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Jan Jonker
December 19, 1931 - December 29, 2015
Tribute
Jan passed away at Mountain Lake seniors’ residence at the age of 84 years. Jan was born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and grew up in the town of Meppel until he joined the Dutch Navy Air Force in his late teens. During his time in the military, Jan was an airplane mechanic and saw much of the world sailing on the HNLMS Karel Doorman aircraft carrier. He was stationed in Biak, New Guinea (Indonesia) between 1951 and 1953, and that tropical country called his heart for the rest of his life. He felt a strong connection to the people and his memories in Indonesia, and traveled there several times between 1991 and 2007. After leaving the military, Jan chose to find a new life in Canada, and emigrated from Holland in 1957. He landed in Halifax, and took the train to the West Coast to search for work. He was en route to Calgary when he ended up working for a Dutch family in Salmon Arm, and not too long after heard there was work in Nelson, and moved there in 1960. During his first years in Nelson Jan did a variety of jobs, including working for Burns Building Supply, and Safeway, and having his own businesses. Jan married Alie Jansen in the Netherlands in 1971, and they started their family in Nelson not long after she immigrated to Canada. Dirk was born in 1972, and Berdine in 1975. Jan and Alie purchased and operated the Duhamel Store and Motel at Six Mile in 1975, and operated it until 1989. After selling the store and moving closer to town Jan was a semiretired jackofall trades, and was always busy doing projects and odd jobs for friends and acquaintances. He also worked as the custodian for Nelson United Church for several years. Jan was a hardworking man who was always willing to lend a hand to help when work needed to be done, even during his first years as a resident at Mountain Lake. He will be missed by his children, and his granddaughter Maya, and his many friends and family in Nelson, the Netherlands, and Indonesia. Jan’s family thanks the staff of Mountain Lake for their dedicated care and service to him during the five years that he lived there.
Condolences
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From: Thompson Funeral Service Staff
Thompson Funeral Service Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Esther Jansen
Relation: my uncle
Dear Dirk & Maya, Berdine & Mike, you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Oom Jan was always a kind man to me and when I visited Canada and he knew what I liked he went and searched garage sales to find me that special item.
I still have all but one and the nicest peace I have to remember him by is a mahogany jewelry box with a lovely pair of necklaces.
I wish you much strength in the days to come.
Big hug,
Esther Jansen
From: Sam and Carolyn Wolfe
Relation: Was an employee delivering papers
Many heartfelt condolences on your great loss. Jan delivered papers for Sam for many years and was much appreciated. It is truly a loss.
From: Isa and Doug MacDonald
Sincere condolences with the passing of your father.
We have good good memories dating back to the Duhamel store times.
Thinking of you all.
Isa and Doug MacDonald
From: Familie Vogel .Kuurman
Relation: Relationship - How did you know the deceased?
Dear Dirk ,Berdien ,Mike and Maya ,
Condolence to all of you and a lot of strenght for you all !! Your father/grandfather will live forever in your hearts !! Hug and lots of love from Grandma in the Netherlands and from the familie Vogel and Kuurman .
From: Ken and Wanda Woikin
Relation: Relationship - How did you know the deceased?
Dirk, Berdine, and families. Our sincere condolences to all of you. Both of your parents were ‘Salt of the Earth ‘ people, and have left alot of positive energy on this earth. Their influences will live on through their children and grandchildren. Hugs…….
From: Andrea
Relation: met him at United Church
Jan was such an amazing man. Met him when working with children at United Church 15 yrs ago. He was so friendly and kind. I would see if collecting empties to raise money . Such a wonderful man 🙂 His smile will be missed.
So sorry for your loss.
Andrea
From: Fred Popoff
Relation: Worked with Jan at Safeway
My condolences for the loss of your father. I worked with Jan for much of the time he was at Safeway, and knew him when he worked for Burns Lumber. When we would slack off doing floors on Monday nights, Jan would usually catch us! I missed him when he left Safeway, he always had a laugh and good sense of humour…
From: Joe/Karen Ringrose
Relation: neighbour
Our condolences to your family. Jan was such a gentleman. Karen
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Jan’s family thanks the staff of Mountain Lake for their dedicated care and service to him during the five years that he lived there.
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered directly through our supplier. Please have the name of the deceased, the funeral date, the address and phone number of the delivery location for handy reference:
BELLAFLORA STUDIO
621B Herridge Lane, Nelson, BC V1L 7B3
Phone: (250) 352-5592
http://www.bellaflorastudio.com
GEORAMA GROWERS
2870 Georama Rd, Nelson, BC V1L 6Y7
Phone: (250) 352-3468 / Toll Free: 1(800) 712-6797
https://www.georamagrowers.com/
POSIES
Flowers & Yoga Studio
513 A Front Street, Nelson, BC V1L 4B4
(250) 505-5222
https://www.posiesnelson.com/
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