December 7, 2007
Jon Barkan, Friend of College Hockey, Passes Away
by Mike Machnik/CHN Senior Editor
We were shocked tonight to learn of the death of one of college hockey's true friends, Jon Barkan, at the age of just 39.
I worry I can't do justice to him and what he meant to so many people and the game of college hockey, but I feel I want to say something at this time.
Also See:
• Remembering Jon Barkan by CHN contributor Tom Douglis
• Inside College Hockey tribute page to Jon.
• Obituary
If you have followed the college game for some time, you know Jon and what he meant to so many. I first met him while we were both undergrads at Northeastern in the late 1980s, and he had an unmistakable charisma that would draw people to him throughout his life and his many endeavors, be it journalism, business opportunities, public relations and communications — you name it, Jon did it.
Jon became a figure that was almost "larger than life," as I saw mentioned on one blog about his passing. He had an incredible passion for the game of college hockey, and more so, an ability to bring people together.
That was never more evident than at the annual "Barkan Bash," which Jon hosted at the NCAA finals each year, before it was known as the Frozen Four. There was always much to eat and drink, and a rare time when coaches, players, media and fans would all come together regardless of affiliation, in celebration of our sport.
After Jon moved to Georgia and life took him in other directions, including work with CNN and the Atlanta Thrashers, our contact was only through occasional emails, often talking hockey, but one of the things I'll never forget is exchanging photos of our kids a year or so ago, after the birth of my daughter Katelyn. From that email, Jon wrote:
"...you will NEVER EVER love another person like you will love that little girl. So sweet — wait till she gets to about three and turns to you and says, 'I love you daddy.' Freakin' melt on the spot!"
And that for me is the most shocking and troubling thing about this, knowing that Jon leaves behind a family he adored, his wife and three small children.
He was a man who lived and did so much in such a short time, yet, I can't help but feel he had so much more to live and was taken from us far, far too soon.
Please, as we will, keep Jon and his family in your thoughts and prayers. He was truly one of a kind.
Very sorry to hear this. Thought it would be years longer before news of contemporaries would be cropping up among the obituary pages.
My thoughts go out to Jon's family this holiday season.
Dec 8 2007, 6:34 am by D Josselyn, Almaty
Our hearts go out to Jon's family. Jon will be missed by many.
Dec 8 2007, 8:59 am by Deron Treadwell, Auburn, Maine
It is with a very, very heavy heart that I read your tribute to Jon. What a wonderful, adorable fellow he was! A true friend to Michael, Melissa and Sarah - but mainly a devoted husband and father - which Troy and I had the pleasure of seeing first hand. Jon did selfless things for so many - and I will never ever forget the night we had to call after he and Elizabeth had gone to bed to help us transport "Maggie" after she had died. Picking up Abbie in the morning when I help out will not be the same without BOTH Elizabeth and Jon in the driveway - and all of the soccer games will surely be very sad. What a darling boy was taken from his precious, adored family! We are so, so, so sorry! Bette Selfridge
Dec 8 2007, 12:16 pm by
I was saddened to read about Jon's death this morning. I first met Jon in a journalism class at Northeastern in the fall of 1988. At the time, the Mets were playing the Dodgers in the playoffs. At first, Jon came across as this loud mouth, fast talking insufferable Mets fan from New york. It was only after the Mets lost (which I took great delight in) did I get to know the other side of Jon. Our paths crossed many times while in school and then in many a college hockey rink in the northeast. Jon had the ability to know everyone's name and make everyone feel as though they were a longtime friend. My sympathy goes out to his wife and young family. I turned 39 years old yesterday and can't believe that a college classmate of the same age is gone.
Dec 8 2007, 1:22 pm by
with sympathy
Dec 8 2007, 1:25 pm by Mike Logan
I wrote for Jon at the NU News in the fall of 1988, and as one other poste mentioned, Jon was a bit of a loudmouth when it came to the Mets. One of my first recollections of him was actually watching the Mets-Dodgers playoff game at NU in the fall of 1988 at an on campus bar at NU.
He was an excellent writer, and a great friend of the game.
Dec 8 2007, 8:06 pm by Sapsut - Boston, MA
Jon Barkan was truly a person whom touched your heart, in just knowing him you are a better person. His love for family, friends and college hockey will live on in all of us. He will be missed very much
Dec 9 2007, 2:05 am by Jennifer Briand- Boston, MA
Jon was a dear friend of my husband Steve and I when he lived in DC. We danced at his wedding and enjoyed life before each of us had 3 small kids and things got too busy to stay close. My heart is so heavy today to know that he's gone. I'm touched by all the wonderful things I've read about him today. He was truly a wonderful guy and a class act. Rest in peace, Jon. We love you.
Dec 10 2007, 11:18 am by
Jon was my grade school and hs classmate in New Jersey. We played little league and basketball together. I am so saddened by this loss. We just exchanged emails a month ago after the birth of his baby.
Dec 10 2007, 4:13 pm by Tony Albro, Fort Lee, NJ
JB,
I will always miss you. You lit up every room that you walked into. I will always cherish the times that we spent together. I will always think of you whenever the Thrashers and the Rangers play. There will always be a place in my heart for you.
Your friend
Bryan Lewis
Dec 11 2007, 2:17 pm by
It was pleasure to read this article about Jon and his love of hockey. I babysit Jon when he and his family lived in Fort Lee, NJ. He was such fun and most of the time he was wearing a sports jersey. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story so that his friends and family will know even more how many people's lives he touched. What a tragic loss for us all. Jon, I loved you my friend and little brother.
Dec 12 2007, 4:29 pm by Rita Lewis, Englewood NJ
I met and worked with Jon at CNN/SI in Atlanta and he truly was larger than life. The world is just a bit dimmer today without him.
Dec 19 2007, 3:46 pm by Brandon Woodson, Atlanta
