Following five years of living with Metastatic Prostate Cancer, Jan Edward Vos of Kanata passed away on 17 October at the age of 68.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 43 years, Jackie; children Simon and Adrianne; his sisters Tina (Bill), Hilda (Scott), brother Brian (Susan), sister-in-law Kim; brothers-in-law Ralph (Isabelle), Eric (Marie-Claude); his relatives in Canada and abroad; and his friends.
He was predeceased by his parents Johannes and Magdalena and his brother Henry.
Born in Woodstock, Ontario, he fell in love with airplanes and joined the Canadian Armed Forces where he served as an Aerospace Engineer for 35 years. In his spare time, he enjoyed working with his hands, spending many hours tinkering on his 1984 Volvo. He loved woodworking, and completed 100s of projects. This included his own urn, which was turned out of a piece of Black Walnut from a tree Ed planted in his beloved yard in 1995.
A graveside service will be held at the National Military Cemetery, located at Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, on Friday, November 1 at 10 a.m.
Memorial donations may be made in Ed’s name to Prostate Cancer Research. The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at the Irving Greenberg Family Cancer Centre as well as Dr. Bossé, Dr. Fawaz, Dr. Tiberi and Dr. Spacek.
Digital Guestbook
Colin Hurst F/L (Ret)
Guy Doiron
I met Ed in 2007 when he handed over the CF188 Hornet FT 3, Avionics, Weapons and Software Engineering organization to me that summer. Ed was a highly organized individual and patient mentor who took the time to ensure that there was an effective handover. This was especially critical as the Hornet fleet was between two significant upgrades (ECP583R1 and ECP583R2) and there were a lot of issues in play. True to his nature and professionalism, Ed checked back on several occasions, after he departed this position, to ensure things were progressing and continued to provide sage advice. He was a true gentleman and a very nice person. He will be dearly missed from within the RCAF fighter community. So sorry for this loss.
Adwin "OJ" Gallant
I met Ed during the training for Op Nijmegen 2000, which he was training for the Ottawa team and I was the Team Leader. At the time i did not know Ed was also an AERE officer, which at the time I was hoping he could make the event, even with his foot injuries.. That year was not his year, and was always hoping he would return and experience the Nijmegen. Unfortunately I did not work with Ed as typical AERE career paths go in different direction. My condolences to Ed and the family in these difficult days ahead.
Sylvia Schmidt
I went to high school with Ed and a nicer person one could not meet. My condolences to his wife Jackie and his two children.
Stephen McKenna
I worked with Ed in then-DFTEM at CFB Rockcliffe in the early 90's. Above all else, I remember that he was just a really nice guy. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Steve Fulkerson
I went to high school in Woodstock with Ed. Although I haven't seen him for many years, I remember his love for airplanes and his steady and friendly disposition. He was always a pleasure to be around and always had a kind word for everyone. Please accept my condolences to his wife, family and friends.
Art Agnew
Ed, you will be missed. You were an inspiring leader, a gentleman in every sense. I definitely loved working with you, best of luck in your next phase. To Ed's family it must be hard to realize that he is not with us, but as Guy Doiron says I am sure he will be checking in to see how you are doing and he will be proud of you.
Mary Taylor
You were an amazing person and will be dearly missed
Michael Clement
I crossed path with Ed for a couple years when he was FT 3 and I was a young(er) AERE officer... almost 20 years ago. Even though it was only a couple years many years ago, Ed's remarkable leadership and mentorship have left a permanent impression on me. He was one of those very few leaders that mark your memory for life. Sincere condolences to his wife and family.
Lambert en Hennie Harke
Hartelijke condoleance voor de hele familie en veel sterkte gewenst.
Ed was my boss at NDHQ. A great individual & friend. My condolences to Jackie & family.