Born March 13, 1924, Swalwell, Alberta
Died September 26, 2021, Guelph, Ontario
We are saddened to announce the peaceful passing of our father, Jake Klassen, aged 97. Family was of the utmost importance to Jake. He would do whatever necessary to care for and help his family in times of need. This devotion was so very evident during the later years after our mother, Hilda, became ill. He took care of her until she passed away in 2013. Jake loved to tell the story of why his nickname was "Lucky Jake". He cherished his wife, and their loving relationship was a model for his entire family.
Jake and Hilda farmed near Dundurn, Saskatchewan, for 20 years until he chose to upgrade his education by obtaining a teaching diploma in Saskatoon at the age of 40. He then set out to enjoy a two decade career teaching Industrial Arts and secured a rewarding position at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), Edmonton, Alberta. Although Jake loved his job, he retired early to spend time with his family, to travel, and to pursue his many hobbies.
Jake and Hilda were not afraid of hard work nor did they shy away from relocating to another home or city in order to make a better life for themselves and their family. After the farm, there were a total of 13 moves between Edmonton, Calgary and Saskatoon. Somehow, Jake and Hilda made these transitions as easy as possible for the family. Following Hilda's passing, Jake moved to Toronto to live with his daughter, Irma. He stayed with Irma, Marty, Cosette and Jake for 8 years, thriving and participating in many projects, in and around the home and shop.
Jake was a problem solver. He could figure out anything from how to fix a broken appliance, repair the alternator on a car, to how to adjust the timing on a watch. Jake would consider the situation and mull it over in his mind until he arrived at a solution, often "sleeping on it", and amazingly would have the answer upon awakening. Sometimes, the solutions didn't work out how he planned but Jake never became frustrated and he never gave up. Our mother used to say that Jake could "fix anything but a broken heart."
Jake came from a musical family. As a young child, he remembered sitting on his father's knee, practicing scales and little songs. Sadly, when Jake was only 10, his father passed away. Jake was always whistling a tune, especially when he was in his workshop. He loved to sing and his clear, tenor voice was a joy to hear, whether he was singing in the church choir or to our mother. But most of all, he loved to sing in his barbershop quartet. Jake and his brother John along with Frank S. and Hal W. were the long-time members of the quartet. Jake said he always had a song running through his mind and was surprised that not everyone shared that experience.
Jake was a stained glass artist. Family and friends benefitted from his amazing creations. His final project, with the help of his grandson, Tyler, was a beautiful round sunrise pattern. The 97 year old and the 27 year old completed it just days before his passing. This sunrise design was important to Jake as it symbolized life, rebirth, new beginnings and opportunity. Jake embodied that sentiment of living life to the fullest, always looking for opportunities and making good use of his time. His wish was that this stained glass piece be donated to the chapel at his residence, The Village of Riverside Glen Retirement Home.
Jake was an outstanding man who lived by Christian values which were evident in his day-to-day interactions with everyone he met. Jake was quiet, steadfast and gentle, always kind. He was a role model for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
During these past few weeks, Jake had time to reflect on the past and he said he felt satisfied with his life and had no regrets.
Jake was predeceased by his wife Hilda (2013). He is survived by daughter Madeline (Ernie), son Vic (Terrilynn), daughter Irma (Martin) and daughter Carol (Dave). He was a beloved grandfather to Roanna (Ian), Richard, Mikaela, Susanna (Sean), Cosette, Jake, Tyler, Tom and Lindsay, and great-grandfather to Elizabeth, Victoria and Nicholas.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
For those who wish, donations can be made to the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC).