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Janzen, Jack

(February 7th, 2019)

Remembering Jack

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Jack Janzen of Crawford Bay, BC in Victoria on January 30, 2019 at the age of 80 years. His passing will leave an emptiness in our lives, for he was a dear husband, brother and uncle, and friend to so many. He was predeceased by his parents, sisters Marlene (1939) and Lorena (1943), and brother Marvin (1968). He is survived by his loving wife Marilyn, brothers Alvin (Carol) and Ron, sister Lorita, sisters-in-law Doreen (George) Reynolds and Gwenyth (Richard) Epp, brother-in-law Jack (Vera) Funk, four Boldt uncles Peter, Dave, Rudy, and Ed (Lori Wallace) and numerous nieces and nephews who will never forget his kindness.

Jack was born on August 3, 1938 in Lethbridge, Alberta, to Jacob and Elizabeth Janzen. He grew up in the Pincher Creek farming community. Jack received his schooling in Halifax and Fishburn country schools and later attended Rosthern Junior College. He became a structural steel welder and worked on many important oil and gas projects in Alberta including the Calgary Tower. Following his employment, Jack started his own business venture as the owner of an automotive service station in Crawford Bay. He loved and respected the Crawford Bay/Gray Creek area and was well-read in its history. His integrity, hard work and generosity gained the respect of all those he encountered.

In 1985, he married Marilyn Funk, the love of his life and a great support to him always. Together, upon his retirement, they moved to the west arm of Kootenay Lake where he spent many skillful hours planning, constructing and enhancing their lovely lake-front home, and hosting scores of visitors. When Marilyn retired from nursing in Nelson, they returned to the Crawford Bay side where they spent sunny hours on property near the lake and on their sailboat, the pride of Jack, the skipper. In the summers, they enjoyed kayaking, exploring the Kootenay back-country and hiking in the mountains. Winters for Jack meant recreational hockey and, when they wintered in Arizona, playing golf. International travel took them to Hawaii, Europe, Central and South America and, perhaps most memorable to Jack, China.

In recent months, Jack found great courage and kept a positive outlook as he faced a most difficult circumstance. It was in his character to do so.  He will be remembered for his strength, his devotion to Marilyn, his sincerity, the support of his siblings in his quiet way, and his love of life.

A remembrance of Jack will be held at a later date. Those wishing to remember Jack with a memorial donation may consider the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.

 

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