Jan Josin Gijbels of Medicine Hat, beloved friend and brother, passed away after a lengthy illness on October 22, 2023, at the age of 73 years. Jan was born in Amsterdam, Holland on March 30, 1950, and immigrated to Canada in 1953. Jan lived in the Michener Center from 1958 to 1993, at which time he entered the community. He has received day program services from C.O.R.E. in the past and has been with Next Step Residential Services since 2000. Jan loved coffee, pickles, and sweets; he quite often asked for “cookies, candy, ice cream and ketchup”. He enjoyed music, especially classical or country; Jan would tap his toes or fingers to the rhythm and at times wanted to dance. Jan had an electronic keyboard which he liked to tickle the ivories on or listen to staff play for him. One of his favorite songs was “You Are My Sunshine”, he loved listening to this and would finish the lyrics in the song. Jan enjoyed visiting community events in the city such as Parades, the Stampede, The Dream Center, dances and other holiday events. Jan attended Next Step camp and liked to go on day trips in Southern Alberta, as he appreciated the outdoors. He was a polite gentleman who always greeted others with “hello” and a handshake. Jan was predeceased by his parents Anna Catherina and Theodorus Samuel Gybels and is survived by his siblings Annemarie Berryman (Jeff), Allan Gybels (Sandra), Ingrid Mathison (Gary), Ted Gybels (Tamara), and Jack Haley. Jan will be dearly missed by his friends, staff, and other community members. The funeral service will be held in the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor John Willems officiating. The service will be live streamed. Those who wish to attend virtually, please visit pattisonfuneralhome.com and select live streaming, then select the youtube (arrow). To leave a message of condolence you may visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.

• Date : 2023-10-22
• Location : Medicine Hat

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