The team at Stone & Wood are heartbroken at the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Jess Flynn, who passed away last week after an accident, while on holiday in Java.
Jess was more than a member of our team, she was a bright light in our community, someone whose warmth, spirit and generosity touched everyone lucky enough to know her.
Jess made her home in Byron Bay more than a decade ago after leaving Nova Scotia in search of sunshine, surf and a life close to the ocean.
Like many who arrive here, she quickly fell in love with the place and also gave back to the community that welcomed her.
Jess helped shape the culture and spirit that Stone & Wood is known for today.
She cared deeply about her work, and team, and her infectious enthusiasm brought the best out of everyone in her orbit.
Jess’s journey with Stone & Wood began with something that now feels beautifully fitting: a handwritten letter. Nearly ten years ago, she wrote to express how much she wanted to be part of our team. That old-school gesture captured something essential about Jess, thoughtful, genuine and willing to put her whole heart into the things she cared about.
Fearless enthusiasm
Outside of work, Jess lived life with the same fearless enthusiasm. She loved the ocean and spent countless hours chasing waves along the coastline she called home. Many in the surfing community will remember her carving through the lineup at The Pass.
Jess was an adventurer. She travelled often, explored widely and approached life with curiosity and openness. She had purchased land in Java and loved returning there, another chapter in that lifelong love of discovery, a place of waves, sunshine and friendship.
But what so many of us will remember most about Jess was her heart and her extraordinary ability to connect with people. Jess listened deeply, cared genuinely and made those around her feel valued.
Within the Stone & Wood family, Jess was one of those people who brought everyone together.
She embodied the sense of community that sits at the heart of what we do. Whether it was rallying the team for a cause, welcoming new faces, or simply bringing laughter into a long day, Jess helped create the culture that so many of us cherish.
Our thoughts are with Jess’ family back in Canada, and with the many friends here and around the world who are grieving her loss.
We hope they can find comfort in the extraordinary number of lives she touched and the memories she leaves behind.
Jess lived with adventure, courage, joy and a deep love for the people and places around her and her spirit will continue to ripple through this community.
The sudden loss of Jess is something that words struggle to express. It has left an enormous space in our hearts and in the community she loved so deeply. She will be deeply missed.
March 13 paddle out
Friends are invited to celebrate Jess’ life with a paddle out at Clarkes Beach on Friday, 13 March. Arrive from 10am for 11am paddle out.
By Paul Tansley, on behalf of the Stone & Wood family.
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