Janis had a deep and lifelong passion for volleyball and was an early pioneer of the sport in British Columbia.
He played on the UBC men’s volleyball team from 1960 to 1965.
In the late 1960s and into the 1970s Janis played on Lee Poulos ’ Spagetti Factory men’s team, which held practices alongside the Calona women’s team, coached by Victor Lindal. It was with coaches, Vic Lindal and later Art Willms, that Janis began his decades long support of women’s volleyball in BC. With the Calonas, later known as the Chimos, Janis was a dedicated volunteer, helping the team capture multiple national titles.
His support and commitment to the team culminated in one of his proudest achievements; being inducted into the volleyball BC Hall of Fame with the 1971 Calonas in 2019.
In the lead up to the 1976 Montreal Olympics, Janis also helped out with the women’s national team, which was training in Vancouver. Players recollect that he was always willing and happy to assist, no hesitation no matter how big or small the task.
Janis didn’t just build success with players. He was a fine craftsman who designed and manufactured the first outdoor volleyball posts used at Winfield camps, which later became the template for beach volleyball courts in Vancouver. Along with Art Willms, Janis founded a company called Volleyball Equipment Services, which liaised with Tachikara in Japan to bring volleyballs, uniforms and volleyball shoes to Canada.
He was renowned as an innovator, a problem solver, and an expert in all things volleyball for the community at large.
Janis will be remembered for his ever present smile, his gentle presence, goodness and commitment, having made our (volleyball) world a better place.
Janis is survived by his beloved spouse, Marilyn; children, Brent Lacis (Christina) and Janessa Lacis (Eirik) and four cherished grandchildren.
To access his obituary and share memories, please visit:
https://www.dignitymemorial.