July 11, 1944 – October 15, 2026
Jan Lister Samuelsen passed away on Thursday October 15, 2026, in Moncton, New Brunswick, leaving behind a family and community who loved him dearly and will miss him deeply.
Born on July 11, 1944, in Montreal, Quebec, Jan was the beloved son of Borgny (Bolla) Bentsen and Odd Samuelsen. He attended Sedbergh School in Montebello, Quebec, and Lower Canada College in Montreal.
Jan began his career working in the family business as a ship chandler, a path that brought him to Atlantic Canada. While working in Saint John, New Brunswick, he met his former wife, Norma Samuelsen. Together, they moved to Halifax, where they raised their two children, Janna and Kendall. Jan built one of the first homes in Silversides. Later he relocated to the Sackville New Brunswick region working in sales including a number of ventures with his brother, Ove Samuelsen.
Jan was a man of deep faith who believed in the importance of kindness, generosity, and helping others. He was dedicated to giving back to his community, serving as a member of the Rotary Club, long term volunteer at Moncton Hospital, and generously giving his time to help others. His kindness and willingness to lend a hand reflected the genuine care he had for those around him.
Above all, Jan cherished his family. To his grandchildren, he was lovingly known as Bestefar. His granddaughters will forever treasure memories of family summer vacations to Prince Edward Island, and ski trips to Maine and Quebec. A true Norwegian at heart, Jan loved the cold water and the outdoors. During family vacations, he would spend hours playing in the ocean with his grandchildren, embracing every opportunity to laugh, play, and make memories with them. He had a special gift for making children feel loved, and he never lost his enthusiasm for spending time with them.
When he was younger, he also enjoyed frequent trips to the family cottage in the Laurentians with his parents and brother Ove. In his later years, Jan treasured spending summers at Parlee with his dear friends Ann and Leo. These cherished memories, spanning different chapters of his life, reflected Jan’s love of family, friendship, and time spent with those closest to him.
Jan had a wonderful sense of humour and a playful spirit that made him a joy to be around. He approached life with a childlike wonder, finding happiness in the simplest things and never losing his enthusiasm for the world around him. Whether enjoying a sweet treat alongside his beloved black coffee or fixing something that needed attention, Jan had a way of bringing his own special charm to everyday life. He was generous, kind, and always ready to share a laugh. He lived life to the fullest, with an open heart and a genuine appreciation for the people and moments that made life special.
Jan will be remembered as one of the kindest souls anyone could meet: a loving father then grandfather, faithful man, and cherished friend. He cared deeply for his family, friends, and community, always finding ways to give, help, and bring a smile to those around him. His love, laughter, playful spirit, and the countless memories he created will remain in the hearts of his family forever.
Jan was predeceased by his parents, Borgny (Bolla) Bentsen and Odd Samuelsen, and his brother, Ove Samuelsen, who passed away in 2024.
He is survived by his former wife, Norma Samuelsen; his daughter, Janna Ellsmere, and her husband, James Ellsmere, and their daughters, Madeline, Rachel, Genevieve, and Ruby Ellsmere; and his son, Kendall Samuelsen, and his wife, Krista Samuelsen, and their children, Mya and Blake Samuelsen.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Fergusons Funeral Home & Fergusons Crematorium, 1657 Mountain Road, Moncton, NB E1G 1A5, (506) 858-1995. In keeping with Jan’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 11:00 am from Fergusons Funeral Home Chapel. Online condolences may be shared at
https://vimeo.com/event/6286200/embed/interaction
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