At the last council meeting, a moment of silence was held for longtime confidant and advisor to Mayor Derek Corrigan, Don Jantzen.
Jantzen was a former vice president of the IWA, Local 1-217, and served as executive assistant to municipal affairs minister Jim Lorimer from 1972 to 1975. The moment of silence also commemorated the passing of former Burnaby councillor and freeman Doug Evans.
"Tonight, with great sadness, but also with tremendous pride for the many significant accomplishments, I want to take some time to talk about our very recent loss of two great men, both of whom made remarkable contributions to the City of Burnaby," said Mayor Derek Corrigan, at the Jan. 13 meeting.
Jantzen, a longtime Burnaby resident, not only advised Corrigan while he was chair of B.C. Transit and mayor, but he also assisted Svend Robinson as his campaign manager.
"Originally from Herbert, Saskatchewan, Don arrived in British Columbia in 1947, after hitchhiking and riding the rails to get here," Corrigan said. "By 1949, his mother and 10 siblings had joined him."
Jantzen was involved in organizing labour sub-trades to assist with the building of a Burnaby housing project under the auspices of Habitat for Humanity.
"Don will be remembered by his many friends for his work ethic as a jitney driver, plant chairman and shop steward, as well as his enthusiastic organizational activities on behalf of his union and as a life-time member of the New Democratic Party," Corrigan noted.
Jantzen was the City of Burnaby's community relations coordinator, as well.
He is survived by his siblings, Chester, Eva, Orville and extended family.
Jantzen's celebration of life is being held on Jan. 26, from 2 to 5 p.m., at the Maritime Labour Centre at 1880 Triumph St. Donations in Jantzen's memory will be made to the Queen Alexandra School Breakfast Club.
