Jan Jensen

Jan was four years old when the Second World War started and this shaped his interest in history and everything Second World War. As a young man, he played football for the "B" string of the Danish National Team and could definitely "bend it like Beckham". He and his young family immigrated to Canada in 1967 and settled mainly in Caribou and Sydney. He loved the outdoors, nature, walking in the woods, going to the beach and having a picnic. His camera was never far from his side as was the remote control. With no prior experience or formal training, he started oil painting outdoor scenes in his 60s and even sold a few. He had a diverse love of music. He greeted everyone with a handshake, even after suffering a stroke in 2003. He was stubborn to a fault and this Danish trait surely helped him through life's struggles. After his stroke he enjoyed going on long drives every weekend. There was always an ice cream cone along the way. Though mostly unable to communicate, he was able to make you understand what he wanted by not giving up although it was frustrating at times for him. He always said thank you.

Since April 2018, he lived in Arborstone Enhanced Care and though not an ideal situation, he eventually accepted it. He shook hands with all the residents and blew kisses to all the staff. Jan is survived by his common-law wife, Wanda Chezenko; sons, Jan (Peggy), Niels (Tanya); daughters, Ann (Wayne Loren), Gitte (Ted Taylor), Mona, Tina; brother, Erik and sister, Aase. He is also survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Niels and Anna; brothers, Hugo, Jens-Peter; sisters, Lone, Lis and his first wife, Aase Birkholm.

A visitation will take place in JA Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax on Thursday, March 7th from 2-4 p.m. Jan loved Cape Breton and will return there for a private family burial in the spring.