Big Hearted
The people in your corner — wishing you a speedy recovery and a swift return to the things you love.
It ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done.
Rocky Balboa — Rocky Balboa 2006
Written with love
Brother, you've spent years being the guy who lifts everybody else up — the jokester, the positive voice, the guy who makes hard days lighter. Now it's our turn to carry some of that for you.
It's a big one, and the lead-up messes with your head. But from someone who's been through it: the fear before surgery is worse than the recovery after it.
Your engine's got a few miles on it. Time for a little maintenance, and you'll be back to your old self before long.
Take it one step at a time. Recovery comes slower than you want day-to-day, but faster than you think when you look back.
We need you back — not just because of work, but because places are better when you're in them.
— Kal Hourd
Wishing you all the best as you head into surgery. You are one of the strongest and most resilient people I know, and I have complete confidence that you'll face this with the same courage and grace you always do.
You're blessed to have such a wonderful support system — and that truly is the greatest medicine. Before you know it, you'll be building your dream home and making beautiful new memories with Delle.
You've got this — we're all rooting for you!
Get well soon — Carah and Family
I'm not sure there will ever be a way to fully put into words how much I appreciate you.
I met you when I was a young girl full of sass, energy, and attitude. I can confidently say that I would not have made it through so much without your support, guidance, and genuine care. You stepped in to listen, offer advice, and simply be there for me — as a friend, a boss, a mentor, and a father figure.
You helped that stubborn young girl focus on what is most important in life: family, friendships, and love. For that, I thank you more than you will ever know.
But now it's time to flip the script. Turn off the laptop. Give yourself the time and grace to heal. You have spent years showing up for everyone else. Now let us show up for you.
Love you — Vanessa Stobart
Hey PJ, first and foremost, I love ya — and our whole family loves ya too. This is just another bump in the road, and you'll handle this with the same strength and grace you've shown through every challenge.
I'm so grateful our paths crossed through the Mavs. No surprise your heart is still strong… you just wore out the fuel lines. We're close by — if you or Delle need anything at all, please don't hesitate. You're the guy that made me think it's okay to call a best friend a brother. Rest, heal, and be well soon, bro!
— John & Diane Nash
I see you as the fun-loving, full-energy heartbeat of the Mavericks. Your strength of character, insights, and ideas have been truly inspiring to watch over the last six years, and getting to know you, Delle, and the kids has added a ton to our lives.
I know you will get through this temporary setback with strength, courage, and humour. It won't be long before you are fully back on your feet and steering the ship. Holly and I are here if you guys need anything.
Much love, brother — R.J. & Holly
Denise and I are sending you strength and positive thoughts, PJ. A tough decision — but pretty sure you will come out with amazing success, like a true Maverick. Plow through this temporary road block and we'll see you on the flip side!
— Denise & Dale
PJ my friend, I know you will approach this with the positive attitude we have all come to know. You are in great hands, surrounded by a loving and caring support network. Whether family, friends, or business associates, you have a not-so-small army at your back sending positive energy towards a successful outcome and a speedy recovery.
I look forward to hearing the good news. Keep well — cheers!
— Glenn
Sharon and I — and all your brothers — wish you the very best outcome for your surgery and a speedy recovery. There is too much great scotch, fine cigars, and 3am jalapeño bacon yet to be enjoyed on this ride!
We love you, brother. If you or Delle need absolutely anything at all, please let me know and I will make it happen.
Your brother — Jay Abell
When they said you had heart problems, I wasn't surprised. No member of the Mavs — past or present — has a bigger one. Not surprised that big heart wore out. Excited to see what you can do with an upgraded one.
I was a little surprised your liver didn't give out first. Ha! Here's to a speedy recovery, my brother. Let's compare battle scars this summer.
All the best — Craig
PJ, you are a big-hearted guy that requires some minor repair. We know once you get through the difficult wait time and have your surgery, you will come out bigger-hearted than ever. We're sure you'll be taking some of this rest time to work on your Offside memoirs. Sending you all our positive vibes — can't wait to see you soon.
Love — Bruce & Sharon Giesinger
PJ, we heard that you are ground under repair — and honestly, surprised to hear that. Cigars and scotch aside, we wish you all the best through your journey and hope that you have a speedy recovery.
All the best — Trevor & Darcy
Sending our very best from the whole family. We can't wait to catch up once you're feeling better — wishing you a smooth recovery and a speedy return to full health.
— Andrew, Chelcy, Wills & Wren
You've been a good friend to me, Peej, even when I didn't deserve it. You got this.
— Shayne
Hi PJ, I found out about your upcoming heart surgery and I want you to know that I will be thinking and praying for you. I know it will be successful and you will truly be a Big Healthy Hearted Maverick!
Love you lots — Kip Reghenas
Better get well soon — High River is two months away!
— Mike
PJ, get this over with and I'll see you golfing next week! I'm sure it will be all good. And as a Polish Catholic, I'll also be praying for you!
— Derek Boniecki ❤️
Just wanted you to know I'm thinking about you and wishing you all the best with your surgery. You've been a lot more than a boss to me over the years. You've given me opportunities, believed in me, and helped shape my career in ways I'll always be grateful for. You're one of the few people who can still call a 42-year-old man "kid."
Take care of yourself and focus on getting better — and seriously, get some rest. Stay off that damn computer. We've got it under control over here. We'll all be here waiting for you to come back.
Thinking of you, bro.
— Andrew MacKenzie
I'll be honest — when I heard the news, my first thought was of course it’s a triple bypass. You’ve spent so much of your life giving so much of yourself — to your family, to the Mavericks, to every cause that needed a champion — that your heart probably just figured it deserved a tune-up.
Seriously though, what I know about you is this: the same fight and generosity you’ve poured into everything you love is exactly what’s going to carry you through this.
You’ve been one of the good ones as long as I’ve known you. The kind of guy who leads not because he has to, but because he genuinely cares. That doesn’t go unnoticed — not by me, not by any of us.
Rest. Heal. Let people take care of you for once. You’ve earned it.
Thinking of you and your family.
Thinking of you — David Udy
Get well soon, buddy. Sorry to hear you’re a little under the weather — especially for a guy with such a big heart. Thanks for always being so kind, positive, and upbeat. Wishing you a successful surgery and a smooth recovery.
All the best, my friend.
All the best — Dave Ruby
I’m thinking about you. I/we are wishing you a successful surgery and a speedy recovery. Sending you love, prayers, and best wishes your way.
With love — Trevor J. Tomanik
I’ve known you for most of my life, which means I’ve had a front row seat to something a lot of people eventually figure out about you.
You genuinely believe in people.
You give people opportunities. You encourage them. You see things in people that they don’t always see in themselves.
I know because I’ve been on the receiving end of it more than once.
You helped me get my start in this industry fresh out of school. You gave me another opportunity when Broadview was rebuilding the design team. Then again when I moved into marketing.
Looking back, it’s hard to overstate the impact those opportunities had on me.
I have a job I love, work with people I care about, and just bought my first home. When I look back at how I got here, I see your fingerprints all over it.
Through Maverick events, your friendship with my dad, and the way you’ve always cared about our family, you’ve been a constant in my life for as long as I can remember.
The older I get, the more I appreciate the people who help shape who we become.
You’ve been one of those people for me.
Thank you for everything you’ve done for me and my family over the years. It has meant more than you probably know.
We’re all rooting for you and can’t wait to have you back.
Morgan Nash
From the heart
Memories together