Henry "Hank" Donald Janzen

It is with heavy hearts we sadly say goodbye to our beloved father, Hank Janzen. Dad passed away peacefully at Capilano Care Centre in West Vancouver. Hank was deeply loved and will be sorely missed. He was pre-deceased by his beloved wife Marti (Briscoe) in May 2014. He is survived by his children Heather (Bill) Quinn, Chris Janzen, Melanie (Jamie) Janzen, and Leah (Shauna) Janzen and by his step-children Sharon (David) Baigent and Colin Briscoe, whom he loved as his own. He is also survived by grandchildren Daniel, Adriane, Patrick, Sadie and Graham and his brother Doug (Lora) Janzen and sister Carol (Herb) Jantzen and many nieces and nephews and other extended family.

Hank was born to Abraham and Alvina Janzen in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. As a child, Dad spent many hours on his grandparents’ farm in Dalmeny, Saskatchewan which fostered a strong work ethic and his abiding love of animals. His mother played the organ and his father conducted the choir in their church and Dad developed a beautiful bass voice which he shared as a young man on the weekly, “Back to the Bible “ broadcasts on a local Saskatoon radio station.

Hank married his first wife, Jennifer (Schmor) in 1953 in Saskatoon. This is where he began his long career in furniture sales under the tutelage of his father. In 1955 he and his young family moved to Winnipeg where Dad continued to employ his sales skills. Hank was a superior salesman and enjoyed his many positions selling furniture, appliances, mattresses and more. This career led to his working and living in Ontario, British Columbia and Manitoba. He was employed by Eaton’s, Westinghouse and McLeod’s while in Winnipeg. He culminated his career as a manufacturer’s agent and continued to work into his 80’s, mentoring young salespeople. He always enjoyed talking to customers and helping them meet their needs, and enjoyed sharing his wisdom with those learning the business. The annual furniture shows held in High Point, North Carolina were highlights for Dad as he gathered with others in the business and shared stories.

Hank was honoured many times with sales and achievement awards including Entrepreneur of the Year Award by United Furniture and the Global Award from Ashley Furniture.

Dad married Marti Briscoe in Winnipeg in 1988. Health considerations and his dislike of Winnipeg winters spurred Dad and Marti’s decision to make the move to the Vancouver area. They loved living in BC where they enjoyed trips to the ocean and the lovely views of the city and mountains. They were delighted when Sharon and Colin also made the move to Vancouver. Dad and Marti were always gracious hosts to visiting family – happy to tour guests around the beautiful lower mainland.

Dad was a great storyteller. After dinner, he’d serve up a slice of his famous lemon meringue pie and, after a dram of Scotch, would regale us with stories from his youth, his fishing trips and his interactions with clients. He loved to make others laugh and he was very good at it.

In his downtime, Hank loved to go on fishing trips with his buddies where they had all sorts of escapades. Along with Marti, Hank loved to travel and to spend several weeks a year in Maui where they enjoyed the company of their many friends. They also had several friends in their condo building with whom they enjoyed good times, good food, and great chats. Everyone loved Hank as he was quick with a joke and genuinely loved being around people.

The family would like to offer special thanks to Sharon and David for their loving care of Hank after he lost his adored Marti. We would also like to acknowledge the selfless care and support of the nurses and care aides that cared for Hank, with a special mention to Mar who provided amazing support to Hank and the family in his final days.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a virtual Celebration of Life will be held in the near future.

Should you desire, the family suggests sending memorial contributions to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.firstmemorialnorthvancouver.com for the Janzen family.