Johnathan Gabriel Cunard

Passed Away on July 27, 2019

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Johnathan the Brave

Johnathan Gabriel Cunard, 8, of Chandler, AZ lost his lifelong fight against Mitochondrial Disease, on July 27, 2019. He passed away while at home, with his family by his side and his beloved dog Maria by his feet, at 11:05 am. He was born on Fort Carson Army Base, in Colorado, on June 16, 2011 to Jesse Cunard and Cassandra Lambert.

Johnathan was a fighter from the second he was born and he fought until the very last breath. He loved everyone he met and always had a smile and a hug to offer. Even though he had to wear a mask most of the time, his smile lit up his whole face. He loved animals and nature and was always ready with an animal fact. He enjoyed hiking, the beach, the zoo, and anywhere outdoors. He made everyone laugh and appreciate life, and always reminded us how important it is to love others.

Johnathan leaves behind his mom Cassandra Lambert, dad Jesse Cunard; brother JJ, and sister Lilly; Great Grandma Agnes Lambert; Grandparents Bonnie and Russell Lambert, Lynda Cunard, and honorary grandparents George Schaefer, and Sandy and Dave Kuenzi; as well as several great aunts and uncles, aunts and uncles, and cousins.

We would like to thank his amazing medical team who worked so hard to help us keep him here these 8 years, including his pcp and specialists, the wonderful ER doctors and nurses at Cardon Children’s, the floor teams, and our Banner Family Pharmacy; there are so many of you who have made such a huge impact over the years. Thank you to his speech therapist Debbie, Aveanna nursing company, our infusion team from Enliven, our Coram pharmacy team, Southwest Network, and Hospice of the Valley.

We would also like to thank Hopekids, Colten Cowell Foundation,  Make a Wish, our Ren Family, our church families from Epiphany Lutheran and CCSG, our Mito Community, and all the wonderful friends who have helped us in so many ways through this journey.

As Johnathan would say ”Technically” there are way too many awesome people for us to thank you all specifically; so Thank You, and “Just so ya know, I love you all”.

A celebration of his life will be held at Kiwanis Park in Tempe, AZ on Sunday, September 22nd at 5:30 pm at the Fiesta Ramada area, followed by some of his favorite activities and carnival style games. Refreshments will be provided. We encourage you to wear his favorite colors; red and blue, and a cape in his honor. Children are welcome and encouraged to attend as we truly will be celebrating the life he lived so fully and the things he loved.

In lieu of flowers Johnathan asked us to host a toy drive for Cardon Children’s Medical Center where he spent much of his time. We will have collection bins available at the service for new unwrapped toys. If anyone would like to host a Johnathan the Brave memorial toy drive at their work, please feel free to contact Child Life at the hospital for details. He also asked that we do not have balloons because of the danger to wildlife. If you would like to make a monetary donation in his honor we would love for you to donate to Hopekids AZ, the Colten Cowell Foundation, or Make a Wish, in memory of Johnathan the Brave.