February 26, 1950 - October 15, 2015
Jan made abundant use of the second half of the 20th Century. Born in Galt, Ontario, the third of four gorgeous children, she enjoyed the dangers of exploring the world without the oppression of adult supervision. She somehow survived, and even thrived, growing up confident, incorrigible, and uncommonly loyal. She once hitchhiked across Canada with her 13-year-old brother - those were the days! The early 70s brought a move west, to B.C., and two new adventures: motherhood and hand-logging on the Central Coast. She was the best and warmest Momma in the world, and the best-smelling tugboat operator on the West Coast. Together with her husband, Stephen Shute, she created a secure and loving (floating) home in the middle of an infinite wilderness. In the late ‘80s the family moved to the Comox Valley where Jan became an RN and then went back to school to get her Master’s in Counselling. Her job as a Child and Youth Counsellor was deeply satisfying to her and her mystifying faith in teenagers was a benefit to both her own and the ones she counselled. Beyond her amazingly-varied careers, Jan also mastered her many hobbies - tennis, fine cooking, spirited debate, wine, felting, company, stained glass, empathy, knitting, and philosophy.
She is missed, with painful sorrow and tremendous gratitude, by her daughter and two handsome sons, her adoring husband of 40 years, and her devoted brothers and loving sister. Her siblings were a true constant in Jan’s life and an inexhaustible source of strength and love. Jan’s loss will also be felt by her nieces and nephews and by her daughters-in-law, son-in-law, and particularly her sisters-in-law, women she counted as her closest friends. She will be especially missed by Elena, Silas, Agnes and Nova, her grandkids, who could always count on Grandma Jan-O to spoil them rotten. She will also be profoundly missed by the family that she chose - her numerous friends. Restaurateurs, fine wine merchants, and purveyors of amazing outfits may also find themselves bereft.
Incredible woman, we love you so much. xoxo
We are having an event in honour of Jan on November 15, 2015 from 1 - 4 pm. The event will be at the Native Sons Hall - 360 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay B.C. All are welcome. If desired, donations can be made in Jan’s name to the Comox Valley Transition Society.