Obituary of Jens Martin Bertelsen

Jens Bertelsen, a long time resident of Chetwynd, B.C. passed away on Monday, January 21, 2013 in Chetwynd, at the age of 82 years. Jens' last four years illustrated a man content with a life well lived. He learned to fill his days putting together his puzzles, poaching his eggs, and flipping through the pages of his Farm Show newspaper and trusty Atlas. Of course this also included four daily dialysis exchanges from his private nurse and loving wife Eileen. This quiet, gentle side was reflected as Jens sat in his recliner looking out the front window, but for those who have known him over the years we all have stories that reveal a lively, strong, joking man who we called, uncle, friend, neighbour, and dad. When the kids were young, Jens fit right in as the biggest kid in the neighbourhood. Stories were told of the pranks Jens would play, like putting pails of water above the door for unsuspecting victims, moving the outhouse on Halloween night, or the whisker rubs and the handshakes with the grip that tightened the more he liked you. When there were kids around, Jens was in his element. Jens must have thought a lot of his workmates as well, since there are also stories of him wrestling with the men he spent his work day with. Those twenty-four years working for the highways rewarded him with many wonderful friends and endless stories. If you knew Jens, you would agree that among his favorite workmates were his cows, farming was his passion. His kids at times would not be jealous of each other, but be jealous of the cows. Stories of Jens wrestling with "Bunter" the cow, are still told around the kitchen table, surely Jens won that one too. It was on the farm that the kids learned the value of work. Long days, working on the farm were serious business. The farm was not only a setting for work, but also a place that welcomed lots of fun memories. Jens was a man that was true to himself: the farm gave him peace, his friends gave wealth, and his family gave him love. He was a lucky man, he was a good man, and he will be missed. A memorial service was held on Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 1:00 pm at the Chetwynd Fellowship Baptist Church, Pastor Bill Evans officiated. Interment will be held at a later date. Jens leaves to mourn: His loving wife Eileen, Sons Clint (Sheila) and Kevin (Patty Jo), Daughter Debbie (Tim), Grandchildren Derrick (Jamie), Jackalynn (Mike), Christopher(Destiny), Kayla, Kevin(Nikita), and Lindsay, Great grandchildren Kolbin, Brittin, Dominique, and Brogan. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Jens to the Kidney Foundation of Canada British Columbia Branch Office #200-4940 Canada Way, Burnaby, BC V5G 4K6. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium www.reynars.com