Janzen, Victor (1922-1991)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1991 Dec 6 p. 25

Birth date: 1922 June 04

text ob obituary:

VICTOR JANZEN

Victor Janzen passed away Oct. 19. He was born to David Kornelius and Tina Janzen in Rueckennu, Molotschna. His mother died 3 months later. His father married Tina Dueck in 1923. In 1926 they immigrated to Canada, settling on a farm near Fortier, Man. He accepted Christ in early youth. He attended Winkler Bible School for 2 years. During World War II he worked as a C.O. in a mental hospital in Portage la Prairie, Man. In March, 1947 the family moved to a dairy farm near Chilliwack, B.C. He completed high school, attended Vancouver Normal School and later studied at University of B.C. He married Margaret Konrad June 23, 1951. He worked as a teacher and principal in Indian villages in Greenville, Port Simpson and Bella Bella, B.C., later becoming district superintendent of schools for Indian Affairs. In 1975 he became regional superintendent of schools in Vancouver, retiring in 1983. He worked in the office and on the board of North American Indian Missions. In 1986 he became principal of Seacliffe Christian School for 10 months. He joined the Gideons in 1964 and was active at the local, provincial and national levels. In church he was deacon, choir director, Sunday school and Bible study teacher and coordinator of seniors' activities. He and Margaret travelled to Europe and Asia, and cruised B.C.'s Gulf Islands in their boat. He is remembered as humble, kind, generous, gentle, sensitive, nurturing and thoughtful; he revered life; he was a good listener and avid reader, keenly interested in new ideas and challenges; he used words with discretion and he had a subtle wit. He is mourned by his wife; son Don, daughter Marie; 5 sisters and 3 brothers.