Xavier Jean Pierre Janssens

In his short 63 years, he led a full, interesting and action packed life.

Born in Verdun, Quebec to Lucienne (DeJonghe) and Paul Janssens; Xavier grew up in Chateauguay, Quebec. He was a very hard worker, having started his first paper route at age 9; he never stopped working throughout his life. In keeping with his connection to his Belgian heritage, he joined the Belgian Army in 1977. In 1988, he started working for Canadian Airlines (now Air Canada) and loved his job as a flight attendant, and considered many crewmembers his close friends.

He travelled the world for the next 33 years and had interesting stories detailing his many adventures; he had a favorite restaurant in every city and country. He settled in Cambridge in recent years to be closer to family.

Xavier was unwaveringly dedicated to his family. He is survived by his beloved “older” sister Karin (Irv) Patterson and “little” sister Tania (Bill) Curran. He was an incredible uncle to Paul (Sandy) Patterson, Christi (Nick) Chiera and Natalie (Scott) McDonald, Kevin and Annie Curran. Xavier lived up to the term “great” uncle to Hudson, Everleigh, Serafina, Isabelle, Oliver, Colt and Cassie. Xavier remained closely connected to his extended family in Belgium. He will be fondly remembered as the “poop man” or “booger man”, as his animated tales often revolved around these subjects. Every time a plane flies overhead we will all look up to the sky and think of him.

He was a devoted animal lover, and animals felt the same towards him. Throughout his life he had many pets and they played a significant role in his happiness. In his giving nature, he made donations throughout his life and even in his death to the OSPCA.

Anyone who knew Xavier knew he was a Harley man. He had a passion for riding the open road throughout Ontario, Quebec and the United States. He never missed an opportunity to ride “Betty” to the campground, “Puslinch commune” or Port Dover on Friday the 13th.

He was happiest when he was gardening, playing cards, attending concerts, going to the drag races, or drinking wine. Family vacations, Cape Cod and camping were always more fun when Xavier arrived with his infectious sense of humour and culinary skills. A lover of geography, he enjoyed quizzing and outsmarting everyone on the subject.

Xavier will be remembered for bringing laughter to all those he touched whether you were family, friends, crewmembers or even a passenger, he left a lasting impression on everyone.

Xavier will be greatly missed.

Live to ride.