Family and friends of local wrestler Jack Bond are remembering an outstanding athlete and a caring individual.
“He was always that guy that could get everyone going,” Jack's father, Mark Bond, told CTV News.
“Even back when he was quite young on the soccer teams, even if the skill level wasn’t there they always wanted him out for his enthusiasm and drive.”
Jack died on Saturday, December 21.
He was 25 years old.
“We feel that whatever happened, happened in the early morning hours.
“It was a shock to us, his family, his friends, his roommate. We will never get over that phone call.”
Mark said Jack was a very decorated athlete and just embarking on an international wrestling career.
“He holds more national titles than I think anybody that they could find.
“He is the only athlete in Canada Wrestling that has won every age group going up the whole way,” Jack's coach Glenn Purych explained.
“He missed out his spot on the Olympics by just getting scored on in the last four seconds of his last match,” Mark added, explaining that Jack was looking forward to going to the Olympics one day.
“He was always very athletic, always very determined.”
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, December 29 at the Glenwood Funeral Home in Sherwood Park.
With files from Amanda Anderson
