Dr. Cornelis (Ken) De Jager

I had a root canal once... Wasn't that trick he did when injecting the needle unbelievable? He gave my parents the idea for a $100 reward if you reach 13 without a cavity. At the age of 36, I still don't have a cavity. : ) Thanks for being our dentist.

Today I learned of the passing of Dr. Ken DeJager. Ken had been my dentist since 1982, for almost 30 years up to his retirement. After living in Toronto for 3 years I returned to the Burnaby area. It was while I lived in Toronto that I experienced dentistry without freezing. Upon returning to Burnaby I went through the Yellow Pages seeking a dentist that offered Nitric Oxide as an alternative to freezing. Ken was the first dentist that I came across offering this alternative. Consequently Ken became my dentist from that point forward. Ken would always say that I made him feel like a villain for not allowing the freezing. We always had a chuckle over this. Ken was always personable, friendly and a wonderful dentist and individual. I am sure I speak for anyone who ever new Ken that he will be sadly missed. Life is short and we must embrace it. My deepest condolences to his family. With sincerity, Chris Nielsen, Maple Ridge BC

I was very saddened to hear of Dr. De Jager's passing. He was my only dentist since my first visit in 1989 up until his retirement. He was THE dentist for the entire La and Luong family for so many years. As frightening a visit can be for a child, he made it easy for me to go for each 6-month visit over 23 years. He was always lighthearted and such a sweet man. Even after his retirement, he reached out to my mom who was diagnosed with breast cancer to see how she was doing and express his support. Our hearts go out to the friends and family around this time.

Dear Alice, I am so shocked and upset to learn of Ken's passing. He was such a dear soul, who brought happiness to all those around him!!! Always smiling and always with a sense of self deprecating humour!!! He was well loved by all and pickleball will never be the same without him. The last time that I saw Ken, we talked about his upcoming trip to Africa. I was so excited for the both of you; and wanted to learn of your adventures upon returning back home. He was modest about his good fortune and told me that he always enjoyed these big trips; but what he enjoyed more; were the trips he took with his entire family. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family at this extremely difficult time. Kathleen Ursel

Dear Mrs. Dejager It is with great sadness that I read about Dr. DeJager's death. Your husband cared for both my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Luksun, for may years with much kindness, thoughtfulness and warm friendship. I will always remember my Mom and Dad speaking of him with such respect and appreciation. Your husband was an amazing man and his warm personality preceded his excellent reputation as a fine dentist and a wonderful person. I will always remember and appreciate the kindness he showed my parents. We were particularly touched to receive his kind note when my Mom passed away almost four years ago. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. We wish you peace and joy in the wonderful memories that you will hold dear. Best regards and sincere sympathy, Ivy Chan

We are so sorry to hear this news. Dr. de Jager was my dentist during my teen/young adult years... and was such a nice man with a fun sense of humour. Our sympathies and prayers go out to his family. May the Lord grant you His comfort and peace and uphold you in His everlasting arms. From the Beugelink family.

Mrs. De Jager and Family, Please accept my condolences. I learned of Ken's passing when I attended his former practice last week. Ken was my dentist from 1971 until his recent retirement. Ken, always the professional, had a smile and was full of good humour. The only time he did not was when I saw him on the same day that my sister had attended his office. She tended to be high-strung when it came to dental work. He said that he always missed a good night's sleep prior to her scheduled appointment. I think Ken was grateful when she attended another dentist's office upon taking up residence in Port Coquitlam. Oh yes, after her departure his sense of humour returned! Whenever Ken had a nice brown tan he would always thank me for sending him on his most recent trip to another tropical vacation destination. Although he extended his appreciation for my repeated need of his services, it was the accompanying mischievous smile that said it all!! I made it very clear to him that a true sense of appreciation would be obvious had he invited me along for an all expense paid trip. Another one of his favourite techniques was to fill my mouth with all kinds of dental tools, instruments or protective rubber sheets, and then begin to ask me all kinds of questions about my work, family or anything else that he could think of. When all I could do was produce a muffled grunt, he would laugh and say "I guess you can't answer, can you?" I missed Ken when he retired. I had retired from policing prior to his full retirement and we often spoke about how much I enjoyed the freedom and what he planned to do when retired. I enjoyed, respected and appreciated Ken. Just think what this country, this world, would be like if more people possessed the values and personality that Ken was blessed with. Unfortunately I was unable to attend the celebration of Ken's life. However, it is important to me that I pass on my thoughts and feelings about Ken. Ken will rest in peace and he was, and will continue to be, blessed by God. With sadness, I pray for Ken and Family. Garry Lester.

