On June 8th, our family suffered the irreparable loss of our beautiful, sweet Jaime. We are heartbroken. We know there is no way but forward, and our way forward will always be holding Jaime’s hand.
Jaime suffered from serious depression for years, but he lived vibrantly. He nurtured close relationships with his family and his many friends; he spent endless hours learning about cooking, politics, and philosophy; he was one course away from finishing his degree in Computer Science with a minor in Philosophy at UVic; he started to learn to play guitar to accompany the powerful singing voice that he was yet to show off; he cooked delicious dinners for his family every day; he explored restaurants, coffee shops, and bookshops in Victoria; he consumed and contemplated books, movies, TV shows, and his special brand of memes; he fell deeply in love with Oliver Guerrero in 2018 and planned to marry him in the fall of 2021.
Jaime lived with the whole world in his eyes. He contemplated the biggest questions and dared to answer them. From a very young age, his understanding of the world reached far beyond his years. His intellectual curiosity motivated him to explore a vast array of topics, challenge the status quo, and maintain a high degree of integrity. He saw every injustice, every unkindness, every act of discrimination, every abuse of power for what it was. He refused to disconnect from his internal compass.
Jaime was focused on the future. In 2021 he planned to finish his degree, get a programming job, reunite with his fiancé Oliver in Mexico, and get married. Together they would return to live in Canada. He dreamt of opening his own restaurant and starting a family. We know he would have been a fantastic husband, father, and restaurateur as he was brother, son, and family chef.
Jaime did not just want to survive, he wanted to live courageously and meaningfully. Jaime was not a fading light, but a beacon that shone fiercely through the darkness. He loved and listened to us, he challenged us. He demanded that we follow his lead in being honest with ourselves so we could be honest with each other. He cared too much about his relationships to let little cracks spread into fractures. Despite his struggles, he supported his loved ones with so much strength and care. He lived with the intention that he once wrote in a letter to his sister:
“Never let sadness hinder your ability to be the best that you can be.”
Mental illness is tremendously difficult to navigate. As a family we talked and discussed things, we reminded each other how much we loved one another, and spent a beautiful though difficult year close together after the pandemic reunited us. We interpreted Jaime’s vitality as a sign that this tragedy could not happen. We wish we could turn back time and rewrite this story.
Jaime believed that living is about realizing a vision. He insisted that we should not just wave away or tear down what was wrong, but also create in its place. We will mourn him and grow into the void that he left behind. Jaime’s philosophy is our guiding light as we move forward. Everything we owed him and wished to give him we vow to pay forward with courage and integrity like his.
We want to thank our friends and family for sharing in our grief and for each act of kindness that has sparked a light in our heavy hearts. Going forward, we would like to ask you to consider the following four things to continue to support us through this trying time:
- Write your memories of Jaime and share them with us so we may treasure and share them with generations to come.
- Donate any amount to GoFundMe – Jaime for Mexico that will be used to support causes dear to Jaime’s heart in Mexico, including supporting Oliver with basic necessities and medical bills. With enough funds, we will also direct the money to support underprivileged kids through established foundations. https://gofund.me/e9c8df73
- Seek professional help if you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health. Treat it with the seriousness and respect that you would any other life-threatening illness. We need to remove the stigma and open lines of communication. Do not assume you always have more time.
- Pray for Jaime and for us. God is love.
We are planning a celebration of life in Jaime’s honour on Saturday, July 3rd. More information will be shared once we have confirmation of the removal of Covid restrictions to be announced around July 1st.
