William Thorvald Jansen

With heavy hearts, after a valiant battle with cancer, we announce the passing of Bill Jansen on May 11, 2018 at the age of 75.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, Tom and Vera Jansen, his brother-in-law Collin Williamson, his parents-in-law, Nick and Jean Shpak, brothers-in-law, Clarence Shpak, John Greenizan, Bill Kachur, and sister-in-law Elsie Kachur, as well as his nephew and niece, Robert and Rachel Durack, and nephew David Shpak, and great-nephew Zachary Smith.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of almost 52 years, Rose. He will be missed by his sister Emily Williamson, niece Aynsley and her husband Jorg Klinger, and great-nephew Beau (Hillary). He will also be missed by his extended family, Joan and Orville Shpak, Lavina Greenizan, Dave and Ellen Shpak, and Joyce and Ed Durack, along with many nieces and nephews, especially those that were so supportive during this difficult time (Laurie and Wes, Cindy and Rob, Tammy and Mike, Cheryl, Heather, Darryl and Ali, Lisa and Andrew, Pamela), as well as many great- nephews and nieces.

Bill was born in Stonewall and moved to Baldur as a young boy. He was well-known all over town for his love of anything with wheels. Bill took his training as Auto Body Technician at MIT, working first at Loewen Chev Olds in Steinbach and later at Winnipeg Motors, and finally at Park Pontiac, retiring in 2000. It was while attending college in Winnipeg that he met and pursued Rose.

Bill married his wife, Rose Shpak, in 1966 and they moved to Transcona in 1973. They loved camping and travelling, spending many winters in Arizona, California, and Texas.

Bill was a “people person” and never met a stranger. Whether on a park bench, or a street corner, or on a bench in WalMart while waiting for Rose, he would start a conversation and a friendship began. When he made a new friend he would make sure to call them if he hadn’t heard from them in a while. He never gave up on a friendship and worked hard at keeping them. His sense of humour soon had everyone laughing. He cared deeply for people and was always ready to lend a helping hand or give advice. He loved to tinker with small engines and would spend countless hours fixing anything from watches, toasters, washing machines, etc, and always got them working.

His presence among us will be missed. We always laughed when he was a part of the group and now we will have to do that without him.

Funeral Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by Fr. Mark Gnutel and Fr. Alan Wizinsky at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Parish, corner of Day St. and Yale Ave. Flowers are gratefully declined. If you wish, you can make a donation in memory of Bill to Cancer Care Manitoba, St. Boniface Palliative Care, or St. Michael’s Parish.

Rest in peace, Bill.

CHRYSTOS VOSKRES!