Dear Alice, children and grand children, Our heartfelt condolences with the loss of an incredible husband, father and grandfather. We only heard of his passing away this morning at Langley CRC via a friend of your family. Even though we have lost contact over the years, mainly due to our moving to Mexico, we still have great memories of our many visits and even a ski trip together way back when. This morning we have been confronted again with the shortness of our lives here on earth. The Lord has graduated Ken to Glory, something that awaits us all who believe in Him. We just don't get a say in when we want to be graduated. The thought of being re-united again someday is a blessed hope, but in the meantime, it can be a difficult and lonely time without Ken here. May the Lord be near each one of you and be your Guide as you experience the low and sad days.

I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father. I was a patient of Dr. De Jaeger for many years and in fact, have returned to his office again after finding that my new dentist in Coquitlam, just couldn't fill his shoes. I loved him as my dentist and told him that I would come in from Mission to see him, if I lived there. I always felt well taken care of and very comfortable around him. I started going to his office as a teenager and am now 52 years old. My son is now almost 19 and has had him as his dentist as well for so many years.(since he was about 2 years old) We were so sad when he retired and tried to find a replacement in Coquitlam where we live, but no one could match his kindness so we returned and are now Dr. Rulka's patients. I am so stunned by this news and very upset. On our last dental visit with him before he retired, I took a picture of him and my son and I will treasure it always. He was always so happy, kind, patient and comforting and I will miss him very much. No matter what, I always trusted his professional opinion . I am so sorry that you have lost such a wonderful person, so suddenly. He will be forever remembered very fondly by my son and I. I have a very heavy heart but please know that everyone he met, must have felt better just by simply knowing him. He will be very sadly missed as he was a very big part of my life and felt almost like family. My thoughts are with you, your family and his work colleagues during this very difficult time. Sincerely, Rose Gindl ( and Stuart Lord)

Dear Alice and family, It is with great sadness that we heard of dear Dr. De Jager’s passing. He has held a very special place in our hearts for a long time now. I started as a patient with him the very first week he was in practice and our whole family then went to him until he retired. Going to Dr. De Jager didn’t really feel like we were going to the dentist. None of us wanted him to leave – and yet we understood that he was looking forward to this next phase of his life – where he would have more time to spend with his family, doing things he loved to do with you all. His departure will leave a void that will always be felt – but we hope that the many special memories you have acquired over the years will sustain you at this difficult time. Very sincerely, Monique Truchon, Ted Cashman and family

Alice and Family, You are in our thoughts and prayers. May the Lord will surround you with his loving arms and give you comfort and all you need as you go on from here. Sterkte Bert and Anne Van Hove (We were not able to go to the service but felt privileged to share through the computer.)

I was saddened to read of Ken's passing. I taught him in grade 10 at Burnaby Central in 1961 and often thought about him because I was so impressed with the excellence of his character. I did discover that he had become a dentist and intended to visit him at his office. Now I much regret not having at least touched base with with this very fine man. This was my loss. Clearly, yours is much greater and now, at least, I can offer my condolences. Please accept them. With sympathy, Frank H. Allder

I was very shocked and saddened to hear about Ken's passing. I enjoyed meeting and talking with him, he had such a fun-loving personality and a kind nature. I am very glad he had such a wonderful life and wonderful family too, I know he spoke of you all often and loved his family more than anything. I wish you all the best during this difficult time. Tara Kingman, Assistant to Dr Brent Hehn

I will always remember Dr Dejager for his tremendous patience and fun loving spirit. He was the first one to ever take me waterskiing and I spent many hours in the Dejager's home as a high schooler. He never raised his voice to us and always was approachable, which was vitally important to a teenager. I would do best to emulate the kindness he displayed toward his friends, family and all others around me.

We are so sorry to hear about Ken's sudden passing. Our hearts and prayers go out to you. May you experience God's strength and peace during this difficult time. Ken was our family's dentist for 30 or so years--always pleasant and interested in everyone.