Bev, Jeff and Al at the Open Hands BBQ, Grey's Creek
A 'Celebration of Life' was held for Jeffrey Richard Wright at the church of Christ Saturday July 4th, 2026
“Fly high, Superman. You will forever remain in our hearts.”
- Christine Ouderkirk -
Open Hands Home Share Prog Mgr
The family’s first meeting with Wright remains one of their favourite memories. “He walked into the room and he says, ‘For me?’ and she said, ‘Yes, that’s for you,'” Allen Bojarski recalled. “He just lit up like a Christmas tree. He was so happy.”
Although the visit was only meant to introduce Wright to his potential new home, Jeffrey had already made up his mind. He placed his wallet on the bedside table, something Open Hands staff immediately recognized as a sign he intended to stay. Moments later, he quietly found the bathroom and took a shower, making himself completely at home before anyone realized what he was doing.
As the years passed, Wright became inseparable from the Bojarskis. He soon began calling Beverly and Al “Mom” and “Dad,” while their three sons welcomed him as a brother. One day, Allen quietly added Jeffrey to a framed photograph of the family and left it on his dresser. “We hear shouts of joy: ‘Family, family, family,'” Allen said. “You can’t buy moments like that.”
The memorial program described how Jeffrey embraced his new life wholeheartedly. His greatest treasure became his family and friends, and he delighted in simple pleasures, whether attending church, celebrating birthdays, collecting five-dollar bills because he liked the blue colour, or spending time with the family’s children, grandchildren, and comfort dog, Stevie. His infectious smile, honesty and ability to appreciate every moment left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
More than 12 years after Seaway News first introduced readers to Jeffrey Wright through Open Hands’ Home Share program, the Cornwall man is being remembered for the joy, love and perspective he brought to those around him. Wright died unexpectedly June 8, just weeks before what would have been his 60th birthday.
When Seaway News first met Wright in January 2015, he had spent more than three decades living in institutional and group care after being diagnosed with Down syndrome as a child. At 48, he became the first participant in Open Hands’ Home Share program, moving into the home of Beverly and Allen Bojarski following months of careful screening and visits. What was intended to be a supportive living arrangement quickly became something much more.
Beverly Bojarski said she learned about the program through a family friend and immediately felt compelled to get involved. “I have a lot of love to give,” she said. “When I was approached, I know God did this… After meeting him right away, it was love at first sight. He was so special. He just fit like a glove. He was great for us, and we were great for him.”
Joel - Jonathan - Jeremy
Jeff's bro's
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Seaway News Article
Loved singing & taking communion - after the sermon he almost always told the preacher "good job" with a high five and a "yeah". During singing he would stand up and conduct the group. He knew the tune and part of the chorus to Jesus Loves Me. 'Yes, Jesus Loves me, yes Jesus loves me, yes Jesus loves me. The bible tells me so'. No matter what the song, he sang 'Jesus loves me'. When he took communion, always looked for the 'biggest' cracker. When he found it, he would turn and grin with the 'biggest' smile. He had just found the 'pot of gold' at the end of the rainbow. Life is good!
Aug 5 – 2026 – Photo and Story: Jason Setnyk
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Open Hands Tribute
"Family! Family! Family!"
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Between Friends
Jonathan - Jayden - Jeremy Kingston - Joel - Thorin
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Funeral Info & Pics
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Seaway News Article
Website Editor: The two pictures above plus the section below have been added independently from the latest Seaway News article in addition to a correction to the years Jeff was with us (more than 12 years vs 11)
This is where Jeff worshipped. When able he loved being with his church family
Cornwall's Beverly Bojarski has welcomed Jeff Wright into her home as part of the Open Hands Home Share program (Adam Brazeau Jan 25, 2015)
“You will forever remain in our hearts:” Remembering Open Hands’ first Home Share
Christine Ouderkirk, Programs Manager at Open Hands,
Beverly Bojarski holding a photo of Jeffrey Wright,
and Allen Bojarski.
Photo: Jason Setnyk
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Celebration of Life
Allen said Jeffrey had an extraordinary way of simplifying life. Recalling one drive together after birds had left a mess on the windshield, Allen remembered Jeffrey studying it for a moment before simply declaring, “Birds… bad attitude.”
“That was it,” Allen said. “That’s how he thought. That’s how he lived his life.”
Christine Ouderkirk, Programs Manager at Open Hands, said Jeffrey reminded everyone around him to appreciate the little things. “He was just all about the little things that really made you appreciate everyday living to its fullest,” she said. “He was just all about the simple things in life, just simple ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad,’ having a family… he was just a good guy.” Ouderkirk said Jeffrey’s story remains a powerful example of what Home Share can accomplish when the right match is found. “I knew Jeff was well taken care of. I knew Jeff had finally found home,” she said. “You can have any group home you want… but there’s nothing like a home.”
Today, Open Hands continues to operate its Home Share program alongside supported independent living services. While the number of active home share placements has declined in recent years, the organization continues to believe the model can transform lives when families and participants are carefully matched. More than 12 years after Jeffrey first walked through the Bojarskis’ front door, the memories he created continue to bring smiles to those who loved him. Known for often wearing a Superman shirt, Wright was honoured by Open Hands with the words,
“Fly high, Superman. You will forever remain in our hearts.”