Obituary of Jacobus Salentijn
To our loving Papa, Jaap Salentyn (Salentijn) January 11, 1947 - May 22, 2025
With very heavy hearts, we share the passing of our Jaap (Jack) Salentyn — a devoted partner of 49 years to Carrie, a loving father to Michael and myself (Bianca), a proud father-in-law to Sasha, and the best Opa to his beloved Rosalie and twin grandsons, Frasier and Henry. He was also a cherished son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend to many.
At 23 years old, Papa immigrated from Holland with $40 in his pocket, a refrigeration diploma, and the phone number of a friend of a friend. Through grit, kindness, and determination, he built a life full of love and left a legacy that will live on through all who knew him. In his final weeks, the constant presence of family and a steady stream of visitors showed just how deeply he was loved.
Papa was known for his gentle spirit, sharp wit, inquisitive mind, and deep love for his family and friends. He and Mama built a successful life together, founding Delta Cooling — a successful business now carried on by Brad DeVet. To our Brad, Papa was incredibly proud of you and your accomplishments.
Papa and Mama raised Michael and I in what we fondly called an “idyllic childhood in the woods.” Our house is a testament to Papa’s commitment to his family - from its design that gave his children the best views of the river, to working endlessly on nights and weekends (after already working long hours during the day) to complete the build with his own hands. Papa wanted only the best for his family and the memories we created in that house speak to the love that went into its foundation. Papa was a gentle, kind, hilarious and loving father and the home will always remind me of that.
Papa and Mama also endured unimaginable grief with the tragic loss of our Michael at the age of 23. Papa remained incredibly proud of Michael for who he was as a person and his accomplishments as a Commercial Aviation Management graduate and a licensed commercial pilot. Papa took great comfort in knowing Michael’s legacy will live on through the P. Michael Salentijn Memorial Award at Western University.
A visit to see Papa at home meant enjoying his famous kroketten made from a secret family recipe, or having his delicious nasi goreng, guitar music in the air, and lively conversations about Manchester United, Dutch football and Formula 1. He especially loved reminiscing about the Montreal Grand Prix he attended with his brother-in-law Ron — a highlight he spoke of often. For the last five years, nothing brought him more joy than time with his precious grandchildren, who counted down the days until they would be with Opa and Oma again.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to the incredible Oncology Team at Victoria Hospital, the Bluewater Palliative Care Centre and the Bayshore Nursing Unit, especially nurse Grace Nixon who helped us during Papa’s final weeks. Also, thank you to James, Connie and their wonderful Pharmasave team who went above beyond to help papa. We would like to also thank Steve for all of your kind visits, and the help from our wonderful family who stayed with Papa and Mama to help make his wishes to be at home as comfortable as possible. Your care, love and compassion meant the world to us.
Honoring Papa’s wishes, there will be no funeral. Instead, these funds will be directed to his grandchildren's education.
So next time you hear a Spanish guitar, watch a Manchester United match, pour a delicious glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or spot a red polo worn just right — please take a moment and think of Papa.
We leave you with some of our favourite photos of Papa and a message from his five-year-old granddaughter, Rosalie:
“You were the greatest Opa ever with all of the things. We are going to blow a kiss to you on an invisible string and I know everywhere are you. I miss you and I love you.”
We love you, Papa. Thank you for everything, especially for making us laugh through our tears during your final weeks with us. Please give our guy a BIG hug and kiss from us. Miss you beyond words.
Arrangements entrusted to the T. Harry Hoffman & Sons Funeral Home, Dashwood.
