Heartbreak for organ donor advocate, but Flatrock family continues his mission

A Flatrock man who finally got a new heart after years of waiting for a transplant has lost his battle, but the loved ones he left behind are continuing his fight to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation.

Jamie Wilkinson, who was 39 and a well-liked musician and teacher, received word last week that a new heart was finally available. But he passed away due to complications in surgery.

"He was my partner in every sense of the world, he was my best friend, and I'm just going to miss all those little things that we had planned to do that he's never going to get to experience," said Wilkinson's wife, Heather Lannon.

Lannon is still coming to terms with the sudden loss, but she told the St. John's Morning Show that her husband would want her to continue his mission.

"Jamie would have wanted me to continue this work that he started," she said. "He absolutely loved going to talk to people about the importance of being an organ donor." 

Born with a congenital heart defect, Wilkinson spent much of his life in and out of hospitals.

It wasn't until he turned 30, however, that his condition began to deteriorate and in 2014 he moved to Toronto to be closer to his medical team.

Even though he faced health problems throughout much of his life, he never let his illness get the best of him, Lannon said.

"Jamie was always positive. Despite all the challenges, the move to Toronto, the being away from family and friends — he always had a smile on his face." 

Beloved by students and friends

Wilkinson's friend and fellow musician Grant Etchegary is also feeling the loss.

He said the effect Wilkinson had on musicians and his students at St. Michael's Regional High School on Bell Island was immeasurable.

"He was an amazing musician, great friend, and teacher to many. He had an incredible impact on many young people." 

A tribute posted on social media by a former student sums up his impact, said Etchegary.

"You Mr. Jamie Wilkinson were the heart and soul of St. Michael's and you gave anyone a chance, you changed lives and made dreams come true," wrote the former student.

"This world is a little darker without your rhythm but the sky is a little brighter with your soul."

True to his word and mission, Wilkinson will continue to help others even in death, donating his own organs to people on the wait list.