Obituary of Jason Janz

In the early hours of May 20, 2023, surrounded by his loving wife and family, Jason Henry Janz passed away at the age of 44 after a brief yet courageous battle with cancer.

Jason leaves in mourning his beloved wife Audrey, his daughter Libby and his son Archer. He is also survived by his parents Henry and Elaine Janz, and brothers Kevin, Trevor and Chris and their respective families. Jason will also be lovingly remembered by his in-laws Jorgen & Cheryl Grimstrup, and brother-in-law Evan and family. Jason will be remembered fondly by his many nieces and nephews. He often tried to teach the young ones to say “Uncle Jason” as their first words.

Born and raised on a hog farm near Rosenfeld, Manitoba, Jason learned the values of hard work, resourcefulness, and determination. As the eldest of his brothers, Jason naturally assumed a leadership role, skillfully organizing and delegating tasks whether they were working on a project together or building a snow fort. As a teenager he enjoyed playing trumpet in band and jazz band, playing football, skateboarding and going on adventures with friends including overnight camping adventures in the fields.

Jason answered the call to serve the public and joined the Winnipeg Police Service in 2006. His colleagues describe him as kind, generous, selfless and an exceptionally hard worker. He served as a constable until he was promoted to detective sergeant in 2020. Over the years, Jason helped organize the Law Enforcement Torch Run and Polar Plunge, raising funds for Special Olympics Manitoba. Jason loved his job, finding fulfillment in both the challenges it presented and the rewarding experiences it offered. As a member of the Underwater Search and Recovery Unit, he developed a passion for scuba diving. On his final family trip to Mexico this past January, Jason swam alongside nurse sharks in open water, quickly becoming one of the most memorable dives in his lifetime.

In 2008 Jason met the love of his life, Audrey, and the two quickly became inseparable. They shared a love of the outdoors, enjoying fishing and camping together. In 2011, Audrey and Jason were married, and they proudly welcomed Libby (2012) and Archer (2014) to their family. Jason was an amazing dad. He loved teaching his children, and he did so with incredible patience and kindness. The family moved out to the country in 2015 where Jason enjoyed working on projects around the house and yard.

Although he was well travelled, Jason’s favourite place was the family cabin in Ontario where he would fish, water ski, wakeboard and explore the lake. Jason loved sharing this special place with his wife and children. The family had many wonderful summers there together which memories they will cherish.

Jason was an exceptional man, husband, father, son, brother and friend. He made the world a better place and he will be deeply missed.

The family would like to thank Dr. Joel Gingerich at CancerCare Manitoba for his compassionate care. The family would also like to thank the incredible nurses and staff at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre for their wonderful care and kindness in Jason’s final days. 

A celebration of Jason’s life will be held on June 8, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at the Transcona Country Club, 2070 Dugald Road, Winnipeg, MB.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to CancerCare Manitoba, Foundation, 1160-675 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9.