On Wednesday, October 27, 2010; with his family by his side Rick Janzen passed away at the age of 50 after a courageous battle with cancer. Left to cherish Rick’s memory are his loving wife Helen (nee Fehr) of 30 years; son Ryan (Chantel) grandson Malakai; son Corey; special family friend Jessica; mother Margaret; brothers Don (Denise) children David and Reese; Brad and children Ashley and Amanda; and Randy; sister Joanne (Albert) children Tracy and Michel (Zuzia); great-niece Thera Goertzen; and in-laws Jake, children Kristopher, Tony and Angela; Dick (Patricia) children Bob and Julie (Mike) with their children Savannah, Nicholas, Cameron and Austin; Sonny (Judy) children Amanda and Jeremy; Sally (Glenn); Linda (Gary) children Jesse, Russell, Robyn and Evan as well as Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and many friends and coworkers.
Rick was predeceased by his brother Kevin, February 2, 1968; father Norman Janzen, July 11, 2006; niece Jody Goertzen, April 22, 2009.
Rick was a very loving husband, father, and grandfather to Malakai who meant the world to him; and as well a special son, brother, uncle, great uncle, and a special friend to many. Rick left a lasting impression to everyone he met through his life journey. He was a man you could always count on. He was a very dedicated family man.
Rick worked at ABM Concrete for the last 24 years, It was a very important part of his life. He was very dedicated to his work and the people he worked with or met there. Linton and Dennis and all the rest, too numerous to mention, but not any less important, they were like family to him.
Rick was a selfless, hard working man who always led by example and put others first. If there was anything he could do for you, big or small, he was there happy to help day or night, no matter who you were. Rick was a very unique and genuine man who dedicated himself to others. During this past year Rick battled cancer with courage and grace. He never gave up, kept doing what he always did; he completed various projects while going through aggressive chemo and radiation treatments. He did his very best to do what he could to make things as easy as possible for his family and friends. Rick knew how hard his situation was on his family and did everything he could to make things easier for all of them. Rick took the time to say goodbye to all of us and to ensure we would not be left with any regrets after his passing. It was only through his illness where he realized how much of an impression he made on others and how he affected them. He appreciated all the phone calls, text messages, emails, letters and visits he received. He appreciated everything everyone did for him and his family during this very difficult time.
The family wishes to extend a very special Thank You to Pastor Lynne Hutchison for her prayers and the support she gave to Rick and continues to give to Helen, Ryan and Corey and the entire family during this difficult time; and as well to the staff at Cancer Care, the Homecare Nurses, and the staff at Riverview Care Center; and all the prayers and support expressed by Rick’s many friends, and the friends and co-workers of the entire family.
Prayers and viewing will be held on Monday November 1, 2010 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Klassen Funeral Home. Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, November 2, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Luke's Zion Lutheran Church, 2903 McPhillips St. with a reception to follow.
Following the service, cremation will take place with a private family interment at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cancer Care Manitoba 675 McDermot Ave. Rm ON 1160, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0V9, or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements under the direction of Klassen Funeral Home, Winnipeg, MB.
Eulogy by Joanne Janzen
To My Brother...
More than the blood of my blood. He is my friend, my rock...my brother.
Brother, in times of need, never judging, always there.
My Brother, could, would, always make things right.
Brother, never made much ado, about the task at hand...he just did it.
Brother, who lifted me, when I was down.
Brother, who brought the laughter, amid the pain.
Brother, the word he never spoke...was 'no'.
Brother, who had the answers, to my questions.
Brother, who by example, did walk the path of right.
Brother, in all my years...in all my life, never have I met another...like my loving brother.
May you always walk in sunshine and
God's love areound you flow,
for the happiness you gave us,
no one will ever know,
it broke our hearts to lose you,
the day God called you home.
A million times we've needed you.
A million times we've cried.
If love could only have saved you.
You never would have dies.
The Lord be wih you
And may you rest in peace. Amen
By Michel Mignon
As most of you know, I was reborn into this family in the fall of 2007. Statistics show that only one out of four post adoption
reunions re successful. I am pleased to say that we have been fortunate enough to land in the 25 percent that counts. All of
the Janzen family was a huge part of that; especially Uncle Rick, who was happy to say welcome back to the family! From
the very beginning I noticed that he and I shared commn interests, especially the topics of cars or electronics! It wasn't long
that we had a certain bond with each other. If I needed anything Uncle Rick was a phone call away and he made sure I got
set up with what I needed. From repairs to my car to getting it out of a snow bank, Uncle Rick would not only be willing to help, he would be eager to do so. He was also eager to recruit Uncle Randy to help out too! But it was obvious that he got a
lot of fulfillment helping others. One thing I could certainly count on when I would come out of the North was that my first cup of Timmy's would be compliments of Uncle Rick. Something so small but so significant. The coffee was worth under two bucks but the "nice to see you again" smile was priceless. I think it got to be his responsibility I had a sufficient amount of caffeine in my system to keep me going for a few days! Maybe it was his way to ensure I could keep up to Ryan and Corey!
Uncle Rick made a lasting impression on me and will be deeply missed. But I am so grateful I will have the memory of Uncle Rick than not having the opportunity to meet him. That gives me some comfort these days as we are here to sy goodbye to a man that has touched a lot of people in so many positive ways, my Uncle Rick.
Love always, Michel
By Linton Mounk
To know Rick was to appreciate his qualities. From the start he wasorganized, meticulous and thorough at work and in his home life. In over 20 years, I never had cause to doubt Rick's trustworthiness or character. His methodical approach was applied to all things - home and work. Rick was always steady in an often hectic environment and never far away from his coffee mug. His sense of value and dedication to family were evident in the conversations we had that allowed me to learn about his family. Those conversations ranged from family members in need to 4x4's and trucks.
To loose someone his dependable, someone that myself and my family had grown so close to, leaves a big hole in our hearts. I would have done anything for Rick. Yet in his last battle I could only offer support and felt quite helpless. I cannot begin to understand the void for his family, but I know that his preparation for this day was as methodical and detailed as everything else he undertook. We will miss him as a friend and coworker. He will be impossible to replace. We hope to be there for Helen, Ryan and Corey for support as they need in the time to come.
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