Janis Kazaks died on 22 May 2022 at the Bess and Moe Greenberg Hillel Lodge in Ottawa, aged 76, after a brutal but valiant battle with Alzheimer’s. He leaves his wife Kristina Guiguet utterly bereft. Leaves sons Gunars and Olavs Kazaks, grandchildren Everley and Kelton Kazaks, dear cousins Rena Princis (Chris), Eric Princis (Michelle), Sylvia Princis (Craig), kind sister-in-law Jackie Kazaks, nephews Alex and Peter Kazaks. Mourned by devoted American nieces and nephews who stayed in close touch: Emily Prosise (Chris), Julia Kazaks (Judd), Karl Kazaks (Jane), Hazen, Kris, and Maia Kazaks. Predeceased by beloved brothers Klavs and Peter Kazaks. Missed by close friends Anna Ozers, Barbara and Stuart Robertson, Allan and Mira Culham, and John Kebe. Janis was loving, kind, funny, charming, poetic, gracious and brave. He lived an adventurous life of service in international aid in Africa; see his fine photographs online at Tales from Janis: A Peripatetic Life https://aperipateticlife.weebly.com/tales-from-Janis. To help others through science, he did a drug trial and donated his brain to Alzheimer’s research. Warm thanks to carer Brigitte Billings and all the Hillel staff who loved him and made him laugh, especially Dr. Uppal, Sue Burnell-Jones, Patrick St.-Hillien, Christine Acres, Elyn Ilagan, Rojarek Wright, Shoshana Assante. Per Janis’s wishes, cremation has occurred and he will rest at Beechwood Cemetery with his parents. A private celebration will be held at a later time. In his memory, be good to some one today.
Digital Guestbook
Emily Prosise
Peter Victor
I only met Janis a few times but I remember his warm smile and kind manner. My condolences to Kristina and all the family.
Hillary Nangle
Our love to you Kristina.
Our love to Gunars & Olavs, to all who loved Janis!
What a perfect photo, I can almost hear his voice.
So very sorry for your loss.
Hillary
Barbara and Stuart Robertson
Such an amazing guy. An honour to be amongst his friends
Anne Ormsby
I'm so sorry, Kristina. I never met Janis, but knew from you, that he was a wonderful, caring husband and father. From his obituary, it seems that he has a large, supportive family. Hopefully, you will have comfort knowing that you had true love with Janis. Love you, Anne
Adam, Marina, and Oliver
We are so sorry to hear about your great loss. Words at times like these never do justice to what we want to convey, nor to what could ever give you comfort, but know that our family’s thoughts are with you during this extremely difficult time.
With deepest condolences,
Marina, Adam, and Oliver Waldie
Cori Feeguson
Kristina, I am so sorry. I know how much you and Janis loved each other. That live will live forever.
Julia Kazaks
Our world and our family have lost a kind man. Janis was a warm and supportive uncle. He was the first adult to talk to me about pop music, singing the praises of the Eurythmics that particular day. And when his father, my grandfather, told me in my tween years in the 1980s that I should not plan to be a lawyer because that would be too difficult for a woman, Janis spirited me off for a drive and a one-on-one conversation and told me I could be anything I want to be, including a lawyer. I am now 25 years into my legal career that has taken me around the world and to prisons, boardrooms, and Zoom calls. Thank you, Janis.
Karey and Nick Shinn
Janis would have really liked this notice of his passing. May we all be remembered so well. With love, Karey and Nick Shinn
Rob Clipperton
Dear Kristina,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved Janis. I know he and you have lived with this horrific disease for so long. You were a stellar caregiver to him and I’m sure he knew how much he was loved and treasured.
I met Janis only a few times back in the day when Stuart, Barbara and I, along with a few others, would gather in your living room to sing. I remember him as warm, welcoming and thoughtful. I have fond memories of those days.
Hang onto the memories of happier times Kristina. They will help get you through the difficult days, weeks and months ahead.
Sincerely,
Rob
Rest in Peace dear Uncle Janis. Bučas.