Jonathon Robert Choate, 61, of Salem, Massachusetts and Tarpley, Texas, died suddenly on Tuesday afternoon, December 27, 2005. He was born on October 14, 1944, in Cleveland, Ohio, son of Edward Carlile Choate and Ann Bartasevich Choate.
A man of multi-faceted talents, Jon was a highly acclaimed cinematographer and videographer, winning 37 national and international awards for his productions. His photography was uplifting and thought-provoking, as he so enjoyed highlighting the beauty in the mundane.
Jon was also a private sector law enforcement professional and much of his energy was devoted to being a protective presence. As a nationally certified firearms instructor, he sponsored and taught tactical training and personal protection for both law enforcement and qualified civilians since 1972. He founded the New Hampshire Tactical Arts Group, then associated with Nashua Fish and Game Association, and also served as president of the club. Most recently, he worked as Operations Manager for American International Security Corporation. He was currently in the process of moving to his new home in the hill country of Texas.
His loving open heart and jovial personality touched countless people in a good way. His mission was to spread kindness and compassion to all he met. He promoted mindfulness and peace at every opportunity and has left the world a much better place. Jon is deeply missed but his example and memory remain an inspiration to all who knew him.
Family members include his wife, Sally Garrett Choate, his two sisters, Judy Wenzel and her husband, Jim, and Mary Ellen Lane, his best friend and stepson, Jon Brooks, his two step grandchildren, Jake Brooks and Bacall Brooks, his stepdaughter, Cheryl Brooks and nieces and nephews.
Blessing Way for Jon Choate
Celebrating the life of a great and loving person
and a wonderful spirit who touched us all.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Join us in celebrating the life of our Jon.
Bring your open hearts
and, if so inclined, bring a dish that you think he would like.
There will be an opportunity during the gathering
to share a memory or story but please try to keep it to two minutes or so, due to the large number of friends we anticipate will be there.
There will also be a Memory Book for you to add mementos --
a poem, photo or anything that reminds you of Jon.
Bring a cushion, if it’s easy, to sit on.
There will be chairs but probably not as many as Jon’s friends!
Dress casually.
Be prepared to laugh, to cry & to heal our hearts a bit, remembering
this amazing man who touched so many people in a good way.
Nashua Office Park
98 Spitbrook Road, Suite 201
Nashua, NH
Exit 1 on Route 3
West on Spitbrook Road
(left if coming from the south; right if coming from the north)
Cross over Route 3 & it’s a brick building just a short way down
on the right-hand side
Enter driveway, turn either right or left & drive around
closer to the front of the building to park
As does the wind to the smallest flowers, we too, plant seeds of love into others’ souls to bloom. Those who touch us live forever within us.
In lieu of flowers, the family’s suggestions for any who may wish to make memorial donations are: Foster Parrots, Ltd., Parrot Rescue and Adoption Sanctuary, 781-878-3733, www.fosterparrots.com, and Cambridge Insight Meditation Center, 617-441-9038, www.cimc.info.