Dr. Jan Cornelis Jofriet, passed away on August 4, 2023 at Wellington Terrace in Fergus at the age of 93.
He was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands on June 12, 1930. He lived there until he was 23. His early teenage years were spent under duress during World War II in occupied Holland which he rarely spoke about until later in his life. Jan also completed mandatory military service as a sergeant in the Royal Dutch Engineers. He earned his Civil Engineering degree from Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences before immigrating to Canada in 1953 and working in the profession as a Structural Engineer for Norman Wagner & Assoc., Gore and Storrie, and James F. McLaren and Associates. on multiple projects including the design of municipal water projects, power stations, and dams.
Jan met his wife, Marlene, while working in the same office at Kilbourne Engineering in Toronto. Marlene is also an immigrant to Canada in the 1950’s; educated in England as an architect. They were married in England in 1957 and traveled together living in British Columbia, Winnipeg, London England, before settling in Toronto. When not working, the couple enjoyed sailing, camping, and spending time traveling together.
Shortly after starting their family, Jan earned his master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Waterloo. He started working at the University of Guelph in 1973 as an Assistant Professor in the School of Engineering, where he stayed until he retired as the Director of the School in 1996. He continued after retirement as a Professor Emeritus for many years where he continued to mentor and teach young engineers and graduate students in their research. He had a long-distinguished career with 100+ published works, and multiple engineering awards, including a Fellow of Engineers Canada, Fellow of the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering, and Fellow of Canadian Society of Agricultural Engineering.
Marlene and Jan have two sons, Peter and Eric. They will greatly miss their Dad who was always caring and supportive of everything they did.
Jan has always given of his time freely as a volunteer in the community. Scouts Canada, The Guelph Water Polo Club, The Guelph Wellington Men’s Club, and the Rotary Club of Guelph. In Jan’s later years, he was very involved with the Rotary Forest. He took great pride and pleasure in planning the annual Rotary tree planting campaign.
Jan was predeceased by his parents and his sister: Willy Hendricus Jofriet and Cornelia Gemmink, and Ria Olij, respectively. Jan is survived by his wife Marlene and his brother Will (Ok). He is also survived by his sons, Peter (Christina) and Eric (Josée). In addition, he is survived by his grandchildren, Alexander and Megan.
To celebrate Jan’s life, a memorial visitation will be held on Friday, August 11, 2023, from 2 - 4 pm at the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph. All are welcome.
Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL (519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com).
Memorial contributions to the Rotary Club of Guelph would be appreciated.
A tree will be planted in memory of Jan C. Jofriet in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.