July 14, 1947 – July 12, 2021
Jaan was born in 1947 in Västerås, Sweden. He came to Canada in 1950 with his Estonian parents, Arnold and Linda, and his older brother, Hans.
For 49 years combined, Jaan proudly worked at the Neilson chocolate and ice cream factory in downtown Toronto and the Canada Post Gateway facility in Mississauga. He was president of the Toronto Film Society from 1978–1983, a position he always held dear to his heart. Throughout his life he lovingly followed his passions, studying classical music and the history of film until his last months. In his spare time, he enjoyed riding his bike to the beach, watching Leaf games with his two dogs, and adding movies to his extensive film collection. An avid reader, Jaan would start each morning with a thorough read of the daily newspaper, saving the best for last: the comics — or “the funnies,” as he used to say.
After an exceptionally courageous, nine-month-long battle with pancreatic cancer, Jaan passed away peacefully on Monday, July 12, 2021, surrounded by his loved ones, at Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 33 years, Camila; his three children, Karin, Richard and Paul; his son-in-law, José; his grandchild, Jonah; and his loyal dogs, Marlie and Raide. Donations in memory of Jaan can be made to Pancreatic Cancer Canada.