
Over this past weekend, I missed a lot of events that were happening in Toronto. There will always be more parties! I had my reasons being out-of-town as I was the designated post surgery/after care/nurse since Friday for pet. The surgery was a minor day surgery procedure but enough that someone had to take him home and cannot be left alone. People react differently to the anesthetics (right-Dr. Pillow Therapy?) My role was to make sure he got fed, med’s taken on time (and no mixing with alcohol), help to put on clothes, tie shoe laces and whatever else he may need.
It’s not easy to see your partner/ play partner/ the-other-half injured. Limited on things to do, not driving, can’t sleep properly, can’t cuddle when sleeping, and all does sound like a big deal. I can only wish for fast recovery and pick up where we left off. It’s not like that, the relationship evolves and moves on.
I woke up this AM to hear “Man down” within the fetish community. A very sad day and we have no details on how it happened. The owner’s of Northbound Leather had an inspiring son, Johnny with much talent has passed away this weekend. Johnny, I had only just met you last week at the book launch party at the store. I don’t know you well but your excitement working on the fashion show for the big party at the Dock’s was purely intoxicating! I loved your ideas & excitement! I was hoping you were going to make my future piece. Perhaps you will make my piece in heaven. My condolences to the family and Northbound Leather.

Much love from the community that we call Family
If you would like to sign his guest book:
http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/DignityMemorial/guestbook.aspx?n=john-giaouris&pid=157075080
Information on Funeral Services and location to pay Respects:
http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=John-Giaouris&lc=3001&pid=157075080&mid=5068926&locale=en-CA&fb_source=message

Beautiful ribbons adorned by loved ones.
Northbound Leather Residential DJ Jimi LaMort has honoured his DJ set on May 5th 2012 to Johnny.
I was cruising online of Fetlife website and I found this post in the Northbound Group. This post certainly touched me and I hope those are grieving may find peace in their hearts. I have asked the author if I can add it to my website blog and he was very honored. So here it goes….
Royal Remembrance of an Unfading Smile
by KardynylSynysTyr
The last time I saw Johnny Giaouris, his father George had his arm around him in a tight embrace, brimming with pure pride and absolute joy. George has just returned from a business trip abroad – and in his absence, Johnny had coaxed a couple of cohorts to assist him in a devious, insidious plan to completely clean, modernize, and generally beautify his dad’s office.
“He presented me with a gift”, George beamed at the time, barely able to conceal the tears of pride fighting to escape his eyes. “What a kid, huh?” Johnny didn’t say a word: he just smiled, and looked down somewhat sheepishly at the floor.
Johnny Giaouris always smiled. I am at a complete loss to remember a time I ever saw him without that ever present, infectious, soul-uplifting ear-to-ear grin. That is, until today.
Today, hundreds of broken hearted friends and family bid Johnny an unbelieving and anguished good-bye. He left us, far too soon, this past weekend. He went to sleep on Saturday night, and for reasons specifically known only to God, he just didn’t wake up again.
Throughout the next few days, I am informed firstly, but additionally through my own observation, George and Anna (Johnny’s ever-bright and engaging mom), took turns shouldering the mantle of support: for each other certainly, but significantly for Johnny’s two other Giaouris siblings. When one parent was clearly at a grief-stricken breaking point, the other instinctively rose to a position of strength. In my heart, I know Johnny would have never been (and indeed, is likely now) more proud, and in love with, his family. All families have sections of rocky roads they must brave and triumph over, and the extended Giaouris family is certainly no exception.
There are examples and emulations to be learned, I realized today. I saw an entire Community of good, solid people come together in unconditional love and strength today in unwavering support of a family who, truth be told, is nothing short of representative royalty to our kind. I witnessed people who only a few short days ago were sworn enemies embrace today in pure grief, and cling together tightly to the Giaouris family in a spirit of togetherness that our collective Community hasn’t universally shown to each other in an age. For a few hours, while the brightest light and hope of a next generation lay unfairly and silently at rest only a few feet away, petty differences, vain posturing and monstrous egos took a sabbatical …
… And Love consumed all our focus.
There should be a natural law written, somewhere, that decrees no parent should ever have to bury their child. As I gazed upon the earthly remains of Johnny Giaouris today, one thing struck me very, very hard: today was the only day I have ever seen Johnny without a smile. But as I looked back upon the sea of people gathered within that vast sanctuary, coming together in what could only be called a truly miraculous display of family, togetherness and indeed, love, I know that Johnny somewhere was smiling.
We are all going to miss you, so very much, Johnny. I take comfort in remembering your smile – and that every one of us came together as a Family to give respect and outpour our love for one of our own.
To George, Anna and family … You’re our royalty … And in the tradition afforded our admired kings and queens, you’re deeply loved. Thank you for giving us such a prince … Even for so excruciatingly brief a period of time.
So say we all …
Kardynyl SynysTyr