Jarryd Dmytryshyn

Tragically, on February 5^th, 2025, Jarryd lost his battle with addiction. He was tough as nails and fought valiantly for many years.

Although he struggled with mental health and addiction, Jarryd was much more than his fight. He loved and fiercely protected his family and the people around him. He loved his brothers with all his heart, always standing by their side, playfully tormenting them, as only an older brother could. His dog, Jax, was his constant companion and his greatest joy.

His passion for music was evidenced by his guitar collection and his musicianship. Whether strumming a familiar tune or discovering new melodies, music was his refuge. He found peace in nature, spending countless hours hiking, kayaking and fishing. The outdoors was where he felt most at home, embracing its beauty and solitude.

He expressed himself through poetry, capturing his thoughts, dreams and struggles in words that spoke to the heart. His creativity was boundless and those who knew him were touched by his depth, his kindness and his unwavering spirit.

Jarryd was the charismatic one in the room, drawing people in with his quiet presence and warm smile. And then there was his laugh—the kind that came straight from the belly, deep and contagious, filling the room and making everyone laugh along with him. Though his journey was not without hardship, Jarryd’s love, laughter, and passion for life will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him. May we remember him not for his struggles but for the joy he brought, the art he created, and the love he shared.

Jarryd was a proud veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, while stationed in Halifax. His commitment to helping others extended far beyond his service—he volunteered at the veterans’ food bank in Calgary, offering support and camaraderie to fellow servicemen and women. With his loyal dog, Jax, by his side, he provided comfort to those in need of companionship. Jarryd was also involved with Habitat for Humanity. His greatest dream was to one day support those who faced struggles like his own.

He leaves behind his dad and mom, Brian and Christina Cavanaugh (Cheticamp), his brothers, Trystan (Sam – Halifax), Shayne (Greenwood) and Isaac (Halifax), his beloved girlfriend, Sara Blokhuizen (Victoria, BC), who stood by his side through both the struggles and the joyous moments, and his birth mom, Sheila Dmytryshyn (Edmonton). Jarryd will be deeply missed by his grandparents, Jeanie and Douglas Cavanaugh, Patricia and Brian Roach, Wilburt Aucoin and Stella Neary as well as his aunts and uncles, Linda Cavanaugh, Karen Cavanaugh, Dan – Boomer Cavanaugh (Colleen), Candace Cavanaugh (Brad), Stacey Miller (Myles), Melissa Murphy (Sean) and Scott Aucoin (Kait), and his special cousins Britany and Taylin among many other cherished cousins and friends. We would like to thank everyone who played a role in supporting Jarryd, particularly his childhood friend, Dean, who was always by his side.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Solider on program (https://www.soldieron.ca/), the veteran’s food bank (https://veteransassociation.ca), or the SPCA (https://www.novascotiaspca.ca/)

His remain will be resting at St. Peter’s Church, Cheticamp on Saturday, February 22, 2025 from 10:00 am till 10:45 am. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am with Father Daniel Gustave officiating. Burial in the parish cemetery at a later date.