HALLYBURTON, JohnThomas Hallyburton

To know Johnny was to feel profoundly loved, heard, valued, understood and seen. He led with his heart—gentle, genuine, and unwaveringly intentional on letting people know they mattered. He hugged first, listened deeply, and had a way of holding space for every person. His warmth was disarming, his wisdom startling, his love unwavering. Even shy of 20, he carried an old soul’s depth in a young man’s body, and everyone who knew him felt it.

He cherished long conversations that stretched deep into the night, exploring ideas, beauty, and the mysteries of life with curiosity and openness. He celebrated wonder, whether under the stars, through art, or in the quiet moments of honest connection. His authenticity—unique, sensitive, and unguarded nature, drew people closer, and his bond with both people and animals was marked by patience and kindness. Those who loved him often remarked that he spoke with wisdom far beyond his years.

The greatest love of his life was his fiancée, Madison. He poured his devotion into their relationship—expressing love through small, daily acts of care, and dreaming openly of the family and future they would build together. His aspirations were as generous as his heart: to protect others as a firefighter, to strengthen himself with discipline, and to heal through the gift of music. He had such passion creating and composing his own music under the name Forfeit Reality (on Apple music & Spotify). Also his improv piano playing was gentle, confident, with each note flowing into the next like a stream of water. It carried warmth, infused with kindness and sincerity. It felt less like a performance and more like a conversation where the piano became a voice speaking directly to the heart… we will miss it deeply. In every way, Johnny’s life was an offering of love, presence, and care.

He is deeply cherished by his parents Christine and Michael and Elizabeth, his brother Mike Jr., his fiancée Madison and their baby to be, his grandmothers Gramma Hallyburton and Gramma Powell, and his many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins and his beloved dog, Joey and also Ozzy.

Johnny and Mike Jr. shared many adventures together playing hours upon hours of basketball, pond hockey, camping, canoeing and being in nature. Johnny had a growing passion for exotic travel, with his recent trip with Christine and Michael exploring ancient markets of Qatar, the unparalleled magic of wildlife in Africa, the bustling streets of London England and the Catacombs and Eiffel Tower of Paris France…. he cherished it all!

Johnny’s light will never fade. His heart, his tenderness, and the love he poured into every life he touched will guide us always—like the stars he loved to name and know. He taught us to look up—to lift our eyes beyond ourselves and to find beauty, wonder, and treasure in whatever we engage with. And now, when we look to the night sky, we will see him among those lights: steady, constant, and eternal. His brilliance lives on in the heavens, in Madison’s heart, in the child who will bear the name of a constellation and in the unwavering love of his parents, Christine and Michael.  Even his beloved Joey, who trusted him more than anyone, carries that bond of devotion. Johnny’s presence is never far—woven into every heart that loved him, and shining in every life he touched, just like the stars.

A GoFundMe account has been created to support Madison and Baby Hallyburton during this critical time. Contributions will help ease the financial strain of moving, provide for baby essentials, and ensure Madison has the support she needs as she prepares for motherhood in the face of heartbreaking loss.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. For online condolences, please visit www.lowandlow.ca