Honoring Jan: A Day of Remembrance and Celebration
This morning, I had the privilege of participating in the Tour de Jan, an event close to the hearts of many in our local community. Organized to honor our dear friend Jan Vandersluis, the event brought together runners and riders alike to celebrate Jan’s life and the joy he brought to our running and cycling community.
Jan, a beloved local athlete, left us unexpectedly after undergoing a heart procedure. Today’s event was not just about running and riding; it was about coming together to remember Jan and support his wife, Hilary.
The morning began at the iconic Riverbend Park main parking lot, where an amazing turn-out of participants gathered for rides of varying distances and trail runs through our scenic trails. I opted for the 7-mile run, a route that allowed me to reflect on the memories shared with Jan while immersing myself in the beauty of nature.
As I traversed the trails with fellow runners, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to honor Jan’s legacy. Each step was a reminder of the impact he had on our community and the joy he brought to every outing he participated in (did I mention he was also a runner and a swimmer?).
I also want to thank to Valerie Rozzo, who organized the bike ride, and Shelley Flowers, who organized the run. Their dedication and hard work made this event possible, allowing us to come together and pay tribute to Jan in a meaningful way.
Lastly, I want to encourage everyone to continue supporting Hilary during this difficult time. Your presence and support mean the world to her, and together, we can help honor Jan’s memory and keep his spirit alive.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Tour de Jan. Let’s keep Jan’s legacy alive as we continue to run, ride, and cherish the moments spent on our local roads and trails.
Special thanks to Wendy Friedman Marin and Lakin Flowers for the group pic of the Tour de Jan runners!
Comment below (under “Learn anything new?) if you’d like to share your memories of Jan, I will ensure they get to Hilary!
What a wonderful way to celebrate my sweet brother. Many of the family were in Washington state supporting my sister as we celebrated my brother-in-law. He also passed very suddenly, 2 losses in less than 2 months has been unimaginable for our family. Thank you everyone for celebrating Jan.
So sorry to hear that, Franci. The Florida event was nice and everyone indeed was very supportive. Prayers for you and your family during this difficult time.