Debbie, Juan Carlos, Mariana, Juanca and Dani
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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The Díaz de León Aranda Family
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Sofia Izunza I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Jaime and I were friends in lower school in Mexico. I remember him with a warm heart. I remember his friendship and kindness above all. My fondest memory of Jaime was when he taught me how to ice skate. I remember the day clearly. It was a Friday, we were at a party, which was taking place at the rink. I had skated a few times before but didn’t even know how to tie my skates. I remember being scared. I also remember him helping me from the second we got there. He helped me lace up my skates, he helped me get on the ice, and taught me everything he knew so that I would be able to skate by myself. At the end of the party, he was even teaching me little tricks so that I could show everyone what I had learned that day. When I look back at my days in lower school, I always remember that day not only because it sparked my love for skating, but because it was a great day where we had fun together thanks to his kind heart.Su amistad nunca se me va a olvidar. Que en paz descanse. Mis oraciones y pensamientos están con ustedes.
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Brandy Runzer I didn’t have the pleasure to know Jaime well; just a few hellos, but I will never forget the sparkle in Debbie’s eyes and her pride as she talked about him. I thought it was so special and sweet that such a young guy loved to cook for his family. My heart goes out to you all and you are in my thoughts often.
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Lisa and Lois Yaremcio Debbie, family and friends.
We are deeply sorry to hear about your beloved Jaime. Our thoughts are with you at this time. May your memories of Jaime bring some peace to your heart and mind.
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Cathy and Rob Buchan Dear Debbie, Juan Carlos, JC, Mariana and Daniella, We are so sorry for the tragic loss of your beloved Jaime. He was a genuine, gentle soul who loved and was loved by many. We are holding you all in our hearts and in our thoughts and prayers. Rest In Peace sweet Jaime. With much love, Rob and Cathy Buchan
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Richard Buchan I am deeply sorry for your loss.
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Adriana y Wayne Dear Family,
No words can I ever imagine to say in such a difficult time for you all. Your pain will touch everyone that met Jaime. His soft smile and smart and intelligent comments made us laugh at work. Hope moving forward will honour Jaime.
Recordando su vida, el siempre estará presente. Sentimos mucho su dolor, y nos unimos para compartir su pena. Con mucho cariño Adriana y Wayne. Estamos al pendiente para lo que Ustedes necesiten.
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The Saliba Family Dear Debbie, Juan Carlos, Juan Carlos Junior, Mariana and Daniela
Jaime is and will stay forever in our hearts.
He was not an ordinary boy but so special in his way. Kind hearted, gentle, curious and super smart.
We feel priviledged that Jaime and each of you have crossed our path and we cherish every moment we spent together, every souvenir.
Jaime will be missed. He is at peace now,
reunited with everyone who left before him and probably sharing his incredible knowledge and view of the world with everyone in heaven.
We pray for his soul and for your family.
With much love.
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adrienne Burton Debbie. I know only your job description at RRU, and never knew the beautiful soul who is your son. I do not know the pain of losing a child, but am as heartbroken as can be with the news of your unspeakable loss. I shall humbly ask my God to comfort you, dear one.
Tenderly and lovingly,
Adrienne Burton (Drew Duncan’s mother)
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Roberta Mason Dear Debbie – my heart aches for you and your family. Your tribute to your son Jaime was so beautiful – a beautiful man in a beautiful family. It reminded me of the words of the poet Khalil Gibran,
For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?
And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?
Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.Sending love…Roberta
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Christine Richard Debbie, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family at this time. My condolences.
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Angella Wilson Debbie,
Sending much love and peaceful, healing energy to you and your family during this time. Jaime has obviously left a mark on you all and this world… and that won’t be forgotten. May your time celebrating his life be full of wonderful memories.
Take care… you are in my thoughts.
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Ashley Richards Debbie,
My sincere condolences to you and your family. Jaime’s beauty and bright light shines on through you all. May your cherished memories of him bring you peace moving ahead. Sending much love to you, your family, and those who love Jaime. I’m holding you all in my thoughts.
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Destiny Jaime and I worked together years ago. Our work friend group would get together from time to time even after we stopped working together.
He was always so cool in my eyes. Any time he was kind or approving towards me it made me feel like I fit in. He was funny, open, welcoming and incredibly authentic.
I always imagined we’d get together again soon to laugh and catch up. I regret not making that effort.
