Tribute

Jake was born on April 24, 1941, in Killarney, Manitoba, the fifth of eight children. When he was 3 years old, in October 1944, the family moved to Abbotsford, first living on the Klassens property before moving to the farm on Huntington Road. There he learned to look after raspberries, strawberries, milking cows, clearing the forest, looking after pigs and chickens. Playing sports with his brothers, neighbours and his dogs occupied many happy hours.

He attended Peardonville Elementary, South Poplar, and MEI where he completed gr. 13 a year early.  He worked for Mirus Farms with his brother Art,  planting and harvesting broccoli, cauliflower and other vegetables. After attending Hepburn Bible School, he went to work for the Falk family on their farms in Dawson Creek. Returning to Abbotsford he went to work for Clearbrook Grain and Milling.

Jake and Gwen were married on August 23, 1968. They moved to Kimberley for 8 months to join Gwen’s parents, where he worked with an expert builder, constructing prefab houses, right to the finish work.  A devastating house fire in which he cracked his heels and crushed 3 discs in his back caused their return to Abbotsford for medical help. They moved in to the home at Garden Chapel Funeral Home where they worked for about a year, then  bought their first house on Peardonville Rd.

Jake worked for a number of lumber yards and building supplies stores, before returning to work for the Falk brothers to set up their lumber yard. He  also specialized in application and sales of metal roofing which took him on the road all over BC and Alberta. Computerization entered his work place so he moved on, finally working in Abbotsford on the Regehr Farms. There he had a bad fall which precipitated serious health issues.

Jake had a strong faith. He attended South Abbotsford Church where he was baptized and joined the church. He loved music and sang in the boys’ choir, a quartet, male choir and church choir.  After returning to Abbotsford, Jake and Gwen served at the Otter Road Church for several years before  joining Bakerview Church..

Jake’s life was blessed the day they were called that they had a son. In 1972 Darrin entered their family. In 1976, they flew to Ft. St. John to get Jason. As the boys grew up many infants and foster children came through their home. Jake loved them and was involved in their care.

Working with youth led to his involvement as a board member of Youth for Christ, and support for  Inner Hope Youth Ministries in Vancouver.

Roses were Jake’s favourite flowers. He loved to garden and would care for his roses faithfully.

Jake loved fishing and camping, and gold panning at Emory Creek. He was an avid sports fan, and loved to watch games on TV or to play on the same ice hockey team as his brothers.

In his retirement years Jake used his excellent woodworking skills to start a new hobby making trivets, wooden stools and toys which he handed out freely as gifts.

Jake’s health deteriorated over the last 5 years to the point where he needed full care. After several falls he entered ARH for the last time on Wednesday, June 22, where he peacefully passed away with his loving family at his side, on July 3.

Predeceased by brothers Barney, John and Henry, Jake is survived by Gwen, his loving wife of 52 years,  son Darrin, son Jason and his wife Allana, and his grandchildren, Dariana and Matthew, as well as one brother, Art (Ruth),  sisters Sarah, Mary (Jerry) Partlow, Marg (Bill) Esau, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, he is finally free to speak, to walk, and to run. He’s with his Saviour, Jesus Christ.