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
Greta & John Tanner
Deeber
A life deserving to be “Celebrated”! We gal friends stand by you Marg as we have over the many years of our friendship together. ❤️
Jeff and Nicole Thibideau
Derek will be missed. Always looked forward to our great conversations at various family gatherings. He was a good man.
Beth and Frances
Derek was a great man. We are so sorry for your loss. I know he will be greatly missed.
Karen Blain
Marg,
Thinking of you and Colin, your family, and Derek’s longtime colleagues. After getting to know Derek through working together on various research projects over the course of a decade I was delighted when you and he moved into our neighbourhood. For two more decades it was such a pleasure to run into him regularly, often with you, at first with little Colin and the dog in tow and the cat following behind, and in more recent years, now that Colin is an adult, with just Maverick. I miss his familiar presence and the jovial chats, and I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to stay connected over time. Sending you warm thoughts of comfort and peace at this tremendous loss.
Mary Little/Piche
Dear Marg and Colin,
I just heard the terrible news from Eric. We hadn’t heard anything from anyone and are shocked . We are so very sorry and saddened. He was a lovely human being. Our family’s sincere condolences. Mary, Michel, Eric and Laura
Alex Hesterchuk
I remember visiting my friend Colin as a kid, playing with Lego or video games in their basement; petting their cats; running around, goofing off; and having home-cooked meals with Colin, Marg, and Derek.
I had lots of good memories with them, and I'll treasure the time we got with Derek. Sad to see him go, happy he's in a better place.
I hope Marg and Colin stay strong -as strong as you can be in times like these- and embrace all the warm memories forever.
Derek, was a much loved Brother in law and Uncle to our family. We all enjoyed countless family gatherings. Derek contributed much humor, knowledge and wit in our many conversations. He will be so missed.