Obituary of Bob Janz
For those unable to attend, the family invites you to watch the Mass of Christian Burial for Bob Janz on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Please CLICK HERE.
It is with profound sadness and heartfelt love that we announce the peaceful passing of Bob Janz of Brandon, on January 4, 2025, with his beloved family at his side.
Born on December 26, 1944, in Barrie, Ontario, Bob was the eldest of seven children of Edwin and Evelyn Janz. At the age of 8, Bob's family moved to a dairy farm in Souris. He played a vital role in the farm's operations, which helped foster his love of animals, a legacy of compassion and care that he passed on to his children and grandchildren. In his late teens, Bob felt he had to leave high school to work on the farm, but later, as an adult, he completed his formal education at ACC, studying business administration and accounting.
On April 20, 1968, Bob married Margaret (nee Bohrn), and the couple built a life together in Brandon where they raised three children, Teresa (Jeff Partrick), Michelle (Gord Tait) and Stan (Laura nee Maclean). Bob and Margaret were blessed with over 26 years together.
Bob's life was forever altered in 1994 when he and Margaret were celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary with a trip to Europe. They were in a tragic bus accident, during which Margaret was heartbreakingly taken.
A constant in Bob's adult life was his work at Simplot for 36 years as a lab technician. Additional responsibilities included serving as a Safety and Health Representative, as well as holding various leadership positions, including Vice President, Secretary Treasurer, and contract negotiator for the Steelworkers' Union.
He was a dedicated and active volunteer, deeply committed to his community. For many years, he was the President and Treasurer for the Green Acres Community Centre, where he also made and maintained their ice surfaces. A passionate supporter of youth sports, believing activity kept kids out of trouble, Bob volunteered as a coach for his children's baseball, soccer and hockey reams, achieving his Level 4 Hockey Canada coaching certification. It is clear that hockey brought him immense joy in many ways. While Margaret was alive, together, they enjoyed watching and supporting the Brandon Wheat Kings, especially through their volunteer work with the team's 50/50 fundraising activities. In Bob's later years, his passion for hockey continued as he cheered on his grandchildren during their games.
Bob's communities changed as he aged, but his volunteer work continued. In recent years, he was the President, Vice-President and Treasurer for the Prairie Social Singles' Club and treasurer for the Brandon chapter of Habitat for Humanity. Keenly interested in politics, he was not shy about making his views known at city council meetings and was an active member of several different political parties.
As an extension of his life in Brandon, Bob's family cherished their cabin at Sandy Lake where they created many fond memories. They also enjoyed vacations in their camper truck, with trips to Georgian Bay. Golf was one of Bob's greatest passions, particularly in his retirement, where he played more than 160 rounds a year. He also loved fishing, reading, and music. More recently, he greatly enjoyed the fellowship of gathering every week with a group of friends to play pool.
He will be lovingly remembered by his partner of 20 years, Betty Cochrane; his three children (six grandchildren): Teresa (Maya and Brandon Partrick), Michelle (Aidan and Niall O'Brien-Moran) and Stan (Xavier and Maggie Janz); and five siblings: Judy, Jeanne Elizabeth, Mike, Paul and Phil.
He was predeceased by his first wife Margaret; his parents: Edwin and Evelyn; his inlaws: Alfred and Frances Bohrn; his father's second wife, Wilma; and his younger brother Dave.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 15, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Augustine of Canterbury Church, 327 4th Street. Followed by a Celebration of Life at the Firehall, 637 Princess Ave.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Bob's name to a cause of your choice.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to Bob's entire care team from the Mayo Clinic (especially Dr. Ashman, Dr. Bekaii-Saab, Dr. Beamer, and Dr. Baldeo), and the nurses at the Assiniboine Centre who were like angels on earth during Bob's final days.