Any time I imagine him he’s smiling. He’s that special type of person that makes an impact on anyone he interacts with. I’m honoured to have experienced his light.
To Jaime’s loved ones I understand there’s nothing that can be said to ease the pain. I hope in the coming months you’re kind to yourselves as you mourn. It’s ok not to be ok.
Thank you for including us in the celebration of his life.
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Sophie Biollo I met Jaime through a mutual friend at UVic and he was so kind and welcoming to me from the second I met him. We spent hours in clearihue or the student union building studying and avoiding studying but I’ll always remember the passion he had when we would debate philosophy and how he invited me to take part in conversations about it even though I had no background just because he loved talking about it and sharing his knowledge and views. Even though we weren’t the closest of friends I always appreciated that he would make a point to say hi to me whenever I saw him on campus. I’ll miss getting caught off guard by him in the student union building at UVic just so he could say hi. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and I just wanted to say how grateful I am that I got to meet such a truly kind and genuine person like Jaime.
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Jessica e Ignacio Queridos Juan Carlos y Debbie:
Nacho y yo tuvimos la fortuna de conocer a Jaime como un niño feliz, amado por su familia, inteligente y sensible. Así es como lo vamos a recordar siempre. Les enviamos nuestros mejores deseos y oraciones para que encuentren la fortaleza y consuela para hacer frente a esta prueba. Un abrazo fuerte.
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Jennie Mitchell My sincere condolences Debbie to you and your family. My prayers and thoughts are with you all at this time.
Hugs,
Jennie
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Valeria Frolova Jaime was one of the first people I met when I came to UVic in 2018. It was a study group for the course project. Once I stood out when our group mates were always late, unprepared and indifferent. I felt bad doing most things myself so I argued with group mates. Jaime felt as bad as I did about it, and later he approached and said “hey, thanks for doing that, I couldn’t have said it myself and appreciate it”.
Why I remember this so vividly is because I deeply value Jaime’s insight and feelings. Not many people share it, especially when you go agains someone, and Jaime supported me. It was important to both of us in our own way.
I can’t call ourselves close friends, but I was always happy to see Jaime on the lectures and around campus, talking at the bus stop, as if something warm spreads in my chest. He brought sunny weather on campus.
May our feelings and memories of Jaime warm us just like the sun.
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Nimmi I am déeply sorry for your loss, passing away of Jaime. May his soul rest in peace <3.
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Marián Gómez I’m so sorry for your loss and my deepest condolences. Jaime was such a beautiful human being, I felt that as soon as I met him. Thank you so much for bringing awareness to our mental health epidemic and how important it is to reduce the stigma and to take it very seriously. I deeply resonate with your message. I send you all so much love, you’re in my thoughts. Mi mamá, Karina, también les manda mucha fuerza y va a rezar por ustedes y por Jaime
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Danny Brock Jaime, a good man.
Good family.
Love you all.
Danny Brock
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Sue Goldsack My heart goes out to you and your family. I will continue to lift you up in prayer. I have many fond memories of Jaime. His spirit will live on in all who were blessed to be touched by him.
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Sukh, Pardeep, Suhail, Mehthaab and Tanisha Debbie, Pardeep and I are so sorry for the loss of kind-hearted and often quiet Jamie.
We are not certain if we have words to capture your grief, so we offer our prayers for you, your family and the departed soul.
May God grant you solace and peace and may Jamie rest in peace.
You are in our thoughts and in our prayers.
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Familia Landa lizarralde Nuestras sinceras condolencias. Nuestra familia comparte su dolor y a su vez la enorme felicidad de haber tenido un hijo tan maravilloso Cómo Jaime. Estaremos con ustedes el próximo 3 de julio. Nuestras sinceras condolencias.
