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DR. HENRY F. JANZEN
Date of Passing: Jul 20, 2022
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
DR. HENRY F. JANZEN
The family of Henry Janzen announces his passing on July 20, 2022 at Deer Lodge Centre.
Henry will be lovingly remembered by his wife Judy; son Dean (Jennifer); their children, Ryan and Brad; daughter Joanne (Kelly Dobson); brothers, Walter (Agnes) and Rudy (Aila); as well as numerous other family members and friends.
He was predeceased by his father Jake; mother Sadie; twin brother Harry and younger brother Robert "Bobby" Janzen. The family would like to acknowledge the special friendships of Glen Martinson, Stan Unger, Dennis Hrycaiko and James Yamashita.
Henry was born in Winnipeg and remained active in the community throughout his life. He had a passion for sport and active living. He was a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, being named Rookie of the Year (1959), Outstanding Canadian, as well as being named as a CFL All-Star. He is a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bomber Hall of Fame. Henry played professional football under the guidance of lifelong mentor Bud Grant. He expanded his professional career to the University of Manitoba. Here he coached the Manitoba Bison Football Team to the first ever back-to-back Canadian Intercollegiate Football Championships. He remained equally proud of this achievement and the extraordinary individuals on his teams.
He spent the majority of his professional career as the Dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management at the University of Manitoba. With his leadership, the School of Physical Education was established as a Faculty. He was integral in the establishment of the Health, Leisure and Human Performance Research Institute and Recreation Studies. He was the Chair and Founding Board Member of MITT (Manitoba Institute of Trade and Technology), School Trustee Pembina Trails School Division for 24 years, Chair and member of the National Advisory Council Fitness and Amateur Sport for ten years, as well as many other community boards. He also gave long time service to The United Way, St. Boniface Hospital, Manitoba Boxing Commission, Northern Fly In Sport Camps, Provincial Council on Youth Crime and CHUM Radio.
Throughout his life he received many honours and accolades, including The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, Order of the Buffalo Hunt -Achievement Award, Builder Award for Outstanding Dedication and Promotion of Physical Education for the Youth of Manitoba, Honorary Membership in The Manitoba Teacher's Society, Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Service and Dedication to Pembina Trails School Division, Member of Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame, named as one of Five Outstanding Young Manitobans and Honorary Citizen of Winnipeg.
The family would like to thank Dr. Chantel Braun as well as the staff of Tower 6 Deer Lodge for their wonderful care and kindness.
A private family burial will be held.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Winnipeg Blue Bomber Alumni, 25-1010 Wilkes Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3P 2S4 or a charity of your choice.
For those who wish to sign the
online Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca
Chapel Lawn Funeral Home
204-885-9715
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 23, 2022
Condolences & Memories (19 entries)
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Colleagues together over the years. - Posted by: John Wade (Deans together ) on: Aug 01, 2022
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Kalan and I are sad to hear of Henry's passing. He was extremely welcoming and kind to us when we moved from Montreal to his Faculty in 2002, and I had the honor of being entrusted with the direction of his cherished Research Institute. Our condolences to Judy and the family. - Posted by: Phillip Gardiner (Friend, colleague) on: Jul 29, 2022
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My deepest condolences to Judy and the family. I had the honour of knowing Henry first as a teacher and then as a colleague at the Univerisity of Manitoba. I learned so many life long lessons from his mentorship. We owe so much to him and I am sure you are all very proud of his legacy. Cherish all the wonderful memories that you all created as a family. My prayers are with you. Glen Bergeron - Posted by: Bergeron Glen (Colleague ) on: Jul 28, 2022
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Dear Judy, We're so sorry to have heard that you've lost your dear Henry. Allan knew him well in school, and was surprised, as other Glenlawn students were, when Henry became a Blue Bomber and devoted so much of his life to football, since he hadn't played football in school. Your parents were good friends of Allan's parents (Your dad was Best Man at their wedding) so we'd see both of you and your children fairly often over the years. We always enjoyed Henry's company and will remember his warm personality. He was a true gentleman. We'll be thinking of you and your family often as you mourn his loss With our sincere sympathy, Mavis and Allan Whicker . - Posted by: Mavis and Allan Whicker (Friends) on: Jul 25, 2022
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Henry hired me as an assistant professor at the, then, Faculty of Physical Education at the U of Manitoba in 1991. He was always committed to improving the research quality and capacity of our Faculty. I was always amazed at Henry's ability to raise money and push the right bureaucratic and political buttons to get things done. He created the Research Institute where my lab still is. He protected my time for research and I will always be grateful for the great support to springboard my career. I believe I'm the last professor still standing, whom Henry hired. It is a sad end of an era. Thankfully, Henry no longer has to deal with his health issues. RIP good friend. Gordon Giesbsrecht - Posted by: Gordon Giesbrecht (Hired colleague) on: Jul 25, 2022
