World’s strongest gardener, beloved brother, son, and friend
Jordan, affectionately known to his family as “Bud” or “J-Man, was a blue-eyed, blonde-haired boy, quiet and shy, yet playful. According to his mother, Cathy, he was the comic relief in the Haberl household. His spot-on impressions—from Homer Simpson to Arnold Schwarzenegger—had everyone in stitches. Behind the laughter was a nurturer, whose empathy and protectiveness touched his friends, coworkers, and especially his siblings, Collin, Heather, and Evan. His bond with his only sister Heather was especially close—two people finding comfort in one another during anxious teen years and beyond.
Favorite family memories include summers in Cape Cod with extended family. Jordan loved body surfing at Nauset Beach, fishing with his dad and uncle, and laughing with cousins late into the night. He cherished time with his siblings and was a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Deeply spiritual, even during the hardest parts of his 15-year battle with addiction, Jordan never lost faith. Committed to recovery, he humbly accepted help and the unwavering support of his parents, Karl, and Cathy, whose home in Tyngsboro was his safe haven. Jordan wasn’t only on the receiving end of help. He routinely looked out for the most vulnerable people in his life. “Jordan had a loving and enduring friendship with Tamara, who continued to support and encourage him until his final days. She still holds a special place in our family’s heart,” Heather shared.
Professionally, Jordan found fulfillment as Assistant General Manager at Mayflower Medicinals, merging his corporate finance degree from UMass Lowell with his work ethic and thoughtful leadership. He was mentored by his manager and friend Mike Silvestri, who recognized Jordan’s potential. Jordan dreamed of launching a hydroponics business, a vision that blended his entrepreneurial spirit and love for nurturing life.
Jordan’s talents were vast. He played guitar, quickly nailing Jimi Hendrix songs, created pastel artworks, and became passionate about weightlifting, proud of the physique he developed. At the gym, he often walked female employees to their cars at night to ensure their safety. His protectiveness extended beyond the gym, like when he comforted his sister through postpartum anxiety with compassion and humor.
Gardening became Jordan’s sanctuary, helping him maintain his sobriety, and earning him the moniker “world’s strongest gardener.” In his gratitude to be back home after treatment, he wrote this reflection:
“Yesterday, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with emotion when I pulled my first carrots from the ground. You might just see carrots, but for me it’s much more than that. I’ve named roughly a dozen of my plants after friends in recovery who are now deceased. Watching the intimate connection between the sun, soil, water, and wind that breathes life and energy into these plants inspires me on a daily basis to believe that there is a higher power out there. I sleep well at night these days because aside from the fact that my nightmare is over, I know at the end of the day I try to spread positivity and be kind to others. I don’t carry the burdens of remorse, shame, guilt or fear in my life anymore. You see the carrots, I see HOPE.”
Though Jordan’s physical presence is gone, his spirit continues to guide and inspire others. Heather now channels her grief into advocacy—running marathons and raising funds for organizations supporting those affected by addiction. Jordan’s legacy is not defined by addiction, but by the love he gave so freely, the laughter he generated, and the garden he cultivated.
Jordan’s sister, Heather McDonald, provided the information for this narrative.
November 19, 1987-December 9, 2020-Age 33
Portrait Artist: Jeremy Hebbel
Narrative Writer: Barbara Francois
