Life has never been meant to be easy. Goodbye to my cousin, Jon Jonsson, or we call him Bang/ปาง in Thai. Although we didn’t see each other very often, the last meet with him in July 2024 was very impressive.
As we know, he was a model, winning the Manhunt: The Search for America's Most Gorgeous Male Model, an American reality television series in 2004. He was the most handsome guy in our family and had robust health. He used to surf in the Pacific Ocean, as Aunt Piu (his mom) told us. Unfortunately, we haven't had a chance to see him actually surf and we never will. . .
Recently, we met him during our visit to Aunt Piu in July 2024. We saw Bang and Uncle Helgi at the Monterey Bay Marina. The memory of meeting him is still vivid. Aunt Piu told us that Bang would go sailing with his dad (Uncle Helgi) every Wednesday. When Bang met Kin (my son), he got along with the kid very well. Their conversation was wonderful. Bang knew many soccer teams and the famous players that are Kin has been following. On the first day we met, Kin rode in Bang’s car back to Aunt Piu’s home. From that moment, I felt he would make a great father once he had his own child.
The day later we visited his new home and met his dog, Molly. I could say that my cousin was multitalented and had many interests that he was passionate about. He was a great dog trainer. He could play different types of instruments – Piano/Keyboards, Guitar, and Saxophone. He loved riding a motorcycle and enjoyed working out. He worked as a lawyer, and left modeling behind. He was well-informed about Thailand and some topics we didn’t even realize that he would be aware of.
Now, he is up in heaven. My son, Kin, asked me then who’s going to go sailing with Grandpa (Uncle Helgi)? His naive question made my heart sink. Well, life must go on. I guess. Bang will watch over his family and his loved ones up in heaven. His passing away was so sudden and shocking to us, I hope time will help us heal the pain. His legacy of how he lived full life, would be forever in our hearts.
Rest in heavenly peace, Bang.
From your cousin Care and her son, Kin,
February 28, 2025
