Don Jantzen

In 1950, Brother Jantzen started working at the Vancouver Plywood Division of 'Mac Blo'. On his first coffee break he joined the IWA.

In the early 60's, Brother Jantzen became an IWA Shop Steward and rose through the ranks to Plant Chairman at Vancouver Plywood; the largest plywood plant in the world employing 1,200 workers.

Don also became active in the NDP and held Executive positions including President of the Burnaby Willingdon Constituency Association. In 1972, Don's MLA, Jim Lorimer, was called upon to serve as provincial Minister of Municipal Affairs in the new NDP administration and he asked Brother Jantzen to serve as his Executive Assistant.

The unfortunate defeat of the NDP government saw Don's return to Vancouver Plywood. By 1976 he was elected to the IWA Local 217 Executive and shortly after assigned to the IWA Regional Council's organizing staff by then president, Jack Munro.

Brother Jantzen's organizing duties came to an end when Syd Thompson asked him to return and serve as a Business Agent for IWA Local 217, a role in which his dedication and determination served not only his fellow members, but the broader community as well.

In 2000, Don was the recipient of the Syd Thompson Award for Outstanding Community Service. In 2001, he was presented with a plaque to mark his outstanding leadership role while serving as a Government Relations Advisor to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, an organization where he served several years as a Director. Both Don and his late wife, Joan, were presented with the esteemed Burnaby Fire Fighters Union Award for Volunteer Service.

The last eight years of Don's work life have been spent as Community Relations Coordinator for Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan. His experience, work ethic and wonderful good humour shall be missed at Burnaby City Hall and by his many community contacts.

Don's many friends, family and colleagues are delighted to honour this great guy on the occassion of his retirement.