February 5, 1953 – August 24, 2018
On August 24, in the early hours of the morning, our Father, Husband, Opa, Brother, Nephew, and Uncle slipped peacefully away in his sleep, freeing him from the pain of his cancer. In his last days, he was surrounded by family and friends, reveling, reminiscing and cherishing their moments together.
He had a full and busy family life. He had 24 grandchildren and 9 children: Lisa, Tammy (Mike), Daniel (Karen), Teresa (Dan), Kristy (Dave), Cherie, Melissa (Matt), Richard (Jessica), and Stefanie (Eric). He will also be remembered by his wife, Marina Bruinsma and by Joanne Euler.
He influenced many young people through scouting and took great joy in being outdoors. Some of his favourite times were spent camping with family at his brother’s property.
Jake was a handyman: a “Jake-of-all-trades”. He was generous with his time and helped those who were in need. He was outgoing and sociable; often strangers quickly became friends. He was quick with a joke and loved to make people laugh.
He had many careers throughout his life where his talents were never wasted; these included small business owner, property manager, landscaper and welder. Tools in hand, he was excited for each new project, his tools were his prized possessions. He leaves his work ethic as a legacy to his children and grandchildren. We can never know just how many people Jake influenced, but recognize that his ripples are far reaching.
He lived his last few weeks at Innisfree House in Kitchener, in peace and comfort. We are grateful to the staff and volunteers for their care of our father.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to Innisfree House or the Grand River Hospital Cancer Center.
There will be a Celebration of Life on September 2, 2018 from 6-8pm at Elevation Church, 22 Willow Street, Waterloo, Ontario, N2G 1V5.
Please visit Jake's obituary notice on Facebook.
On August 24, in the early hours of the morning, our Father, Husband, Opa, Brother, Nephew, and Uncle slipped peacefully away in his sleep, freeing him from the pain of his cancer. In his last days, he was surrounded by family and friends, reveling, reminiscing and cherishing their moments together.
He had a full and busy family life. He had 24 grandchildren and 9 children: Lisa, Tammy (Mike), Daniel (Karen), Teresa (Dan), Kristy (Dave), Cherie, Melissa (Matt), Richard (Jessica), and Stefanie (Eric). He will also be remembered by his wife, Marina Bruinsma and by Joanne Euler.
He influenced many young people through scouting and took great joy in being outdoors. Some of his favourite times were spent camping with family at his brother’s property.
Jake was a handyman: a “Jake-of-all-trades”. He was generous with his time and helped those who were in need. He was outgoing and sociable; often strangers quickly became friends. He was quick with a joke and loved to make people laugh.
He had many careers throughout his life where his talents were never wasted; these included small business owner, property manager, landscaper and welder. Tools in hand, he was excited for each new project, his tools were his prized possessions. He leaves his work ethic as a legacy to his children and grandchildren. We can never know just how many people Jake influenced, but recognize that his ripples are far reaching.
He lived his last few weeks at Innisfree House in Kitchener, in peace and comfort. We are grateful to the staff and volunteers for their care of our father.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to Innisfree House or the Grand River Hospital Cancer Center.
There will be a Celebration of Life on September 2, 2018 from 6-8pm at Elevation Church, 22 Willow Street, Waterloo, Ontario, N2G 1V5.
Please visit Jake's obituary notice on Facebook.
