Obituary of Ignatius Jozef Willem Antonius JANSSEN

February 24, 1932- Nijmegen, Holland

March 1, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

We are sad to announce that Ignace Janssen passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on March 1, 2020.

Ignace was born on February 24, 1932, in Nijemgen, Holland, to parents Arnoldus and Antonietta Janssen, where he was raised with his eleven siblings. In 1958, he immigrated to Canada by himself and got various jobs before starting his own building company. He eventually settled in Calgary with his wife Genevieve, and where they raised their four children. In 1979, he married Margaret and inherited three more daughters. Ignace had an adventurous spirit and travelled with Margaret to Mexico several times to help the locals by volunteering. Their most memorable trip was to Brazil. They helped build houses for disadvantaged children using Ignace’s creative construction techniques when there were limited materials available. In 1982, they moved to British Columbia finally settling in Kingsgate, BC, by Creston. There were many happy times in Kingsgate and they would have stayed there forever, but life happens and they moved back to Calgary coming full circle. Ignace enjoyed being outside rain or shine, walking with his dogs and reading the bible. He was never at a loss to find something to do or something to say. We will miss you Ignace, Dad, Grandpa!

He is survived by his wife Margaret Janssen; his children Theresa Henderson (Brad), Noel Janssen, Dan Janssen(Liyun) and Julie Janssen Downe (Steve); his step-children, Sharon Jensen (Martin), Trish Oswald (Larry) and Carol Violette (Miro); his grandchildren, Steve and Chris Henderson, Tristan and Coleman Downe, Bella Janssen, Stephanie Fuller, Candice and Nicole de Boer, Graham, Devin and Kristin Oswald, Tyler Violette; and great-grandchildren, Jasper Oswald and Adeline Fuller. He is also survived by his two sisters, Yet and Marika.

A Memorial Service will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Eastside, 5388 Memorial Drive N.E., Calgary, AB) on Monday, March 9, 2020 at 10:00 p.m. with a Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Ignace’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Ignace Janssen, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Eastside, 5388 MEMORIAL DRIVE NE, Calgary, AB, T2A 3V9, Telephone: 403- 248-8585.