It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the passing of Derek Timothy Jansen on May 16, 2025, in his 62nd year after a courageous but short battle with melanoma. He passed peacefully and on his own terms, with family by his side.
Derek was the beloved husband of Margaret Hillier and devoted father of Colin. He will be greatly missed by his sister Sandra (Stephen Rosenbach), brother Peter (Susan), his nieces, nephews, in-laws and close friends. He was predeceased by his parents Ove and Geraldine (Ayer) Jansen.
He will be remembered for his sharp wit, warm smile, unvarnished honesty coupled with a sense of humour, passion for music, vast knowledge of political affairs, but mostly, for his loyalty and dedication to family and friends.
Derek graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Commerce, and found many life-long friends in the hospitality industry, while working towards his Master of Management Studies from Carleton University. He then started his beloved career in Public Opinion Research finishing the last 20+ years of his career with Ekos Research Associates. Not a day went by that he didn’t look forward to going to work.
The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Dr. Michael Ong, Oncologist and Associate Professor at the Ottawa Hospital, and the palliative team at the General campus, for the care and empathy extended throughout Derek’s melanoma journey and final phase of life.
A celebration of Derek’s life will be held at The Mill Street Brew Pub, 555 Wellington Street, Ottawa, on June 23, at 3:00pm. We will gather to share stories of a life well lived. There are many.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.
Digital Guestbook
Gael Floyd
Dan Dugas
Marg and Colin, my deepest condolences and sympathies.
It was always nice getting together with you guys over holidays or in the backyard.
He loved his family and life and was so passionate about everything from movies to politics and policy.
I will always remember the comfort and compassion he afforded me on Nikki’s passing.
He will be missed.
Frank Graves
Derek was like a brother . He was a wonderful person . I talked to him every day and he never failed to be witty , wise and kind . He was enormously skilled and a key to the longevity and influence of EKOS. I miss him every day but feel deeply blessed to have been such a wonderful friend and colleague in my life for so many years.
Darrell Bricker
My deepest condolences to Derek’s family and friends. He was a terrific research professional who I always held in the highest regard. Truly, a good soul.
Angela Scanlon
Derek was a mentor to me at a young age, and showed great patience and enthusiasm for my learning. I am so sad to hear of his passing. Big hugs, Marge and Colin
Jonathan Nadeau
I was deeply saddened to hear of Derek’s passing. Although we never had the chance to meet in person, Derek was an esteemed colleague in our industry and someone I held in the highest regard.
Over the years, I had the pleasure of working with him on a number of projects and always found him to be thoughtful, respectful, and unfailingly professional. He approached every interaction with kindness and integrity, and it was clear he cared deeply about the quality of his work and the people he worked with.
My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues at EKOS. He will be missed.
Ron and Diana Huxtable
Our hearts go out to you Margaret and Colin. Thinking of you every day. 💕🙏
Tammy Hall
Missed but not forgot by his family and friends... heartfelt condolences...Tam and Dylan 🪽💕
Chris Hesterman
Derek is sorely missed. He was a kind person, a real friend, and an interesting person. He always made me laugh and i enjoyed every time i got to see him. Darn cancer... Deepest condolences to Marg and Colin.
Annette Ryan
Dear Marg and Colin - we are so very sorry for your loss.
Derek was a kind and generous neighbour and it was always a treat to see you all. We remember his kindness and dry, quick wit.
Wishing you strength and warmth in difficult days,
Annette, Sean, Ned and Keelin
I express my deepest sympathy in this time of grief. The Bible promises that your loved one will soon live again on a beautiful paradise earth when death will be no more in John 5:28, 29.