Obituary of Jens Lund Jensen

April 6, 1938 – January 4, 2021

 

 

We are sad to announce that Jens Lund Jensen passed away in his 82^nd year at Kootenay Street Village in Cranbrook on January 4, 2021.

 

Jens was born in 1938 in Copenhagen, Denmark. An amazing chef and baker, he was truly a quiet, kind, and modest man (with the occasional flares of the classic chef’s temper) who rarely talked about himself and his adventurous life.

 

At age 18, Jens carried out his mandatory service with the Danish navy, which instilled in him an interest in the seas. After his training as a journeyman baker, he fulfilled his apprenticeship as a shipboard baker and chef. First taking to the sea in 1959 at the age of 21, he started as an apprentice and soon became the first chef on several ships. He sailed until 1970, circumnavigating the globe and travelling between hemispheres—from Brazil to Japan, Australia to Philadelphia, and many points in between.

 

In 1970 he disembarked permanently in San Francisco when, in a story as old as time, he met a woman. It turned out that she was Canadian and that is how he came to British Columbia—first to Vancouver, and when that relationship did not last, to Cranbrook. While in Vancouver he was a chef at the venerable Cannery, and in Cranbrook he joined the Coach House. In 1975 he met Barbara Reinarz, who was very impressed by his ability to cook a steak properly. The rest, as they say, is history: there was more moving, international travel, and three children, but in the end, he settled permanently in Cranbrook, now his true home. Retirement brought well-earned relaxation and time well spent with his friend Roy of the Swing Street Café. While his last few years had their challenges, including overcoming cancer, he faced them with his typical stoicism and quiet sense of humour. His daughters especially enjoyed getting to better know their hard-working father post-retirement and will miss him terribly.

 

Jens is survived by his two brothers Per and Ole; nieces and nephews Suzanne Camilla, Hans Christian, Marianne and Katrine; daughters Maja, Britta and Ulla; and grandson Arvo. He is predeceased by his parents Emma and Axel, and former spouse, Barbara Reinarz.

 

The family extends special thanks to everyone at Kootenay Street Village in Cranbrook, in particular Keisha, Corrine, Stephanie, and Laurie, although all deserve acknowledgment during these challenging times. They do amazing things with all too few resources. Jens will be interred in Kimberley, as requested; a small memorial will be announced for later this year when travel and gathering are easier and the weather is warmer.

 

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Services.

Condolences for the family can be offered at:

www.mcphersonfh.com