Paul Jacques Marie Janssen
Obituary
It is with profound sadness and the heaviest of hearts that we share the passing of Paul Jacques Marie Janssen on September 29, 2025, at the age of 74.
Paul will be forever missed by his loving wife Grace of 16 years; his children Paul, Lisa (Holly) and Megan; Grace’s children Dean (Alaina) and Maxwelle (Roberto); and grandchildren Haden (Ashley), Taylor (Riley), Eryn, Austin (Brook), Craig, Ridley, Lewin, Avery and Leeroy.
He will also be lovingly remembered by his brothers Willie (Gisele), Michael (Darlene), Jules, and sister Charlotte, along with his nieces and nephews.
Paul is predeceased by his beloved parents, Willem & Mariet Janssen.
Paul was born September 13, 1951, in Geleen, The Netherlands, Paul emigrated to Canada with his parents in 1953. The family first settled in Saskatchewan before moving to Winnipeg in 1966. Paul raised his family in Winnipeg. He and Grace spent their retirement at their home on Lake Winnipeg until moving to Steinbach, MB in 2024.
Paul was a kind, intelligent, and family-oriented man. Nothing brought him more joy than his children and grandchildren. He was a constant presence in their lives – always supportive and proud of all their endeavors – often found on the sidelines or in the bleachers cheering them on. He modelled strength, wellness, and endless curiosity all while maintaining the lighter side of life with his goofy sense of humour and impeccably timed jokes.
He cherished summers at the lake, sitting on the deck with a good book or listening to his jukebox oldies playlist. A lover of sports, he was an avid golfer, curler, and he played many years of slo-pitch baseball. He also enjoyed fishing, and hunting.
In 1972, at the age of 21, Paul began a long and fulfilling career as a customer service agent with TransAir, Pacific Western, Canadian Airlines and Air Canada. In the years leading up to his retirement, Paul became actively involved with the union, serving as a Bargaining Representative for the Western Region. He took great pride in his work – with his proudest years spent with Canadian Airlines.
After retiring, Paul devoted more time to his passion for golf, a sport he loved to play with Grace, family, and friends. He was a longtime member at Grand Pines Golf Course, where he also worked part time, before moving to the Steinbach Fly-In Golf Club. There, at the age of 73, he achieved his lowest handicap and won the Club Championship in his flight – an accomplishment that brought him great joy, a nod to his final season.
Paul, with his easy-going and fun nature, forged many friendships over his lifetime, some decades long. From Club Munich to the Granite, Elm Street to Longbow Lake, Hillside Beach to Grand Pines, travel slo-pitch, fishing derby’s and many a golf tournament, Paul leaves behind a community of wonderful people.
Paul’s love for Grace shone bright, she brought a whole new level of love and energy to him. They spent their retirement years at the cottage, turning a summer place into a year-round home. They loved the rural lifestyle for many years together.
In keeping with Paul’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and there will be no formal service. A private celebration of life will be held in his honour.
