Janet Clare Bavelas

Janet Beavin Bavelas died peacefully among friends at Victoria Hospice, December 12, 2022. She is predeceased by her father (Donald Helmick), brother (Gary Helmick), sister (Kay Helmick), mother (Helen Ross), and many beloved pets. Jan was born on February 12, 1940, in Portland, Oregon and grew up in Forest Grove, Oregon. In 1970, she moved to Victoria to accept a position as a professor at University of Victoria, Department of Psychology, where she worked until 2005. Jan’s intense curiosity about the nature of face-to-face dialogue motivated her up to her last days. Jan was a generous mentor and collaborator, a prolific writer, a creative thinker, a meticulous and influential scholar, and a loyal friend. She had a well-known passion for Newfoundland dogs and enjoyed walking with them in local parks, hosting “Newf” Sundays on her property, and volunteering with her therapy dogs. Her friends are most grateful for the compassionate, personalized care Jan received from health care professionals at the RJH palliative oncology ward and Victoria Hospice. Donations in Jan’s honour can be made to Victoria Hospice (https://victoriahospice.org/). Friends will host a celebration of her life at the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd, Victoria, BC on February 5, at 10:00 am.