March 30, 1927 – July 7, 2016
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jacob (Jack) Klassen on July 7, 2016.
Jack was born in Ste. Anne, Manitoba on March 30, 1927. His parents and siblings moved to Gull Lake, Saskatchewan shortly after his birth where they quickly settled into the prairie lifestyle of a grain farming family. Jack attended the local two-room schoolhouse in Gull Lake where he not only received his formal education but also developed a passion for softball, which he played for many more years. During the winters, Jack would travel with his parents to B.C. where he worked a variety of different jobs before returning back to Gull Lake in the spring to farm. It was in Chilliwack, during one of these winters that he met the love of his life, Elsie Warkentin. Jack and Elsie were married on July 21, 1956 and at that point decided to return to Gull Lake to set up a home and try farming for themselves. For three years they alternated between farming in Gull Lake in the spring and summer and spending the winters in Chilliwack. In 1959 they decided to make a permanent move to Chilliwack where Jack worked in the automotive field until his retirement in 1992.
Dad enjoyed participating in a number of organizations during his time in Chilliwack all of which he undertook with his great sense of humour, kindness and trademark laugh. Anyone who worked alongside Dad at Eden Mennonite Church, Seniors Helping Seniors, the Chilliwack Hospice Society, Barbershoppers or Kiwanis can attest to his larger than life personality.
Jack is survived by his wife Elsie, his children Lorna (Stu), Gord (Brenda), Mike (Rosalind), eight grandchildren Andrew (Danielle), Brendan, Meighan (Stefan), Troy, Rachelle (Tyson), Taylor, Shay and Nikola. He is also survived by his siblings Pete (Lena), Dave and Lena (John). He was predeceased by his parents John and Helena, grandson Mitchell, brothers Tony, Henry and John, as well as his sisters-in-law Rita and Helen.
The family would like to thank the staff at Chilliwack General Hospital and Dr. Gord Enns for their caring and support of Dad during his time there. They would also like to thank all the friends who visited, brought food and provided moral support during a difficult time.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 14 at 2:00pm at Eden Mennonite Church located at 46551 Chilliwack Central Road in Chilliwack.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the MCC or the Chilliwack Hospice Society.