Janis Kazaks

What a beautiful tribute, Kristina. It speaks to how wonderful he was, and how important. I know, from meeting and knowing him, but especially through you, that his tremendous generosity, openness, and kindness were boundless. The other words here are also a testament to that. Benoit and I send you all our love.

Our deepest sympathy to Kristina, Gunars and Sarah, Olavs and Jen and his grandchildren Everley and Kelton on the loss of Janis. We had several occasions to socialize with him and he was always such a kind gentleman. He will truly be missed.

Janis and I first met more than 60 years ago. As we grew older, our paths crossed many times in connection with our shared interests in Africa and international development. But during our friendship in high school, we shared in the ownership of a 1930 Chevrolet, went camping, played squash and on one memorable occasion nearly expired from alcohol poisoning during a weekend in the Laurentians. I can’t smell gin to this day without remembering -- and getting sick. So many fond memories. My deepest condolences to Kristina and the family.

The world has lost a great guy. I remember fondly my meeting Janis for the first in Africa when we were both working there, and how struck I was with his gentle kind manner, and the genuine interest he showed in everyone he met. We became good friends. He came to see us at our home in Barrie. We kept in touch for years after returning to Canada. When our daughter moved to Ottawa for studies he offered to be a contact for her should she need anything. Our sincere condolences go out to Kristina, to Janis's sons Gunars & Olavs, and to all his family and friends. Janis was a nonconformist who fought the good fight. May he rest in peace; he deserves it. :)

Dear Kristina,
We were so sad to hear, today, that Janis had died. We had hoped to be able to visit Canada last year and come to visit. I had the image you portrayed for us in your letter, of Janis sitting in the gardens of the home with your cat on his lap; the smiling courteous gentleman he always was. We have so many lovely memories of Janis but the images I held of him were from your lovely letter to us a few years back.
We send you our deepest sympathy and grieve for the friend we always called the gentle giant.

Big man with the biggest heart. ♥️ He was gave me tremendous support in my first overseas assignment in Zambia. Janis was a huge difference maker, respected mentor, and loyal friend.

Kristina, Dorothy and I were saddened to read the news of the passing of our friend Janis. We met at Carleton University as undergraduates studying political science. We worked together at Sock 'n Buskin as well as a campaign to get Janis elected to Student Council. As you know, we stayed connected and saw each other fairly frequently on his return to Canada from Africa and after he returned to Ottawa. He was charming, witty, passionate and opinionated while, at the same time, being a diplomat. He will be missed by the many friends he made at Carleton and as we gather we will raise a glass to his memory.

Kristina, sincere condolences on the passing of Janis.
Jennifer and Betty Dunbar

Jānis was one and was to be my first good friend when I arrived from Sweden in the fall of 1967. We spent a lot of time together driving in his car to Toronto to meet and spend time with the young Latvian diaspora. I got to know all his family, but lost touch for a time when he went out in the world after graduation around 1973. We kept in touch as often as was possible. In later years I often think about the time we sang, had a drink or talked politics together in various places. My deepest sympathies to his wife, children and larger family!!
Redzēsimies Jāni tavas bērēs...lai tev vieglas smiltis.