Menno Alexander Jongsma

Menno left us too soon. This beautiful human and gentle soul will be so deeply missed by his family and friends. Menno was a beloved son, brother, uncle , nephew and cousin. He cherished his son Curran and wife Andrea more than anything and the love and connection the three of them shared was palpable.

Menno was at home near boats - under them, sailing them, and fixing them. He was deeply curious and needed to understand how everything worked. He was meticulous, logical, determined and had an impressively broad base of knowledge and experience. For 23 years he channeled these passions and skills into his own successful marine business where the people he worked with often became friends. He always said he would never truly retire because he was having too much fun.

Menno also loved to play. He was a lifelong windsport enthusiast- kites, sailing and windsurfing. He had a keen interest in cars, and owned a couple of pretty sweet VW bugs over the years. But anyone who knew him knew that he was always freest on a bicycle. He had innate talent and mad skills but was characteristically understated and humble. In cycling, like in all aspects of his life, Menno preferred to keep it simple. He didn’t subscribe to the notion that you needed the latest and greatest of anything to keep up. He found the deepest joy in having less and making things work. And he always made it look easy and fun.

He had a quirky sense of humour and his impressions were “very nice!”. He was the king of misheard song lyrics and sharing questionably funny memes. He was quiet and it wasn’t always easy for him to share his thoughts or feelings in words. But Menno’s gentle and loving essence shined through in his wondrous blue eyes, his infectious smile and his thoughtful, patient, and caring actions. His presence was easy and genuine.

Menno cared about the planet and was kind to all of its creatures. He touched so many people along the way. We are all better for knowing and loving Menno. His legacy will live on in our hearts and in our living. The best way to honour Menno is to embrace life. Go play. Live big. Love fiercely. Keep it real. Just like Menno did.

We will share details soon about a celebration of life at the Nanaimo Yacht Club this summer.