Jan Willem Schep
1957-2022
Jan Willem Schep - 64, of Centreville, passed away peacefully at the Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville on January 13, 2022, after a short battle with cancer. Born in Benschop, the Netherlands, on September 21, 1957, he was a son of the late Teunis Pieter and Antje (Uijterlinde) Schep.
Jan grew up on a dairy/apple farm with Agri-tourism on the side and learned at a young age the importance of growing crops, quality of milk and meat as well as interacting with seasonal tourists. Although he always wanted to become an electrician, family circumstances led him to partner with his parents on the family farm and later to continue the dairy farm on his own. Jan was known as a gentle soul who was always willing to lend a hand. He had a great ear for music and operated for years a DJ-business with one of his long-time friends. Many people would remember their great taste for music. Jan was an avid athlete and loved volleyball, long-jump and hurdles, as well as running and road-biking. Jan met his former wife during one of those volley-ball events and together they started a family and were blessed over the years with five sons.
Jan was known for his eye for detail and beauty which was especially obvious in his photography. He was a talented hobby photographer who shot many weddings and also developed his own photos. Jan had a heart for people; he dedicated his free time to support youth at risk. He also offered time and space for collecting clothes and food for the people in need. He collaborated with Dorcas International and had a weekly group of volunteers helping to sort clothes and put together food boxes.
It was then that he grew a desire to start a new adventure, immigrating to Canada. Plans were made, and the family moved in January of 2006 to Nova Scotia. During the first year of immigration, Jan showed indications of a mental illness causing him to take a step back and spend more time on his own. He withdrew slowly from family and social connections to live a more secluded life. He spent most of his days walking in his neighbourhood and was often seen with a backpack on making steady and long strolls. In October of 2016, Jan hit a low spot with his well-being and was admitted to the hospital for mental care. Medical intervention improved his condition and led to a renewed and increased contact with his children. He loved to go on walks and rides with his boys, enjoying the scenery, an ice-cream or watching a Dutch soccer game online. Those were good years. Unfortunately, his physical condition declined last November, and cancer was diagnosed by the end of the year. Although he had his hopes for treatment, the cancer was too aggressive leading to his sudden death. In all of Jan’s journey in life he put his trust and hope in the Lord his God and Saviour.
Jan is survived by his children, Lourens, Lower Sackville; Willem and Elaine (Nichols), Berwick; Tjeerd, Halifax; Reyer, IJsselstein, the Netherlands; and Freek, North Alton; as well as his former wife, Annemarie Stigter, North Alton. Jan was a proud ‘Opa’ to his granddaughter, Laelia Marie, Berwick. Besides his parents, Jan was predeceased by his infant sister, Riekie, Benschop, the Netherlands, and nephew, Ronnie, Loenen a/d Vecht, the Netherlands; and survived by his siblings, Aart (Elly), Benschop, the Netherlands; Joke (Jan) Karens, Loenen a/d Vecht, the Netherlands; and Hennie (Fabrizio) Della Manna, Rome, Italy.
The family welcomes visitors on January 16, 17 and 18th between 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. at 36 Beech Hill Road, North Alton. Please contact one of the family members to confirm a time. A private funeral is scheduled for Wednesday, January 19 at 2 p.m. and can be followed online at www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com. Private burial will take place directly following the funeral service. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted in the care of the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville.
The family wants to thank the medical staff at Valley Regional Hospital and the hematology clinic at the Victoria General Hospital for their professional and loving care during the past two months as well as the care of the staff at the psychiatry unit of the Valley Regional Hospital over the past 5.5 years. The family also wants to thank everyone who offered prayer and support during the past two months. Donations in memory may be made to the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, or the Portal Youth Outreach Association, or Open Arms Kentville.