Jonathan Carl Ness, 61, passed away on June 8, 2012 in Petersburg, Alaska.

He was born on August 15, 1950 in Petersburg, Alaska to Leo and Ruth Ness. Jon was the second son and younger brother to Steve. He was considered a miracle baby, being born with a congenital heart defect. Mom, Dad, Steve, and numerous friends had to help carry him up the stairs at school, as he was too weak to do so himself.

Jon had two heart surgeries as a child. Doctors at Virginia Mason in Seattle performed a very new and radical procedure on him at age 11. The operation was a success and Jon had a new zest for life....