In Memory of Cary David Christian Jensen
CKBY-FM and Public History Inc
February 19, 1948 – April 29, 2025
It is with great reluctance that we post this notice because Cary always said that as long as his name wasn’t in the obits, he knew he was fine. So this confirms the worst: Cary passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the age of 77. He has left a huge hole in our hearts.
A devoted family man, Cary was an exceptional husband to Val, extraordinary father to Ben (Nina Catsiyannis), Adam (Amanda Kavanagh), Samantha (John Treusch), and Amy (Adam Lafrance), doting grandfather to Georgia Mae, Niko, Ellie, Ingrid, Arlo, Izzy and Josie, and loving brother and brother-in-law to Charles “Bus” (late Shirley), Carl (Marlene), late Clare, and Emily Hueffed (late Robert). He loved family gatherings where we were all together and carrying on in true Jensen style, and he marvelled at what he had wrought. He treasured his friends, some of whom he’d had for almost 60 years, and always enjoyed the chance to get together to solve the world’s problems.
Cary was quick, charming, witty, and irreverent. His creativity and love of music served him and his listeners well during his time at CKBY, while his obsessiveness and attention to detail marked his later work in collecting residential school data for PHI.
But Cary was more than his jobs. He loved, in no particular order, music of all genres, camping, travelling, eating poutine, watching movies where things blow up, Winesdays, on-line shopping (he called it “research”), woodworking, dogs (especially Chester), British TV, editing the QP web site, ranting at the radio, napping, designing things, rollercoasters, telling jokes, singing with his Neverley Brother, dancing in the kitchen with his daughters, cooking up million dollar ideas, canoeing, communing with nature, SpongeBob SquarePants, creating scavenger hunts, drinking craft beer, doing cryptic crossword puzzles, and generally goofing around. He did not like playing cards, board games or any sports.
A celebration of Cary’s amazing life will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at the Heritage Funeral Home, 1250 Trim Rd, Orleans. Gathering will start at 1:00, with Words of Remembrance at 2:00. Please bring your memories and your stories to share. A reception with refreshments will follow.
If desired, donations to the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (Neuroscience Program) or Lymphoma Canada would be appreciated by our family, as well as by the many other families who are dealing with this dreadful disease.
https://www.ohri.ca/programs/neuroscience/default.asp
My condolences on the loss of your husband, and your father. My thoughts are with you as you take this journey.
I didn’t know Cary, but I do know Val and Amy from my many visits to QP. You are both such lovely, joyful women. I’m sorry that you’ve experienced such a tragic loss. I hope you find comfort in the love of family and friends.
I am so sorry to hear of Cary’s passing. I always looked forward to seeing the Jensen family. Please accept my deepest sympathies Val, Amy, Ben, Nina and family.
Memories of Cary of our early days on Cowley Avenue. A supportive, talkative neighbour, always a warm greeting, great with all the kids on the street. Dear Val and the childrens’ families – so sorry for the loss of your husband, father, and grandfather. My sincere condolences.
Val, Sam, Amy and brothers,
I am so sorry for your lost. Sending my heartfelt condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this painful time.
God bless you all.
My deepest condolences to Cary’s family and friends. I was one of the owners of PHI and worked with him up until 2011 when I moved on.
He was always a pleasant and positive force at the company. Always said hi with a smile and was happy to chit chat. The subject matter of his work was difficult to say the least, however Cary always worked diligently because it was important.
I bumped into him a few years ago at a downtown restaurant. Still the same happy guy with a bright smile.
Mark Mongrain
Our sincere condolences on your loss. Our hearts go out to you at this sad time.
Peg and John
Val and family,
I am so sorry for your loss.
Cary and I shared an office for a number of years at Public History. He was always a hoot and a half but also a willing ear when needed.
We shared the same sarcastic bent and always cracked each other up.
He will be greatly missed.
Anneke
My sincere condolences to Cary’s family. I had the pleasure of working with Cary at CKBY “back in the day”. As someone who had just started her career in radio, I appreciated Cary’s advice and his sense of humour, and he spoke of his family with such love and pride. A very special man.
Dear Val and family, sincere condolences.
Joanne and I were surprized and saddened to only hear on the evening of Tue May 20th of Cary’s recent passing. While I knew Cary had mobility issues, I don’t think I recall Val telling me during her walking of the family dog about more serious issues and feel badly that I did I didn’t seek more information about how he was doing.
Our first introduction to the two of you was during the lead up to the June 15, 1997 street party which was also the date of the birth of our first child who arrived within a week of our move onto the same crescent. I recall how “instrumental” both of you were in organizing the party including the music which was well “orchestrated” (pathetic attempt at some puns, but Cary might have had a polite chuckle had he heard these). You both were so welcoming to us and the party that you both worked so hard at seemed a great introduction to us as a couple arriving in a new neighbourhood which seemed to have a lot of joy and such a great spirit, much of it thanks to both of you!
Cary and I would often engage in some form of banter at the bus stop or else walking home about various topics including our jobs but it seems to me we would often end up exchanging “notes” about music of some sort, which I recall peaked his interest; I always found him easy and fun to chat with.
Cary’s presence will undoubtedly be hugely missed by you and your family, Val, but also by his neighbours like Joanne and me and I’m sure many other friends and acquaintances.
God bless.