A Few Words on the Passing of an Artist and Friend (December 21, 1960 - February 20, 2008)
by Gregory & Karen Mack on 04/20/22
We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend Jon Whiddon, who passed away on the evening of the lunar eclipse. He was a tremendous source of light in many lives.
Jon inspired us to look at the world with fresh eyes, because he had an eagerness to take it all in. He lived his life with optimism, resourcefulness and enthusiasm that gave him the ability to make the best of any misfortune. Those of us left behind will always wonder what might have been - what smiles and stories and adventures - and of course what beautiful paintings!
On the night of the eclipse an eerie orange glow cloaked our neighborhood. The streets were quiet, but in yards and driveways our neighbors were standing with their faces turned up to the sky. We had been thinking about Jon all day, and we knew he was probably leaving us the same night. We silently watched and waited for the moon to go dark, and then it was over. Just a tiny few moments while the wheels of the universe slowly turned, never to be stopped, or captured, or exactly repeated.
Jon knew that if we want to live this life we have to do it now. This glowing moment, this passing shadow is here for us now. Enjoy it before it slips away, and then enjoy whatever comes after.
We think of Jon's life this way and we are very fortunate indeed to have witnessed his light before it passed by. We know he would have said, "Look, y'all, this is awesome!"
Karen Mack, 2008
