February 1, 1930 - April 4, 2021
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandpa, Opa and great grandpa after a very brief battle with lung cancer.
Jake was predeceased by his wife Ursula (2008). Also predeceased by his parents, most of his siblings as well as his daughters-in-law Trudy and Marlene and grandson Wes.
Survived by his children George, Jack, Cathy (Paul) Heatlie, Randy (Patti), and Angie (Brian) Swift, his sister Helen Schultz, stepbrother Henry Enns as well as numerous nephews, nieces, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Jake immigrated to Canada from Russia in 1948 and settled in the Chilliwack area where he met the love of his life, Ursula, with whom he shared 55 wonderful years of marriage.
Jake had numerous occupations over the years such as line cutter at the hop yard, delivering coal, driving a cement truck and high school custodian, from which he retired in 1989 after suffering a stroke. Once his working life was done, Jake and Ursula spent about 4 years living full time in a 5th wheel travel trailer between Hope in the summer months and wintering in Bullhead City, Arizona.
After that they settled back in the Chilliwack area, living in a mobile home until 2010 at which time he moved to Penticton with his daughter Cathy, her husband Paul and his "sweetie babe" AKA Mickey the Shih Tsu.
Jake was a true 'sunbum' as his favourite thing to do was lounge outside in the sunshine as much as possible, which made the Okanagan the perfect place for him to spend his last decade. While he was always a quiet man, he really was just a big softy where his kids, grandkids and animals were concerned. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
His children would like to thank all the staff at Moog and Friends Hospice House for their wonderful care of him in the last 5 days of his life...they truly are an amazing bunch of people. There will be a private family gathering at a later date when safe to do so. If desired, a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society in his name would be appreciated.