“When writing the story of your life, never let anyone else hold the pen.”
Harley Davidson
Jesse was a loving, honourable and giving man who was also known to be a little strong-willed at times. He always had a rebuttal and wasn’t afraid to argue his stance. Like most of us, apparently, he was hardly wrong! He loved life, and always wanted to live it up and have no regrets. This mind frame formed the basis for his everyday life and he will be dearly missed.
Jesse Laverne was born in Kitchener on Saturday, May 2, 1970 to parents Laverne Kuepfer and Charmaine Wilson. Their family soon settled in Burlington where Jesse welcomed younger brothers Cory (1972) and Trevor (1974). In time the family moved to Stoney Creek where Jesse attended public school at Eastdale Elementary School and Memorial Public School before enrolling at Orchard Park Secondary School. It was during these years, that Jesse welcomed more siblings with the arrival of Lyndsey (1981) and Matt (1984). In mid high school, Jesse relocated to Fergus where he joined family to complete his secondary education at Centre Wellington District High School.
He went on to try his hand at college but it was not meant to be and Jesse soon found work with Grey Bruce Construction. He settled in the Hanover area and went on to get his AZ licence. Jesse drove truck for the remainder of his career, and spent a great deal of time with Riverdale and later Exceldor Foods.
On April 2, 1993, Jesse’s world forever changed with the arrival of his son, Justin. He loved being a father and cherished all time spent with Justin. Their bond only continued to grow through the years and they were always there to support one another in the good times and the bad.
In his free time, Jesse loved to be outdoors. He could have been camping, canoeing, snowboarding or even just taking the dog for a walk. If he was outdoors he was at peace. Jesse was also passionate about anything motorcycles, particularly Harley-Davidson. His ’72 Shovelhead was his pride and joy and he spent countless hours working on his bike through the years. Thankfully, last fall (October 2020) Jesse, Justin, and his brothers Matt and Cory went on one final ride together. They enjoyed beautiful Beaver Valley and lost themselves in the day and the ride!
Jesse was also known to enjoy a good party… who doesn’t? If he had control of the music it would be Rock, Rap or any heavy metal. When it came to television he was always drawn to cartoons or animation, with South Park being a favourite. He also enjoyed following his beloved Buffalo Bills or watching any programming that revolved around horror and suspense. It should be no surprise then that Stephen King was his favourite author. Other favourites included the colour purple, anything snakeskin and his Faygo beverages. He was also deeply drawn to animals and had a variety of cats and dogs throughout his life. His pets were truly an extension of his family, and maybe even got treated better than family (lol) at times. They too, mourn Jesse’s passing at far too young of an age.
In recent years, Jesse was diagnosed with cancer. However, that never stopped him from living life his way. It may have slowed him down a bit at times, but nothing could stop Jesse from living out his remaining days on his own terms. He was always 100% full in when completing a task and valued all those around him. In recent weeks, Jesse was surrounded and supported by his family and friends. He wanted to die at home, in his own surroundings, supported by those who loved him the most, and they granted him that wish. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, April 18, 2021 in his 51st year.
Loving father of Justin Kuepfer of Chesley. Beloved son of Charmaine Filkin of Bluevale and Laverne Kuepfer of Hanover. Jesse will be dearly missed by his siblings, Cory, Trevor, Lyndsey (Kevin) Charles and Matthew (Katie) as well as his entire extended family and many friends.
Private family services will be held. If desired, memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
