Jay Nijholt Scholarship

• Sports: Soccer
• Citizenship: Canadian
• Activities (Not Required): Entrepreneurship
• Financial Need (Not Required)

This scholarship is in honor of our friend, teammate and family member William (Jay) Nijholt. 

Jay was passionate about soccer and being an entrepreneur and we wanted this scholarship to reflect that. He had played soccer since he was 4 years old, and was always very involved in the soccer community, playing for multiple teams each year. 

His business, Pavilion Fire Protection, provided fire protection services throughout the Okanagan region (BC) and beyond designing and installing fire suppression systems in buildings of all sizes.

Jay was taken from us suddenly this year, but we would love for his legacy to live on, and to give someone in the soccer community a leg up in achieving their dreams through education. We are looking for someone who is resilient in the face of adversity, has an entrepreneurial spirit, and a solid educational plan.   

We are also sensitive to someone that may have been touched by mental illness, either themselves or with someone close to them. Mental illness awareness is important to all of us putting this together including Jay's family. 

Jay's obituary (2022): 

It is with complete and utter sadness that we  regretfully announce the sudden passing of Jay Nijholt on September 2,  2022.  Jay was a funny, ambitious and charismatic friend to all. He  always filled the room with his signature laugh.  He is survived by his  mother, Sherry, his father, Frits, his sister, Tamara (Shane), his  brother, Cory (Brittany), his niece, Nevaeh, and his world and stars,  his fiancée, Nadine. There are also countless aunts, uncles, cousins,  friends, team mates and coworkers who share in this tragic loss.  Jay  had a zest for life that few could match. He loved snowboarding,  concerts, and beach volleyball, but soccer was his passion. It was this  passion that brought him and Nadine together. Jay was a perfectionist in  his trade and was a true professional. He took immense pride in his  work, and took great care of his employees. All who knew him were truly  blessed. Today,  take the time to reach out to those you love, and tell them how much  they mean to you. Not one of us is guaranteed tomorrow, so be sure to  live for today. We know Jay always did.

Pareto Systems is an industry-leading business development firm dedicated to the elite professionals and companies within the fee-for-service sector. Duncan MacPherson and his team of consultants work with professionals in a wide range of fields including Financial Services, Insurance, Accounting, Legal, Mortgage, and Consulting to create predictable, sustainable, and duplicable businesses. Pareto Systems is well known for its approach which is based on best practices and for its focus on implementation.

The Pareto Systems' community sponsored one of Jay's soccer teams; 'Pareto Systems FC'. Jay was also co-manager of the team for many years. The year he passed, 2022, his team won the division.