Tribute

Jake passed away peacefully in the early hours of Dec 20th with his wife by his side. He was predeceased by his eldest daughter, Edith. He will be deeply missed by his family. He is survived by his wife Ursula, children; Judy (Joseph), Krista (David), and David (Karen), grandchildren; Maria (Jonathan), Joshua (Amanda), Michael, Mark (Sheri), Kevin, Scott, Andrew, Jessica, & Zachary, great-grandchildren, Jakob, Jack, & Joseph, and his sister, Elly (Walter).
Jake was born in Halbstadt, Ukraine, and spent much of his childhood helping his mother and sister survive during WWII. His family came to Canada in 1948, where they lived and worked on a farm in McCreary, Manitoba. In 1950, he moved to Yarrow, BC, where he soon met and courted Ursula. They were married on Sept 6, 1953. Jake worked in a variety of occupations when he was younger; as a house mover, truck driver, and electrician among other jobs. However, due to the high cost of having children, Dad focused his attention on becoming a master plumber, and plied his trade for over 40 years.
Jake was a hard worker and often relaxed after work by doing more work and projects around the house. He often found time to help others with home repairs when they weren’t able to complete the work themselves.
When Jake did lay his tools down, he loved nothing more than to pick up his fishing rod and find a quiet lake to catch some fish. He shared his love of fishing with his children and many of his grandchildren. The family has many fond memories of fishing with Dad, or “Opi” as the grandchildren knew him.
Jake was deeply committed to providing for and taking care of his family as early as age 10, when his father was suddenly taken from the family. This commitment to family will be a lasting legacy lived out through his children.
Special thanks to the staff of the Tertiary Palliative Care Unit at Abbotsford Regional Hospital for their kindness and care given to Jake and his family during his brief stay there.
A graveside service will be held on Dec 24th, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. at the Maclure Road Cemetery, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. remembering and celebrating Jake’s life at Eben-Ezer Mennonite Church. Online condolences to the family may be made to www.wiebeandjeskefh.com.