Remembering Johnny
September is National Suicide Prevention month. Today Gr8ter honors the life of John Robert Hornung.

Gr8ter Remembers John Robert Hornung

So many of us have grieved someone who was taken from this world too soon. Today Gr8ter honors the life of John Robert Hornung. Below is a message from his family who wish for just one more day with him. Their lives are forever changed by suicide.

“Dear John: you are and will always be missed! A genuine sweet soul… your family adored you. Your friends loved you! Your cousin is running in your honor – 33 years after your departure from this planet. Words cannot express the void and sadness your sudden loss created in so many lives.

Known affectionately as a youngster, Johnny Bob, you grew into such a handsome, kind, intelligent, athletic, gentle “giant,” literally and figuratively. From being the youngest of 4 kids in Pal & Shirley Hornung’s family, to Stan’s best man @ he and Jennifer’s wedding, valedictorian of your class (1988), perfect “little brother” to Whitney & Susie, and beloved by all who knew you. Losing you was a tragedy for the small community of Stratton, CO. Family & friends mourned your death. To this day, hearts are heavy at the early exit of such an incredibly gifted and amazingly loved young man.

But we know Jesus holds you close, and we look forward to a day when we can all reunite in heaven! We thank God for your life and pray that others may know that suicide isn’t the answer… hold on! Reach out! Know you are valued and cherished! John, you were/are cherished! We would love to see the man you would have become! The family you would have had! Oh, to have had another day (many days) to help you!

Thank you, Debbie, for caring about John! Thank you Gr8ter, for raising funds & awareness! May we all open our hearts & eyes to love and embrace life! Blessings & peace to the donors, volunteers, participants, loved ones, and all involved and affected! May this help end the tragic loss of precious lives! Please Lord, may it be so! Amen!” – Whitney Oestman

Top of Tamarack

On September 24th, Johnny will be one of our many honorees at Top of Tamarack, Gr8ter’s mental health awareness and suicide prevention event. Our honorees come from all walks of life. Different paths, different experiences, different interests. And while they all may have lost their lives to suicide, it’s the powerful impact they had that unites them. Their lives had value. Their legacies are important. They had laughs that were contagious and smiles that lit up rooms. They were someone’s friend. They were someone’s family member. They were loved. We pick up the torch they left behind to ensure their powerful flames never go dark. Sharing memories of who they were and why they were so adored allows their light to shine on.

Join us on September 24th 2022 as we honor Johnny and many more who were lost too soon at Top of Tamarack!

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Help is 3 Digits Away

Your struggles are valid. There are people available to listen and offer support any time of day, any day of the week. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or self-harm, or struggling with mental health in any way, help is now just three digits away. You can call or text 988 for immediate mental health help. Please know that while the crisis line can be lifesaving for people thinking of suicide or self-harm, you don’t need to be at risk to use it. If you are struggling in any way with your mental health, reach out. Help is available.

We are here for you.

Questions, comments, or in need of support? Please reach out.

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