It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our son and brother, and best friend, Jonah Crookes at the age of 16 years, 5 months, and 6 days on Saturday, December 14, 2013. Next to his parents, Adam & Karella and his sister Maya, he leaves to grieve and cherish his memory, his maternal grandparents Willie & Martha Giesbrecht; aunts: Stephanie & Rod, Andrea & Mark, and his six cousins; his paternal grandparents Claudia & Ben Penner, Allen Crookes; aunts Terry, Karyn & Doug, Mary & John, uncle Dan & Shirley and 11 cousins and their families. Jonah came into this world 6 1/2 weeks early, and he left way too early. Jonah seemed to have a knack for living life to the fullest. The doctors told us when he was born early that he might be in the hospital until his due date, which he did. He came home four days before his due date, and our lives started changing. We learned very quickly that Jonah loved to spend time with his family and had no problem showing love and affection to those dear to him. He grew into a mini version of his father, and they absolutely had the best friendship imaginable! In the last few years, Jonah had become quite the young man! Over the last few years Jonah had really matured into a God-fearing, brilliant, respectful, trustworthy man with an unbelievable reputation. We learned more about this after his passing when we were contacted by so many young people he impacted, and we had no idea! Jonah seemed to have the ability to bring out the best in people. Wherever Jonah was there always seemed to be laughter in the air, whether it was a witty joke or comment, or just him being himself. One thing he learned from his dad was you work hard, you play hard, and you honor God by showing love and respect to people even when you don't know if they deserve it. One area he did follow in his dad's footsteps was compassion and love for others. He had an absolutely ridiculous relationship with his grandparents and loved the time he spent with them. Jonah made an effort to go and have lunch with his grandma once a week, and help his grandpa with any project he had on the go. He would always put people first in everything he did. Little did we know that 2 miles after fist pounding his dad, that our angel would go home to be with his Lord Jesus Christ. All we know is that God obviously needed him for a special project up in heaven and we look forward to seeing him soon. We are so thankful to Jesus for giving us 16 1/2 years with this amazing son; we wouldn't change a thing about him. We will always love you Buddy!! The funeral service will held Friday, December 20, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Southland Church, Steinbach, Manitoba with viewing prior to the service. Interment to follow at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach, Manitoba. If friends so desire, donations in memory of Jonah may be made to F.F.C. (Firefighters for Christ Manitoba) c/o Russ Reimer, 30 Ash Grove Lane, Steinbach, MB, R5G 1K9.