14/2/1929 to 10/11/2023
It is with unbelievable sorrow, but also with grateful hearts for the long life he shared with us, we announce the passing of Jacob, dear husband to Anne, beloved father of Robin (Joanne), Kimberley-Ann (Robert), Randy (Allison) and Kenneth (Mette). Grandfather to Christopher, Emily, Cullen, Spencer, Carlin, Jacob, William, Peter and Sophia. Great-Grandfather to Bear, Benjamin and Maximus.
Jacob was the youngest in a family of 10 children.
He passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and family and with the loving thoughts and prayers of many family members and friends.
Jacob and Anne arrived in Canada from the Netherlands in 1957 during a period of high unemployment, but Jacob courageously took on any available work and built a paint and decorating business and store in Stouffville.
In spite of the many hours of work, Jacob always had time and energy to help the less fortunate, and all family members know how willing he was to go out of his way to help someone in need. He was a great example to all of us.
In 1989 Jacob and Anne retired to Fergus, where he spent his happy retirement years, travelling, having family reunions, singing in the church choir and yes, many years volunteering at Wellington Terrace.
Last year they moved to the Village of Arbour Trails in Guelph.
Jacob got very sick in October and was passionately cared for by the staff at Groves Memorial Hospital. Our thanks to the nurses who took such good care of him and to Doctor Morgan Kwiatkoski, who was a great source of strength and compassion for us.
Visitation will take place on Sunday, November 19th from 2pm to 4pm at Graham A. Giddy Funeral Homes, 280 St. David St S., Fergus. Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, November 20th at 11am at Saint Joseph’s Church, 760 St. David’s St N., Fergus, followed by internment at St. Mary’s / St. Joseph Cemetery in Elora.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Groves Memorial Hospital in Fergus. www.grahamgiddyfh.com
