I am so, so sorry about your family losing what appears to be a beautiful person, husband and father.  I just lost my husband.  I am just so sad for your loss as well.

Connie Phaneuf, Uncle Jim's niece

Jory made an incredible book for Jens' 70th birthday, which is today (1/22/26). Follow this link and you can see it for yourself: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19gtAS256u5W29ak-6k9i264jVYfaeBpC/view?usp=sharing

This is such a huge loss to the arts community in the Willamette Valley. His art and involvement was amazing. His open studio in September was wonderful. I loved seeing all of his work. I am so sad at this loss. 

In sympathy,

Gay Hopkins 

Jens' caring and compassionate heart comes to mind when I think of him.  I didn't see him more than a few times growing up on Maui when I was really little, but I loved my big Brother. We reconnected when my dad was going through heart surgery, and stayed connected through his journey through dementia. Jens and Rebecca lived near my dad, and Jens was so patient and gracious with him through what could be awkward interactions. I lived thousands of miles away, and Jens would take my dad out for lunch when he was having a challenging day, or pick him up from the hospital when dad's caretaker had to leave.  It put dad at ease when he saw Jens walk up to him, and it gave me such peace knowing he was there. I will miss being able to chat with him or read the card I would get now and then catching me up on his life.  Love you Jens... God gave me a gift when he made us siblings. I will miss your beautiful smile and heart.

 The last day I was with him we went to the Monet exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum. At the end of the exhibit there was a table where museum goers could look through books of Monet paintings and be inspired to draw. Most just buried their heads in the books and tried to copy Monet, of course with much mediocrity. Dad kept his head up. He silently started drawing the woman sitting across from us— it was a quick 5 minute sketch. I was impressed he was bold enough to go up to her and tell her that he drew her. She got teary eyed, they hugged. He gave her the drawing and I could tell that gave him much joy. He walked away with a spring in his step. Seeing him happy gave me so much joy. I was so proud of him. I am so proud of him. He had courage and strength in his quiet demeanor. He had such talent. He loved people in the ways he knew how and just wanted everyone to be happy. 

While I was a Partner at NTD Architecture, I had the privilege of collaborating with Jens on multiple projects. There is one effort that was most special in my heart. We had been selected to develop a Transformation Campus Facility Master Plan of Tustin High School for Tustin USD in Southern California. A key step in our process was to conduct a 2-day on campus design charrette where we engaged hundreds of students, staff, and community in the development of concept solutions. Jens was the star of that 2-day effort as well as the follow-up documentation effort. He engaged everyone with enthusiasm along with his trademark smile. Everyone loved that as well as his design and graphic skills. Truly, he was masterful and it was a joy to watch him. A key project that came out of the Facility Master Plan was a new Sports Pavilion. The main feature of this project was a new Gym with arena seating for 2,400. It remains one of my favorite projects of my professional career. After the project was completed it was named "the best public or private high school Gym in Orange County by the Orange County Register".  Several years later we were being considered by Duarte USD to design their new Gym at Duarte High School. They wanted to tour the Tustin HS Sports Complex. On the tour, we were joined by then Superintendent Dr. Greg  Franklin of Tustin USD. Near the end of the tour, Dr. Franklin was asked: "what would you change or do differently with this project?" Dr. Franklin's response was swift.....he said: "I would not change anything......it is perfect." ..........mic drop moment. Thank you Jens for your commitment to design excellence, your fun personality, and your engaging smile and good humor. 

To our Dearest Jens, beloved Artists in Action member, past president and recent judge for our Something Red Art Show. We are so saddened shocked by your passing, but we remember your beautiful, unique and skillful paintings, your warm and friendly smile, your friendliness and genuine caring, your intelligence and knowledge of many things, and the giving of your heart and time to our organization and members.  We see that you have a large and beautiful family, and hope that their hearts are comforted.

Nico was excited about his art today and wished he could have shown his Tutu, "especially because we are both left-handed. " — with Nico and jens

Jens awarding prizes for the AiA Something Red Show — with Jens Robert Lerback