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Dear Judy and family, please accept my condolences on the passing of Henry. Henry was an important mentor to me and ultimately responsible for hiring me to coach at the University of Manitoba. He was a larger than life character who loved both the faculty and the university itself. He was a very proud Bison and coach having lead the Men's football team to back to back national championships. I always appreciated the time and support he gave me in his time as the Dean of the Faculty of Physical Education. Rest in peace Henry. - Posted by: Ken Bentley (Colleague) on: Jul 25, 2022
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My condolences to Judy Dean Joanne and ALL the extended family. Henry was a good role model for me years after I left Winnipeg. They don't make them like Henry anymore. - Posted by: Irene Ellis (old acquaintance) on: Jul 25, 2022
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Dear Joanne and family, May fond memories of your Dad bring you comfort during this hard time in your life. Our heart and prayers go out to you and your family. Sending deepest condolences, Cathy & Brad Redekopp - Posted by: Cathy & Brad (Friend) on: Jul 24, 2022
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Rest In Peace , Henry . - Posted by: Maurice Catellier (Co- student ) on: Jul 24, 2022
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I will remember Henry as a thoughtful and dedicated educational leader. I came to know Henry through my employment at Winnipeg Technical College, now known as MITT. In additional to his involvement as a member of the founding board he also served as Board Chair. His commitment to providing students with appropriate learning opportunities was unquestionable. In fulfilling his roles Henry was always sincere and respectful. He was a true professional and a gentleman. - Posted by: Leonard Harapiak (Educational Colleague ) on: Jul 24, 2022
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Henry taught me courses in Sociology of Sport and Theory of Coaching, when I was a student in what was then, The School of Physical Education, at The University of Manitoba. Later we were members of the Manitoba Physical Education Supervisors’ Association, where we worked together on various projects of mutual interest. Additionally, we occasionally attended physical education conferences. Henry cared about people and was passionate about his support of physical education and school athletics. Part of his legacy relates to his contribution to the development of Manitoba physical education. Condolences to his family and many friends. - Posted by: David Fitzpatrick (Former student and colleague ) on: Jul 24, 2022
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I was sorry to hear of Henry’s death. Our daughter, Mary, ran into Dean recently and he told her that his dad was in care, so although his passing may not have been a surprise, it is always still a shock. From our Parkwood Place days, I remember what a good natured man he was and also a good neighbour. We loved teasing him about your dog, Sunday, who never really did learn to come when he was called. We remember, too, how he helped our son, Rob, get a summer job at mini-U, which Rob just loved. May all your memories be sweet as you learn to live without him. Maureen and Ron and Family - Posted by: Maureen Monson (Neighbour) on: Jul 23, 2022
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Henry and I go back many years as we were roommates at UND in the early 1960’s. Henry was a humble, very kind man and always had a sincere interest in others. He made people around better people. He will be missed, but not forgotten. - Posted by: Ed Waggoner (Friend) on: Jul 23, 2022
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Henry and I go back many years as we were roommates at UND in the early 1960’s. Henry was a humble, very kind man and always had a sincere interest in others. He made people around better people. He will be missed, but not forgotten. - Posted by: Ed Waggoner (Friend) on: Jul 23, 2022
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My condolences Judy, Henry was such an awesome gentleman. Many memories over being neighbors for 50 years, especially the "block parties" Garth - Posted by: Garth Hazlitt (Friend) on: Jul 23, 2022
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So sorry for your loss Judy. I always regarded Henry as a great guy. - Posted by: Roberta Dick (Friend ) on: Jul 23, 2022
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We will miss Henry. He was a gentle kind man and we enjoyed so much spending time with him. I hope we brought joy to his life as I know how important physical activity was to him. Ellaine and Cara-Physiotherapy Deer Lodge - Posted by: Cara (physiotherapist ) on: Jul 23, 2022
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Dear Judy and family, It was a privilege to play for Henry and his assistant coaches for 3 years and 2 Championships. Henry was a tremendously positive influence in my life and career, and became a friend over the years. I will always be thankful for his encouragement and positive perspective offered at important moments in my life. Bev joins me in sending our warmest thoughts and prayers to you all. Blessings and best regards, Bob Kraemer - Posted by: Bob and Bev Kraemer (Bison quarterback and Friend ) on: Jul 23, 2022
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My Cousin Henry was my childhood Hero. Because of him my love of sports, especially the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, has always been part of our family. His accomplishments are so many and he was a cousin we all looked up to. It was a hi-light at family reunions to visit with him and listen to his memories of Bomber days and other sports. All were proud to have him as one of the family. May the memories of Henry soften the sadness and keep him close in everyones’s heart always. Jack, Ramona, David, Chris and Jodie - Posted by: Jack Kuhl (Cousin) on: Jul 23, 2022
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