Trygve Jenssen
July 17th, 1948 - June 27th, 2016
It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Trygve Gunnleif Jenssen. Born on Vengsøy in northern Norway, Trygve arrived to this world on the kitchen floor of the family homestead. He was the second child to Sigrun and Kåre and eventually became the brother to six siblings. Trgyve spent his childhood on Vengsøy where at first he tried his hand fishing with his dad but seasickness led him down another path, that to one of carpentry. By the age of 17, he was a carpenter by trade. He then joined the Norwegian army where he served his time in the kitchen. He had a travel lust, and went to North America with his friend Willy in 1972. Upon returning to Norway, he decided he wanted to move to an English-speaking country. His first choice was Australia but he was not issued a working visa. His next choice was the USA but was also denied entry. Canada became his third choice, where he was welcomed. His first stop was Ontario but the climate drove him out west, first to the Lower Mainland, and then to Union Bay.
Trygve was a pioneer in the aquaculture industry in BC. He had one of the first licenses in the province and went through many stages as the industry evolved over his 20+ year career. He retired young (at 62) and moved on to his next project to build a “small cabin” for retirement. It is here in his castle where he had his final stop.
Trygve leaves behind his wife of 42 years, Jane, and his three children Sonya (Colby), Kevin and Monica. He has one grand-daughter, Ruby, and was soon to officially have two step-grandchildren, Jack and Ava. He is survived by his four sisters, Solbjørg (Finn), Else (Arvid), Lillian, Irene (Asle) and his brother Svein (Jorid) and many nieces, nephews, cousins and an aunt.
Trygve joins his mom, Sigrun (2009), and dad, Kåre (1997), his older brother Asbjørn (2013), his brother-in-law, Aage (2015) and nephew Bjørn Kåre (1996) along with many other members of his large family.
Wednesday July 6th, from 4 – 6pm there will be a visitation at Piercy’s Mount Washington Funeral Home at 440 England Avenue, Courtenay BC.
A celebration of Trygve’s life is being held on July 10th at the Union Bay hall, from 1-4pm. Flowers are welcome along with stories and pictures to share. Everyone welcome.