Jenny Ransom

A selection of pictures of our dearest friend, Jenny, during our visit to Canada in 2001. We had so many happy times and have cherished memories - from Rhodes University days, the wedding on the farm in Tweespruit, Windhoek, Nature's Valley, Thailand and Vancouver to Stanford and Cape Town in the Western Cape. You enriched our lives, Jen, and we are devastated at having lost you.

Jenny Sisters/siblings always have a special place in one’s life, which is difficult to put into words, and as Tony, Andrew and David have expressed everything so well in their tribute to Jenny, there really isn’t much to add! Jenny, Stoff/Ian and I grew up on a big farm in the Free State (South Africa). We had a very happy, carefree childhood and as our father used to say ‘Kgomo, boela ha eno u holile’ (cattle, return to where you grew up, home is best). Generally got on very well together, although we could sometimes fight like cats and dogs! Jenny always loved animals. One day I remember her saying that she couldn’t sleep in her bed because she had to leave space for the dogs! For a while the family looked after our aunt’s little bird, Charlie, an African love bird. He loved Jenny and used to sit on her shoulder. Sometimes she had to stay in her old, tatty dressing gown almost all day because Charlie liked to hide in her pocket! When each of us was about 9 years old we were sent off, in turn, to boarding school. The schools were over 600km away and we only saw our parents during holidays, so the 3-month terms were long. Apart from initial homesickness we were generally happy at school. Jenny did well academically and in sport. She was always very popular because of her positive and bubbly personality and had lots of friends (and later lots of boyfriends because she was very pretty!) At university, her social life took precedence over academic studies but she did obtain her degree and teacher’s diploma. After Jenny left university, she and Tony got married. They first lived in Windhoek (Namibia) and then moved to Canada. As we were then so far apart, we didn’t see that much of one another, but Tony and Jenny did come to South Africa as often as they could and both Stoff and I visited them in Canada on a few occasions. Jenny was an excellent hostess and tour guide and always planned things which she knew visitors would enjoy. For example, for the family: the parliament buildings for Stoff, Canada’s Wonderland for the boys when they were younger, Borchard Gardens for me, etc! Jenny and Tony were both so good at being supportive and Jenny was always there in times of sadness and tragedy, but they also made a special effort to come to all the celebrations and special events like weddings, Bruce’s Paralympics (I am so grateful for what they did to help Bruce start his skiing career) and special birthdays. One special memory I have, was my 70th birthday. My boys had arranged a get together at a resort in France. I was only expecting some of my boys and their families. You can imagine my surprise when we stopped at the entrance gate and a car stopped next to us and in it were Jenny, Tony and Stoff all the way from Canada and England!! It was so special that they made the effort. Jenny always made these events great – lots of games, fun and laughter. We are going to miss her SO much. Tsamaea hantle Nthabiseng. Rona bohle re tla o hloka hampe. O phomole ka khotso

Jenny was a dear friend to Ali and I and to many, many others in the Fairwinds community. She will be remembered for her charismatic personality and her service to the community. Ali remembers her leadership and guidance in their Majong group and her loyalty as a long term golf partner. Our fond memories of Jenny includes the New Years Eve party in 2022 hosted by Tony and Jenny which included a mystery to solve, all of us in costume with roles to play in the melodrama. The picture of Jenny wearing a pink wig says it all! Jenny was a lovely lady who will be fondly remembered by all those who knew her. Don and Ali

There are so many that it feels almost impossible to choose, but one especially treasured memory is working together as a team with Jenny on the Christmas puzzles many times. On a lighter note, I remember arriving at Rockhaven for Thanksgiving once, and, when Jenny asked if I’d like a snack (of course!), she suggested there was something called “bobotie” in the fridge and that I could warm it in the microwave. I had never heard of bobotie before and wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Not only was it delicious, but ever since, knowing what it is has given me instant “street cred” whenever I meet someone from South Africa!

We have many fun memories of New Years celebrations at Fairwinds Clubhouse. It was always an event where everyone dressed up and came ready to party. When Jenny was around, we knew we would have a great time. The photo is from 2010. Jenny initiated “les Petit Gourmets”. We are four couples who meet four times a year. The hosting couple decides the theme. The photo shows the master piece Jenny and Tony served us for dessert (I can’t remember the name of the cake) when the theme was Chile. It was delicious!!!

Always a load of fun..... forthright and festive.

