Jonathan Jang-Sune Kwon

"There’ll be two dates on your tombstone and all your friends will read’em, but all that’s gonna matter is that little dash between em".

– Kevin Welch

Jonathan Kwon was born on July 30, 1998, in Toronto. His Korean name, Jang-Sune, reflects his proud heritage as the 37th generation of the Kwon family lineage. On December 6, 2023, Jonathan passed away unexpectedly from sudden cardiac arrest. He was vibrant, active, and in perfect health with no underlying health conditions —his departure as unimaginable as it is heartbreaking.

As the child of an expat, Jonathan spent nearly half of his life abroad, absorbing the world with wide eyes and an open heart. His early years took him across continents—from New Jersey (U.S.) to the Netherlands to London (UK) —where he attended international schools and played competitive football (soccer) with passion and pride. When the family returned to Toronto, Jonathan attended St. Michael’s College School, where he found joy and focus on the varsity golf team.

Jonathan’s love of learning and exploration led him to Wilfrid Laurier University, where he pursued a dual-degree co-op program, earning both a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Computer Science in 2021. His academic path reflected his insatiable curiosity and his rare ability to balance logic with creativity, ambition with humility.

After graduating, Jonathan began a promising career in management consulting at Ernst & Young. He later explored the start-up world briefly before joining Manulife’s Corporate Strategy team as a Senior Analyst. In each of these spaces, Jonathan brought clarity, insight, and compassion—always the kind of colleague people gravitated toward.

But what truly set Jonathan apart had nothing to do with his accomplishments. His essence was best captured in the words of Maya Angelou:

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Jonathan had a rare and beautiful gift: he made everyone feel deeply seen, heard, and valued. In every conversation, he offered his full presence—listening with kindness, responding with empathy, and always making you feel like the most important person in the world. His warmth was magnetic, his humor disarming, and his heart open to everyone.

He saw the good in people, embraced their quirks with affection, and had a quiet way of making others feel safe and appreciated. He was the kind of person who brought light into every room—not by taking up space, but by making space for others.

Jonathan was endlessly curious—fascinated by geopolitics, military history, finance, nature, and culture. He was thoughtful, kind, and authentic to his core. He loved sharing meals with his family, discussing world affairs over home-cooked dishes, playing golf with loved ones, and celebrating sports highlights—whether from the PGA, NFL, NBA, Formula 1, or his beloved Tottenham Hotspur. His playlist was often filled with EDM, and his laughter was never far behind.

Jonathan cherished dusk—the quiet beauty of the setting sun. Whether wrapping up a round of golf or sitting on a dock with friends, that golden hour brought him peace.

And so, it feels fitting that his favourite time of day mirrors his life: fleeting, breathtaking, and unforgettable.

His life was radiant—leaving behind a shimmering trail of warmth, love, and memories that time will never erase. Jonathan leaves behind a circle of friends, family, and admirers more vast and devoted than he ever imagined. His impact—like the hush of dusk and the final golden light of day—will live on, quietly and forever, in the hearts that ache with his absence and overflow with love for him.