve their goals, please complete the form below.