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Peacefully at his home on Sunday June 16th, 2019 in his 90th year. Jan was born in Hammerfest, Norway, named after the island of Jan Mayen and spent the years of Nazi occupation in Oslo. Despite danger, he fed Russian prisoners and carried hidden messages. His music studies as a concert pianist and composer at a very young age were interrupted by the war. He was a member of a geological expedition to Svalbard and served in the Norwegian army with the Nato forces in Germany. After the war, Jan graduated from the University of Oslo in mining, attended Columbia University in New York, USA and graduated in Geology from the University of Toronto. He travelled from the Arctic to Montserrat, and created a global geological library for his mining company. Jan returned to the University of Toronto to study Medicine and spent his summers mapping the Canadian north, until a plane crash and close encounter with a grizzly bear changed his life again. Jan then chose to share his knowledge and skills as a Science and Math educator. He often humoured his students with his unique accent, and challenged them to learn to think. For several years he impacted thousands of students as the Chairman and Chief Judge of the Metro Toronto Science Fair. In retirement, Jan and Lynne returned to College and became EMT’s, riding an ambulance for 15 years. For over 50 years Jan served his Church, the Royal Canadian Legion, Scouting and Sport through coaching soccer for all ages. Jan was a man of integrity, not only an amazing husband, brother, father, grandfather, and friend, he was a War Veteran, Concert Pianist, Geologist, and Teacher. Beloved husband of Lynne Kjollesdal (nee Watters). Loving father of Dawne (Greg), David, Heide (Rob) and Heather (Brandi). Dear grandfather of Joshua, Jacob, Samuel, Alexa and Kierstyn. Predeceased by his brother Hallstein (Gunnlaug). A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am on Friday June 21, 2019 at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church. A Celebration of Jan’s life and salute to him follows at the Columbus Community Centre, 232 Spencer Street East in Cobourg. Our gratitude to Dr. Mulé, the palliative care team of Northumberland County and all those who supported Jan and his family. Memorial donations can be made to the Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation. Condolences received at www.MacCoubrey.com.
Dear Barb, a beautifully written obituary so full of warmth and appreciation. I am sorry for your loss. My sympathies to you and your family..
Dear Lynne and family,It was with regret that I learned of Jan's recent passing. Loosing one's life partner is no small thing; please accept my most sincere condolences. I have fond memories of Jan and remember enjoying some conversations we had; he especially took pleasure in sharing some interesting stories of his life. He seemed to relish talking about it all. I would have attended today, had I known. Lynne, I hope you are well and have your family near you. Caring hugs, Lise Dawson
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Charity of Your Choice
We send this in thankgiving for our long and valued friendship with both Jan and Lynne. It spanned from before our marriage until the present. We shared celebrations of Christmas, Halloween, weddings, and birthdays over the years. Latterly we had the opportunity to travel in Norway with Jan and Lynne, experiencing tales of Jan's childhood and the beautiful Norwegian landscape.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Dear Lynn and Family, I was so sad to hear about Jan, he was such a sweet man. I only got to know him the past couple years but he was always so kind and smiling.I use to tease him that he was the Ladies Auxiliary Bouncer as he always sat at the back of the room during our meetings, I could always get him to chuckle over that. God Bless Christine
My deepest condolences Lynne I send to you and your family. Blessings
My heart goes out to you and your family on the passing of your husband, father and best friend, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers
Our condolences Lynne. Jan will be at peace now and you will have wonderful memories of your life together. We are thinking of you.
I will always remember you gentleman loving caring and always happy smiling!!Say hi to Bob for me RIP Dear Friend !!
I extend my sympathy to Jan's family. I recall Jan's enthusiasm for science, his ability to engage student interest, and his kindness when I started teaching at Zion Heights and later at Downsview S.S.Thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
I have wonderful memories of teaching with Jan at Zion. He was an inspiring example and great leader.My sympathies to the family.
We are so sad to hear this news, stay strong for one another and know you have friends and family who love you and support you. Your entire family are in our prayers.