It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jaan Klaas on May 13th, 2025, at the age of 97. Jaan was predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 years, Ellen Klaas (née Bryden). He was a devoted father to Peter (Robin) Klaas and Martha Klaas–Capirchio, and a cherished Granda to Devon (Cameron), Koral (Jay), Madison and Adam Klaas, and Alexus and Maia Capirchio. Jaan shared a lifelong bond with his nephew David Bryden, whom he helped raise. He will also be fondly remembered by his many relatives in Canada, and by his cousins, nieces, nephews, and their families in Estonia.

At just 16 years old, Jaan bravely left his home on the island of Kihnu, Estonia, escaping World War II by boat to Sweden. In 1949, he immigrated to Canada, where he would soon meet Ellen, the love of his life. Though he built his life in Canada, Jaan remained deeply connected to his Estonian roots and cherished every visit back to his homeland. He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Olga and Mihkel Klaas, and his cherished sisters.

Jaan "Granda", was truly one of a kind. He was known for his colourful stories, his nonchalant way of recounting an extraordinary life, his love of the beach, the sea, and his sailboats, and the joy he brought to every gathering with his accordion. His family will forever treasure the memories made during his final trip to Estonia in the summer of 2023, a journey that brought him immense happiness. On the day of his passing, church bells rang out on Kihnu, announcing his earthly departure and guiding him home to heaven.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Estonian Foundation of Canada in memory of Jaan.

Järelhüüe

KLAAS, Jaan. 10. oktoober 1927 - 13. mai 2025

Teatame sügava kurbusega, et 13. mail 2025. aastal lahkus meie hulgast 97aastasena Jaan Klaas. Jaan järgnes oma naisele Ellen Klaasile (neiupõlvenimega Bryden), kellega ta oli 60 aastat abielus, enne kui naine maisest elust ära kutsuti. Ta oli oma lastele Peter Klaasile (Robin) ja Martha Klaas-Capirchiole väga pühendunud isa. Kalliks vanaisaks pidasid teda ka lapselapsed Devon (Cameron), Koral (Jay), Madison ja Adam Klaas, ning Alexus ja Maia Capirchio. Eluaegne kiindumus sidus Jaani ja tema naise õepoega David Brydenit, keda ta kasvatada aitas. Hellalt jäävad teda mäletama paljud Kanada sugulased ja Eestis elavad nõbude järglased, õelapsed ja nende lapsed koos peredega.

Jaan oli ainult 16aastane ja väga vapper, kui ta pidi kodusaarelt Kihnust lahkuma ja paadiga Eestist Rootsi põgenema, et pääseda Teise maailmasõja küüsist. 1949. aastal emigreerus ta Kanadasse, kus kohtas peagi oma eluarmastust - Ellenit. Kuigi ta rajas uue elu Kanadasse, jäi Jaan elu lõpuni tihedalt seotuks oma Eesti juurtega ja rõõmustas iga kord, kui kodumaad külastas. Enne teda lahkusid meie hulgast ta armastatud vanemad, Olga ja Mihkel Klaas ning talle lähedased õed.

“Vanaisa” Jaan oli tõeliselt ainulaadne inimene. Ta jäi meelde oma värvikate lugude poolest, samuti seetõttu, et ta jutustas oma erakordsest elust, nagu möödaminnes. Mäletatakse, kuidas ta jumaldas randa, merd ja paate, ning kuidas kõik rõõmustasid, kui ta kohtumistel akordioni mängis. Ta perekonna jaoks on igaveseks hindamatud mälestused viimasest ühisest reisist Eestisse, mis toimus 2023. aasta suvel. Sellel reisil oli “Vanaisa” väga õnnelik.