Jan Erik Halvorsen

Jan Erik Halvorsen passed away peacefully with his family by his side, October 5, 2019 at the age of 77 years. 

Remembered and sadly missed by his loving wife Karen, his daughter Lisa Verhagen (Paul), son Brent Halvorsen (Teresa), daughter Cheryl Rathbone Das (Grant), eight grandchildren: Matthew, Amanda, Cael, Kelly, Bailey, Gaven, Maya, and Jada, three great grandchildren: Ryan, Zoe, and Aria, his sister Liv Doran (Don), his niece Sonja, nephews Don, Robert, Christian and sisters-in-law Lynda Krebs (Bruce) and Janet Selinger (Patrick). Sadly predeceased by his parents Alfred and Solveig Halvorsen, and brother Oivinds Halvorsen.

Born in Ski, Norway on July 17, 1942, Jan resided on the family homestead with his parents Alfred and Solveig, sister Liv and brother Oivinds.  After the family suffered a terrible loss of a family member, they decided to leave Norway and immigrated to Canada in 1953.

Jan spent most of his career working on the tugboats for Island Barge and Seaspan International. His deep-sea expeditions took him from the Gulf of Mexico all the way to Japan. While closer to home, his work took him up and down the west coast of the United States and British Columbia, as far north as Alaska.  For a brief period in between jobs he owned and operated two restaurants in Kamloops, B.C.

Jan retired from Seaspan at the age of 54, shortly after marrying the love of his life Karen, in 1996. Together they joined the Harley Owner’s Group Delta Chapter and embarked on a six-week honeymoon on their Harley Davidson, the other love of his life. They enjoyed many years riding together before selling the bike in 2010.

Jan and Karen built their retirement home in Peachland, B.C. in 2003. They lived there thirteen years before moving to a townhouse in 2016. Jan loved Peachland and could be found every morning at his favourite local coffee shop, swapping stories and visiting with his friends.  Jan touched the lives of so many people with his kindness and generosity. He was well loved by all who knew him for his caring nature and willingness to lend a helping hand.  Safe travels Jan, until we meet again…

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 9, 2019

from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at:

The Terraces

#101 – 5300 Huston Road,

Peachland, B.C.