When I spoke to Tony shortly after Jenny died, he said that Jenny touched many lives and that’s so true. She certainly touched my life in many ways. Perhaps the most significant was a conversation we once had on the Benchfield lawn - on the green gate side (for those who new Benchfield). I had lost my leg sometime before that and she said to me that I should try skiing. A few years later, I went to Canada to visit the Ransoms and had a fantastic holiday with them. During the holiday Jenny organised a trip to Whistler and introduced me to skiing. That experience changed the course of my life. I spent the next twenty or so years trying to ski as much as I could eventually finishing my ski racing career at the Whistler Paramlympics where Jenny and organised a fantastic holiday for all the family members who came over to watch. Skiing also led me to meet my wife Britta and to our two wonderful sons Richard and Liam. For all of that, I will always be deeply grateful to Jenny and Tony, Andrew, and Dave. In these sad times I try and think back to the many happy moments shared with Jenny. Some of best were playing cards with her. She was so good, and so patient, at explaining new games. She was always a good sport, witty, enthusiastic and good at guiding me and others when we were beginners. That was the spirit for all holidays with the Ransoms which I always loved. I’ll miss Jenny enormously. My heartfelt condolences to the Ransoms to whom Jenny’s passing is an immeasurable loss. I hope the many memories of all the good times with her will give you strength in these sad times. Bruce, Britta, Richard and Liam

We are heartbroken to share the loss of our dear and beloved volunteer and food team coordinator, Jenny Ransom, who passed away on June 2nd. Jenny was the kind of person who showed up reliably, warmly, with sleeves already rolled up and a great sense of humour. Over the years she gave so much of herself to this community, and Nanoose Community Services was lucky to be one of the places she chose to put her energy and her heart. She is so deeply missed by our family of volunteers and participants, and everyone whose life she made better. To Jenny, we miss you and promised to continue to show up for those in need just like you have for years. ❤️

We met Jenny and Tony in 2000, when we were new arrivals in Fairwinds. It didn’t take long for us to become good friends. We have many wonderful memories of great times with Jenny, whether it was golfing with our Friday golf group, kayaking in the Broken Islands, enjoying a game of bridge, wining and dining or travelling to places near and far. The picture included was taken when the 4 of us took a side trip to Spain after golfing in Portugal with a group of Fairwinds friends. We miss our dear friend and cherish the time we had together.

We are so sorry for your and your family's loss. We all, as part of Round Table, had an amazing group of friends. This pic was taken at our home in Windhoek and probably the most memorable pic in our memory. Taken around 1980. We remember Jenny as an amazing friend, fun loving, always up for a party. A great sadness overcomes us just thinking that she is no longer with us. Our prayers are with you and family and our friend Tony. Much love with joy and sadness at the same time. Derek and Beryl Pretoria South Africa

An absolutely lovely lady and a privilege to have known her.

Jenny will be remembered and missed by so many for her warmth, kindness, community spirit, and the lasting friendships she made in Fairwinds. We will always remember her through the many beautiful annual fall bridge getaways that six couples shared over the years—those three day escapes to Tofino, Sidney and Victoria BC. Each trip was filled with laughter, friendship, and the kind of memories that stay with you forever. The ocean, forest walks, amazing food and the cherished times we spent together in those places remain a grateful reminder of how meaningful lasting friendships can be. The world is a little dimmer without Jenny's sparkle.

When Nicola was three years old, she had a friend over for a playdate. Jenny was staying with me at the time, and the girls happily disappeared to play together while we prepared dinner. When the girl’s mother arrived to pick her up, we realized that, in a short amount of time, the three-year-olds had somehow gotten hold of a pair of scissors and given each other haircuts. While it wasn’t a complete disaster, it was exactly the kind of haircut one would expect from a pair of unsupervised preschoolers. Her mother was understandably upset, and I felt terrible because it had happened on my watch. I whispered to Jenny, “Oh no, this woman is so upset. What do I do?” Without missing a beat, she replied, “Well, it’s not like that child didn’t desperately need a haircut.” The timing was perfect. Her unexpected comment cut through all the tension, and I burst out laughing. I remember this, not because of the unfortunate haircut, (their hair grew back!) but because of Jenny’s ability to find humour in a stressful situation and make everything feel a little lighter.

I first met Jenny in Yellowknife, NWT, in 1985. Jenny and Tony were great friends who helped us settle into our new life in the North. Jenny and I were taking canoe lessons one day in Yellowknife. My daughters were sitting nearby and I had just bought them Kentucky Fried Chicken to eat for dinner. Before Jenny and I got into the canoe, Kelly came up to us crying saying someone had stolen their bag of food. Both Jenny and I took chase, myself on foot (luckily I was training for a marathon at the time) and Jenny jumped into her car to head him off once he reached the Main Street. Luckily he dropped the food, all in tact in the brown paper bag, and made his escape. He must have been terrified of these two crazy ladies chasing him down. Jenny and I laughed heartily afterwards, especially about what we would have done had we caught him!!

When I heard about Jenny, my heart broke. I know what you are going through. I loved Jenny. She was the kind of person who made you proud to be her friend. She was thoughtful, kind, the life of the party, and incredibly generous. I can still hear her say, “I’d like to host your book launch,” which brought Tony into the picture as well, big time. You two were such a team. A beautiful life together.

We have known Jenny and Tony for on reflexion, a short window of 20 years, having moved to Fairwinds in 2006. As David has mentioned both were so often the centre and driving force for so many enjoyable social events – from a Halloween fancy dress party (where Jenny delighted in fooling guests with her dark costume) - to New Years eve celebrations, bridge and more recently small dinner parties that focused on travels around the world. Our most recent and lasting memory of Jenny dates from early this year – a very relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable shared trip to Puerto Vallarta Mexico. Attached is a picture taken in a quiet, relaxing moment.