Obituary of Huig Hendrikus Jahncke

Huig ‘Hugo’ Hendrikus Jahncke 1940-2020 Born in Rotterdam, The Netherlands during the height of World War II, Huig was introduced to a nation and culture in turmoil and suffering. But by the grace of God and the strength of his parents and older brother Hans, the family adapted to the financial and food security crisis and persevered. Canada’s help in the liberation of the Netherlands would chart some of Huig’s destiny almost two decades later. Growing up with older brother Hans, his younger brother Anthony, and also a pro-wrestler in the family, a very urban and dockside environment helped to shape young Huig’s understanding of hard work, sympathy or solution directness, and at times colourful but “poetic” language. His character did recognize beauty too, evident when he fell in love with his Holland America cruise ship line passenger Jellie Catrina Pelster. Their relationship chemistry developed quickly and fueled Huig’s sense of adventure to leave his entire family and native land and immigrate to the frontier lands of Alberta, Canada and make a lifelong marriage commitment to Jellie ‘Jellica’ in 1963. In Edmonton, Huig was met with many challenges; he had to learn a new language (chose ‘Hugo’ as his anglicized name), was immersed into a devout Christian community, and with a strong sense of responsibility to his new bride began a career in the telecommunications industry. Longing for more independence, and perhaps the Atlantic Ocean, Hugo navigated east and arrived with Jellica and three young children (Robert 1964, Raymond 1968, and Christina 1969) in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1969. Many relationships and friend communities were formed between Halifax and Ottawa since 1969 with the Christian Reformed Church acting as a common place of support and spiritual guidance for the family. Hugo’s mistrust of organized religion often led to our restraint when bringing up the subject of regular church attendance, Christ following spirituality, and glimpses of some divinity in people. But on his death bed his loving daughter witnessed him raise his hands heavenward while a faithful family friend prayed with him using the very telephone technology Hugo helped to develop. Opa, as he was known by his eight grandchildren, could show a stern, no nonsense side of his character in a variety of settings and circumstances. Nevertheless, visiting Opa and Oma at their hilltop home near Lawrencetown Beach was a highlight for Opa who enjoyed family get togethers any time of year and gave him the chance to show off some of his operatic “singing talents” inspired by one of his favorite performers – Luciano Pavarotti. Opa would freely reward the grandkids when good work ethics and a little bit of luck was evident, but he was also ok with them struggling with assignments, relationships, or simple household chores confident that the experience will make them stronger. Opa was part of the family support that would help them also persevere through their own teenage and adult battles. We all have memories of our encounters with Hugo whether at his and Jellica’s home (his house was his hobby), the hospital, the pharmacy, the church, the campground, the pool hall, the car dealership, the office, the pub, the soccer field, the beach, or the front porch. With each encounter it probably became evident that Hugo had a directness about him. And so regardless of the length of your conversation you could often walk away thinking about a solution to a situation but on the rare occasion if you were lucky and genuinely needed it, you’d actually feel a sense of sympathy that came from the frugal dutchman! And it is the sometimes-complicated sympathy that led to a “loving of your neighbour as yourself” balance brought on only with the help of his wonderful wife of 56 years. Losing Jellica in December upset Hugo’s balance here on earth – too much for him to bear. Because of God’s mercy, just like in 1962 Huig Hendrikus has followed Jellie Catrina on yet another adventure – this one eternal. On behalf of the Jahncke Family a sincere thank you for the condolences from all those friends, family, and professionals who have crossed paths with Hugo – he will be missed. Hugo is survived by his two sons Robert Hugo (Lisa) and Raymond Paul (Sally) and his daughter Christina Elizabeth (Joe) and their children Mikaela, Benjamin and Isaac; Sophie and Lily; and Emmalies, Julia and Matthew. Also his older brother Hans and two nieces Monique and Jeanette from the Netherlands. Hugo was predeceased by his loving wife of 56 years Jellie Catrina (Pelster), his parents Hendrika and Jacob Johan Wilhelm, and his younger brother Anthony. A private celebration of life will be held at Hugo and Jellica’s home in the month of June.