JAN DEN OUDSTEN

Condolences & Memories (8 entries)

• Jan was an enthusiastic member of the Jazz-niks Big Band in Calgary from 2009 until his eventual retirement in 2016. He loved playing his alto and tenor saxes and spent many hours practicing.  Even in advanced age, his saxophones ware never far away. Jan and Maria felt very involved with the Jazz-niks and loved getting the band members over to their acreage for fun practice and delicious lunches. Jan was a gentle and humble man with a subtle sense of humour. He will always be remembered fondly by the Jazz-niks members who knew him. - Posted by: Jazz-niks Big Band (Jan was a band member 2009-2016) on: Apr 06, 2023

• I was a 10 year old boy with a passion for buses when I saw a 1995 D40LF in Owen Sound, ON. I was completely awestruck by the D40LF with its kneeling feature, ramp and layout. At the time, I had to know all I could about the bus and that I wanted to drive one someday. Today, I'm a proud member of ATU Local 113 Toronto Transit Workers and a bus operator based out of the Arrow Road Garage. I got to take the controls of the XE40 when they were delivered brand new and it was a dream come true. So to Mr. Den Oudsten's family, I would like to express my sincerest condolences. Mr. Den Oudsten's D40LF inspired me to become a transit driver and it changed the course of my life. He inspired mobility and left an impact on countless lives, mine included. -Lyndon Akiwenzie - Posted by: Lyndon Akiwenzie (Friend) on: Apr 04, 2023

• Jan was a true visionary, back in the 80's, he and his family took a floundering bus manufacturer and believed he could create a company that would become the leader in the bus transportation industry in North America and he did just that. Jan believed in family and creating a good life work balance for all of us at NFI. Great words of wisdom from a great mentor, "look, listen and learn, words I live by to this day. I feel very fortunate that our paths crossed and was able to have the opportunity to learn from a different culture when you and your family invited us to Holland in 1986, will never forget the experience, life changing. Condolences to Maria and the rest of the Den Oudsten family. - Posted by: SCOTT REID (Coworker and friend) on: Apr 04, 2023

• On behalf of the retired workers at NFI I offer my most sincere and heartfelt condolences to Jan's family and dear friends. It was Jan who salvaged a failing Company and gave hope and financial security to many. Jan was respected by all who knew and worked for him. Although gone, he will not be forgotten. Tony Zienkiewicz NFI Retired Worker UNIFOR - Local 3003. - Posted by: Tony Zienkiewicz (Employee of NFI Retired) on: Apr 02, 2023

• Our sincere condolences to the family. - Posted by: Jeannette Oudenampsen (Worked at flyer industry. ) on: Apr 01, 2023

• He was truly a great man I would like to thank him for providing me with employment at New Flyer. He was a true visionary and really was the man that made the company what it is now. - Posted by: Christopher Haaksma (Employee) on: Apr 01, 2023

• On behalf of the retired NFI workers and UNIFOR - Local 3003 we offer our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to Jan's family and dear friends, it was Jan's vision and business ethics which salvaged a failing Company and gave hope and financial security to the employees of NFI. Jan will always be remembered for his passion for business and compassion for his employees. Tony Zienkiewicz NFI Employee - Retired UNIFOR - Local 3003 - Posted by: Tony Zienkiewicz (New Flyer Employee - Retired) on: Apr 01, 2023

• I met Jan in 1997 shortly after I commenced employment with New Flyer. Jan's knowledge of bus manufacturing and how he visioned the future for his Company was amazing. He had great respect for and from his employees and knew many by their first names. Without Jan rescuing the Company from many years of poor government management, it is doubtful it would have attained its status of today. My sincere condolences to Mrs Den Oudsten and son Bob. Ron Campbell - Posted by: Ron Campbell (Friend / Admirer) on: Apr 01, 2023