Tribute

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our father, Kenneth “Squirrel” Earl Janes, “Pop-Pop”, “Uncle Ernie”, on Aug 22, 2024.  Predeceased by his wife, Joyce, in 2015.  Survived by daughters’ Brenda Janes of Victoria, Sandra Janes (Clay) of Victoria and Rhonda (Dan) Gammie of Campbell River. Granddaughters’ Courtney Hett, Kirsten Hett , and Hailey Ekstrom of Victoria.  Grand-dogs’ Walter and Abby Gammie.

Dad was born in Comox, BC on Aug 26, 1933 to Norman and Gladys Janes.  He grew up on the family farm on Headquarters Road in Courtenay, BC with his favourite border-collie Bud.  Predeceased by his sister Lois and brother-in-law Jack Shopland, sister Phyllis and brother-in-law John Hatfield, brother Bert, sister Doris and brother-in-law Palma Valdivia, and brother-in-law Ray Smith.  Dad is survived by his younger sister, Margaret Smith and sister-in-law Darlene Janes. Dad was known as the favourite fun uncle to his many nieces and nephews when they were young children.  Dad retained this status over the generations and will be fondly remembered for his bear trap game.   As a young bachelor, Dad had the cool pink car and speedboat.   If he headed out on a Saturday night, his young nieces and nephews would ask him “Where are you going Uncle Earl?”, and he would respond “I am going to see a man about a dog!”   After high school, Dad attended vocational school in Nanaimo where he trained to be a heavy-duty mechanic.  He started out working as a logging truck driver, working in Saltery Bay and then Nitnat.    Dad met Mom on a blind date at the Tally-Ho in Nanaimo in 1968 and they were married that same year, setting up house in Duncan, BC.   Dad started working for Doman’s as a truck driver in the early 70’s and then Trans-Isle where he worked until he retired in 1998.  Dad enjoyed being a volunteer bus driver for the Cowichan Capitals for several years after he retired and went to their games regularly. Dad was an avid gardener throughout the years and took great pride in having the best garden on Miller Rd.  He always grew more vegetables than our family could eat and loaded up friends and neighbours every summer with his garden fare.  His corn and pumpkins were legendary!  Dad was a great neighbour and friend to many during his life and we have been touched in recent days to have heard about all the special memories people have because of him.  Dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s several years ago and it greatly affected his mobility in recent years.  Dad was able to live independently at home until May of this year and typical of Dad, he was stubborn to the end.  He did not want to go into long-term care so when he passed away rather suddenly but not unexpectedly, it was a blessing.  He was surrounded by his family when he left us to reunite with Mom (Joyce). Thank you to all the nursing staff at CDH that cared for dad these last few months.  Special thanks to Dr Hargreaves and Dr Tsang for your care and kindness towards Dad.  Thank you to Tavia at HW Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre for your compassion and assistance.  Last but not least, a huge thank you to Darlene Ball for all the care and support you provided to Dad over the years.  Your kindness was very much appreciated.

Rest easy Dad, you are forever in our hearts ❤️

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Parkinson’s Society BC.