Community News

In Memoriam: Amos Ephriam (Amy) Jardine

Amy Jardine was a retired mechanic, member of St. Andrew’s United Church and an avid musician.  And perhaps most of all, was best known for his generosity and endless hours of volunteer service.

On Tuesday, September 19, Amy passed away at the Miramichi Regional Hospital at the age of 85.

Blackville Mayor Christopher Hennessy released the following statement on Wednesday, “I am saddened to hear the passing of such an upstanding individual within our community. I will always have fond memories of hearing Amy and his groups performing at the park year after year on various occasions, not to mention the countless benefits and fundraisers.” he continued, “Amy has helped each and every one of us in one way or another, and has certainly left behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.”

“[Amy was] one of the best. In most events in our area that needed a sound system with no cost, Amy provided it. Repairs to St John Ambulance for many years was done by Amy, you guessed it, no charge.”, Eugene Donovan shared in a tribute posted on Facebook, “If you needed a good joke, Amy could give you that too. If Amy doesn’t whistle through the Pearly Gates, there’s very little hope for the rest of us. Rest well my friend, you surely have earned it.”

Jake Stewart, MLA for Southwest Miramichi-Bay du Vin considered Amy his hero:

“There are many people who inspire others, but so few who do it every single day. Amy Jardine was the heart and soul of this entire region. His story should be told to the largest of audiences. His story should be taught in our school system. Many of us today discuss the ideas of volunteerism and giving back to the community. Amy Jardine has immortalized how to use a musical gift to give back to his community, and he did so with kindness and grace his entire life. Music is a gift from above, and Amy knew it all too well. He’s taught all of us this.

As a young boy Amy would always let me play his guitars even when I couldn’t play a chord. The first song I ever recorded was at Amy’s house. I’ll never forget that for as long as I live. Any time we needed chords, a system, a lesson, he was there to help. Music is something I love, but nobody inspired me more than Amy Jardine. And I imagine there are a lot of musicians and singers who feel the same way.

I hope that one day we can erect a statue of Amy Jardine here in the village to honour him for helping thousands upon thousands of people who were sick and in need. His generosity is unparalleled. So many of us have been inspired by his music and how he embodied giving back to the community. But more than anything, he gave people hope.

He’s my hero.

On behalf of myself, and all of us in Southwest Miramichi-Bay du Vin, I extend my deepest sympathies to the entire family.”

Mr. Amos Ephriam (Amy) Jardine is resting at St. Andrew’s United Church Hall, Blackville, with visitation on Thursday September 21, from 4pm to 8pm and Friday September 22 from 4pm to 8pm. There will be no funeral service. A Celebration of Life will be celebrated on Saturday September 30, from 2pm to 5pm at St. Andrew’s United Church Hall, Blackville, with a reception to follow. A private family burial will be in the church cemetery.

In his memory, donations to Amy Jardine Memorial Fund would be appreciated.

Click a photo to enlarge.

Photos © Les McLaughlin
Miramichi River Valley

Miramichi River Valley

The Rural Community of Miramichi River Valley is governed by an elected council made up of a mayor and six councillors.

9 Comments

  1. Avatar Fr. Gerry and Siobhan Laskey on September 21, 2017 at 6:22 am

    Thank you for this – a lovely tribute.

  2. Avatar Terry Underhill on September 21, 2017 at 1:11 pm

    Great loss to our community for sure.I think Jake Stewart has a great idea to have a statue of Amy in the park made in the future. After all that’s the lease we can do for such a great man.

  3. Avatar Bonnie on September 21, 2017 at 8:59 pm

    They truly dont make them like this anymore thats for sure!! The community and surrounding area truly lost a great person!!

  4. Avatar Ned MacAllister on September 21, 2017 at 9:38 pm

    The very first fellow to offer up his equipment and time for any benefit that was being held in the Miramichi and surrounding areas. Open your dictionary and look up volunteer and you will see Amy’s picture right there. First to get there and the last to leave. One of a kind for sure. RIP Amy.

  5. Avatar Aaron Allison on September 22, 2017 at 8:28 am

    Amy you will be sadly missed I bet there is a great Jam session going on in Heaven to welcome Amy

  6. Avatar arlen curtis on September 27, 2017 at 12:46 am

    I live in Ont but am from the Miramichi and my uncle Cecil Curtis told me on one trip east ” you have to hear Amy Jardine” I was hooked. Great entertainer.

  7. Avatar Amber on September 28, 2017 at 1:27 am

    Amy taught me to play guitar at a young age and he formed a band which I was also a part of for many years..We did gospel and country and western…..Amy you will be missed.. Play a tune for my dad who left us about a month ago and tell him we miss him so much….RIP.dear friend…

  8. Avatar Wolfgang Merz on October 1, 2017 at 11:26 am

    I am very sad to hear that Amy passed away. When I was in Blackville some years ago, to visit my friend Eric Hendriks, I met Amy a couple of times playing with Eric at the Nine Pine and some other locations. I can not say that I knew him well but he was one of the very few people that I always had in mind looking back to my visits. And of course I have him playing the guitar on the videos that I took during those visits. So rest in peace.
    Best regards Wolfgang

  9. Avatar John Costello on October 17, 2017 at 6:05 pm

    I was very sorry to hear of Amy’s passing. I first met Amy back in the 80s when he guided myself and a friend hunting, then fishing. He was responsible for my buying a camp on the Miramichi where I spent many wonderful days in his company, fishing and bird hunting. He was such an inspirational man, generous with his time and musical talents. Rest in peace dear friend. My love, prayers and condolences to Helen, Sandy and the extended Jardine family.

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