Franciscus Cornelis Johannes Jonker

He was predeceased by his maternal and paternal grandparents and his aunt Marcella Jonker.

He is survived by his parents, Cor and Joke Jonker, his wife Janis La Couvée, step-children Christopher Loran (Kirsten) and Elliott Loran (Jeff Insell), grandson Rowan, brother René (Lori), nephew Matthew, extended Jonker family in North America and Holland, and the La Couvée clan.

As a youngster in Holland, Frans was active in sports, with a gregarious personality and curious nature that he maintained throughout life. He moved to Canada with his family in 1982 at the age of 15, and quickly integrated into a crew at Mount Doug High who remained friends until his passing. He enjoyed time on the water with fishing buddies in his 14 foot “tinny”, roaming the lower Salish Sea. His other interests included concerts and commiserating over Seahawks and 49ers games.

Frans was a certified gemologist, manufacturing process technician, dedicated ham radio operator (VA7 DDT) and ardent cyclist who rode the length of Vancouver Island in August 2010, unsupported, to raise $10,000 for BC Cancer. His working life was cut short in April 2013 when an inattentive motorist opened a car door while he was cycling. The resulting brain injury changed his life, leading to years of chronic fatigue and pain. Despite the challenges, Frans relished time with family and friends, and loved contributing to the ham radio community as a volunteer with both Emergency Management BC and the Strathcona Regional District Emergency Communications Team.

He was an early adopter of social media, and a member of Social Media Club Victoria where he met his wife Janis. He was proud to be Dad 2.0 to her adult children, and embraced the role of grandpa wholeheartedly when Rowan was born in 2012.

A move to Campbell River in 2018 brought a quieter life. Frans loved to sit at the water and watch the endless changes in Discovery Passage, or hike with Janis in quiet contemplation of the many natural wonders in the area.

We will gather to celebrate Frans’ life, Sunday September 20th 1pm at the Eagles Hall, 1999 14th Avenue, Campbell River.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Campbell River Head Injury Support Society or the Victoria Brain Injury Society.