
Don Barton, Pete Hobday, Johnny Czech, John Swainson, Don Simpson.
Fifty years ago today, my brother Johnny was killed in a horrific car accident in Toronto, Canada. I was living in Costa Rica with my dad at the time and literally deathly sick with hepatitis (which I didn’t know I had).
The phone rang in the early morning hours of December 1st and I awoke from a deep sleep to the shock of my mom calling to tell us of the tragic news. (My mother and Johnny were living in Toronto.)
My dad arranged for an immediate flight.
The first thing after landing in Canada and arriving at my mom’s place was that she was alarmed to see me in such a sick condition: she took me to emergency right away, where I was admitted and put in isolation. I remember my mom being angry that my dad had not taken me to a doctor in Costa Rica seeing how sick I was. I had never been this sick in my sixteen years of life!
My parents made the arrangements for Johnny’s funeral and my doctor gave permission for me to go to the funeral and then return to the hospital straight after.
There was no Christmas for us in 1968.
If it hadn’t been for me returning to Canada, so that my mother could take me to the hospital, I would have died, it was that serious according to the doctor.
Through Johnny’s death, he saved my life.
For this 50th year, I received a recording of my brother’s band from one of the band members. Johnny was the drummer and this was an unexpected, awesome surprise! Thank you with all my heart dear Peter!

The last Christmas our family was together: mom, Johnny and me (my dad took the photo)
it is always hard to remember loved one, specially when they are taken from us so early. It will always be a sad time and it is good that God can comfort you. Johnny saved in one way your live, sure your parents were thankful for. Keep your special memories and his music close to your heart! Many Blessings!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks ever so much my dear Ute! God comforts us during difficult times with friends who support us! You are a blessing to me! 🙂
❤️carmen
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Carmen
I’m so sorry for that dark time in your life…and even worse that it was just before Christmas…which is a clear marker to remind you every year of your life. I hope your Christmas is filled with love, holding your loved ones close.
XO, Angie
http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you with all my heart dear Angie! It really is comforting when people care! 🙂 Wishing you love and joy during this special Christmas season!
❤️carmen
LikeLike
A touching and heartbreaking post. So sorry for your loss.
You are a special person to worry and think of others.
I feel blessed just knowing you Carmen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your compassion and gentle words are such a blessing to me! I appreciate your friendship! My blog is part of my life story, losing Johnny when he was only 18 has left a permeant void in my heart. The more you love someone, the more you miss them. Every year I miss him more.
❤️carmen
LikeLike
My dear Carmen, what else can I tell you that I have not already said about this topic? Your pain and your feeling have always moved me and you know perfectly well that I am by your side … A hug.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My dear Josep-Maria, I have always appreciated your kindness and sensitivity. This is the first time I have written about some of the details and that I would not be alive today if it wasn’t for Johnny. Hugs.
❤️carmen
LikeLike
Hi Carmen, the Christmas season has to have so many different emotions for you. To lose your brother at such a young age must have been heartbreaking for a teenage Girl. And that you did not get to see him for a time before his death living in Costa Rica. It truly seems that his untimely passing was leading to the saving of your Life. We dont understand all of God’s ways but he had a plan for your life and the beautiful family you created. May God comfort you in the days ahead, with Love, Terri xo.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your kind words mean a lot to me dear Terri! Thank you for understanding my sadness. My mother’s heartache was more than any mother should have to bear, and she knew that she would have lost both her children if Johnny’s accident had happened a week later. My mom said that I was a great comfort to her, even though no one could ever replace Johnny.
I moved back to Canada a few months later to live with my mom. I got married at 18 and had three children (her only grandchildren) and she was the best grandmother, I never had to have a babysitter because she was always there for them.
❤️carmen
LikeLike
Sure it’s painful to remember!!! Thank you for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for caring!
❤️carmen
LikeLike
Sure, you deserve my care. Bless your heart!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks be to God that Johnny’s death was the instrument to save your life. God works in mysterious ways. It would have been unbearable for your Mother to bury you both.
You have countless friends who are blessed by your life and Ministry.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much dear Bob, I’m thankful that my mom didn’t lose both of us, I don’t think she could have survived, she was in a state of depression for a long time and her joy of living came back when her first grandchild was born and she began crocheting little sweaters and cute little hats. I still have them.
❤️carmen
LikeLike
THEN JOHNNY TRULY WAS A GIFT OF GOD…ONE OF THE MEANINGS OF THIS NAME!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed, Johnny was a Gift of God. We named our first-born Jean (the feminine of John) same meaning and our youngest son Jonathan. Both were named after their uncle. Also, I loved the song “Jean” by Oliver.
❤️carmen
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was named “Jonathan”, my older brother, “Nathan”, Dad’s name was “John”. All meaning gift of God, or God is gracious. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing such a deeply personal story! Some Christmases we are visited by sorrow and grief…they are difficult! Yes, Johnny’s death did save your life, a true Romans 8:28 example. So sorry for your loss!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your sincere words which comfort my heart! Your loving comment is an example of Galatians 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Joy shared with a friend is doubled and sorrow shared with a friend is half the pain.
❤️carmen
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it is! Love to you too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love that Johnny saved your life, even in death!! Your love for him radiates thru out this post. How wonderful that you received a recording of his band!!
Scriptures can always be relied on for truth and comfort! May Jesus make your heart glad with memories!
❤ Melinda
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for the love you have shown me with your wonderful comment! Listening to Johnny play the drums is such a blessing!! How right you are, God’s Word is true and comforts my soul. I thank God for memories!
❤️carmen
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure, Carmen. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a hard time when our loved ones aren’t with us anymore. It’s never a good thing, but I try to use it to remember them with love and those special memories. I always love hearing about your earlier life. I’m sorry there was such tragedy!
XOOX
Jodie
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Jodie! Your kindness is much appreciated! Memories are a treasure and the photos I have are very precious to me.
❤️carmen
LikeLike
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I have two brothers who have passed on as well missing them lasts forever. May God comfort you to.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How kind of you to read my story and share your sorrow with me. Thank you very much for your prayers. I’m so sad that you have lost two brothers, may God comfort you!
❤️carmen
LikeLike
Same to you Carmen wishing you a wonderful day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My dear Carmen, it must be painful to remember the sadness of your brother’s death! But the sweet memories of him will be always with you ! God bless !
LikeLiked by 1 person
My dear Maggie, thank you for understanding my sadness. Your loving comment warms my heart! Your kindness and sweet memories do help!
❤️carmen
LikeLike