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Ariadna Sachdeva Querida Debbie y familia:
Mis oraciones y pensamientos están con ustedes. Solo Dios les dará la fuerza para seguir adelante. Que La Paz De Dios que sobrepasa todo entendimiento esté con ustedes. Un fuerte abrazo y aquí me tienes para lo que necesites.
Un abrazo muy apretado lleno de cariño!
Ariadna Sachdeva
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Edward and Georgina Camilleri We are very sorry to learn of the loss of Jaime. He and all the family are in our prayers.
The Camilleri family: Edward, Georgina, Robert, Hugh
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Juan Pacheco Querida familia Gallegos Dupuis.
Decía un Santo, Dios no es un cazador, sino un jardinero cuidadoso, que cuando ve una flor lista para adornar su jardín, la corta y se la lleva.
Que Jaime descanse en paz y ustedes queden con plena serenidad que así será.
Para Debbie y Juan Carlos, un abrazo enorme con todo cariño de MariCarmen y mío, ¡que vida le dieron a ese ángel que les llegó a casa!
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Ortiz Mena Jaime siempre estará en nuestros corazones como un muchacho dulce y atento. Siempre será la única persona, aparte de la abuela, a la que le encargamos cuidar a nuestros hijos. Así de cariño y confianza le teníamos. El cielo tiene un angelito más. Nunca olvidaremos su sonrisa.
Fam. Ortiz Mena
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Diego Alvarez No tengo palabras. Yo recuerdo cuando convivíamos de niños con Jaime y la familia y yo siempre admiré su increíble inteligencia y gran bondad. Verdaderamente un gran ser humano. Un gran abrazo y un beso a toda la familia Gallego-Dupuis durante este momento tan difícil.
-Diego Álvarez
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Goga Moreno Tripp Familia Gallegoz Dupuis :
Siento muchísimo de todo corazón ,
la gran pérdida de Jaime.
Estoy segura que ya goza de la presencia
de Dios Nuestro Señor. QDEPGoga Moreno Tripp
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Edith Mis condolencias para la familia Gallegos, les deseo mucho amor y fuerza. Jaime es la persona mas pura que conoci, mi mas sentido pesame.
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Yasmin y Familia Simpson Querida Debbie y hermosa familia:
No hay suficientes palabras para expresar nuestro pésame.
Le doy gracias infinitas a Dios por su vida y la de todos ustedes por el gran legado y enorme enseñanza están dejando a la humanidad después de este más que lamentable suceso.
Los abrazos con el corazón
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Mado and Eric Fournais Eric and I are déeply sorry for the passing away of Jaime and we send your family our condolences. Be assured of our prayers. May he rest in peace.
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Harold & Anita Nevin Debbie: Harold and I are so sorry for your beloved son Jaime’s loss. Our prayers are with you all at this unthinkable painful time. He will always be in your hearts treasuring the beautiful memories of the time spent with him. May our sweet Jesus give you comfort and peace.
Blessings to you.
Harold and Anita Nevin (Rechy)
San Diego
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Azu Fam. Gallegos les deseo fuerza, consuelo y amor en este momento tan triste. Aquí estamos de corazón bien cerquita de uds. Que su alma descanse en paz.
Un fuerte abrazo.
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Monica Fournais Debs!!! No tengo palabras para expresarles mis condolencias por su gran perdida. Nuestras oraciones por Jaime y toda su tropa… les mandamos un abrazo con todo el cariño!!
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Andrea Weber Mi quería prima y sobrinos. No hay palabras de consúelo para estos momentos tan tristes y difíciles . Pero la fortaleza de mí quería prima Debbie y el apoyo de sus hijos lograrán salir adelante de esto y honrarán al querido Jaime recordándolo por lo que él quería ser
Todos sus planes y proyectos. Manteniéndolo vivo en los corazones de sus seres queridos. Un abrazo con todo mi cariño
Familia. Gallego-Dupuis. Lea
It’s been 2 years since Jaime decided to leave this world, we can not imagine how hard has been but we can assure you that all of the Aranda Gallegos family misses him.