Jacob (Jake) Stobbe

Our Dad and Grandpa Jake, was born in Hierschau, Molotschna, South Russia on July 19, 1921. In 1924, Jake's father was warned that he was on a list to be arrested or killed. The family fled out of the country. They were the only ones to leave the village that year. Heinrich's 2 brothers and sister left Hiershau the following year. The family moved to Manitoba, eventually settling in Alexandria, a small village close to Brandon. They were very poor. Heinrich was more of a wood worker, and relied on the boys to do much of the farm work. Jake was the best farmer of the bunch, and consequently missed many days of school, as there were many farm chores to be done. It was a happy home, and with his mother Susie playing the piano and guitar, they had their own church services during the long winter months, when it was too difficult to make the long trek into town for the Church service.

Dad met our mother Mary, at his cousins wedding. The Stobbe and Dueck families knew of each other. Dad pursued Mom, won her heart and they were married July 13, 1946. They settled on the Stobbe family farm, Jake working for his Dad. They lived in a cabin close to the family home. Their first child, a son Robert was born a year later.

Soon after Mary's sister and brother-in-law in B.C. encouraged them to make a move to B.C. where the climate wasn't as harsh, and there were good farming opportunities. They decided to make the move leaving all of their family behind. They settled in Greendale just outside of Chilliwack. Soon they purchased a 10 acre property and 12 cows. It wasn't long and they found themselves in the 1948 flood. A kind neighbour helped move their cattle before the dikes burst so all was not lost. God was looking after them.

Over the next years 5 more children were born to Jake and Mary, Jim, Ed, Irene, Shirley and Alfred. Before Ed was born, Dad built a house on Chadsey Rd. His parents came to help finish the house. It even had a bathroom! The family attended Greendale Mennonite Brethren Church, where Dad spent many happy years singing in the choir. Dad also volunteered many hours of his time in the development of Columbia Bible Camp, now called Stillwood, near Cultus Lk. Dad was also a strong supporter of Columbia Bible College as well.

Dad was a people person! Mom and Dad loved to travel when they could. Many trips were made to Manitoba. They also travelled to Phoenix, Arizona to visit Dad's sister Martha. Other trips were made to Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Hawaii, and Palm Springs which included a boat cruise from L.A to Mexico. Years later they made many trips to Fort St. John in Northern B.C. as the 4 sons had moved there. We always heard about the great encouragement they were as they interacted with others.

Life for Jake and Mary was not without difficulties. But always they trusted God their Saviour. Dad had some very bad falls, the last of which left him with fractured vertebrae. Consequently he sold the farm and he and Mary moved to Abbotsford in the early 70's. Mom and Dad did a lot of walking, slowly at first so Dad could regain his strength. When he had recovered he went into Real Estate. He became very successful and won many awards.

Dad loved curling very much and many times went fishing with his friends. He and Mom enjoyed many years of golfing together, collecting many egg cartons of golf balls as they walked the fairways! They also took pleasure in singing in the Bakerview Fellowship Choir. This choir took them to MANY places from Oregon, to Fort St. John, Ontario and in between and was a great blessing to all who heard them! When Dad retired from Real Estate, he enjoyed helping out at Aldergrove Nursery for a number of years with his daughter Shirley and her family de-thorning roses in preparation for budding. How peaceful to work in the outdoors and satisfy the farming feeling in his blood. If he wasn't at the above mentioned places he was volunteering at the Gleaners or watching the Blue Jays.

In 2011 Mom and Dad moved to Primrose Gardens. Mom's health began to fail, and she passed away at 91 years of age. Dad managed to cope on his own for 2 years with a lot of help from his family. After yet another injury of fractured ribs he was placed in Menno Home on Dec. 6 2013 where he was greatly loved by all the staff. He was often heard to break into singing "It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus" or "Soon and very soon we are going to see the King." He was longing to go to his Heavenly Home. He is there now! He passed away Feb. 10, 2017 into the loving arms of Jesus. 'Well done thou good and faithful servant.'

We will miss his cheer, his smile, his voice, his positive spirit, his chuckle, the twinkle in his eye and his encouragement to us as children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to read the Bible and be strong in the Lord.

Thank You Dad for your great example of love and faithfulness to us!

Jake is predeceased by his loving wife, Mary in 2011,and two brothers, Henry and Peter. He is lovingly remembered by his children, Bob (Lynda), Jim (Carol), Ed (Rita), Irene (Vic) Abrahams, Shirley (Lorne) Redekop and Al; 12 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Frank and John, and a sister, Martha Schroeder. Jake also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

We would like to express our thanks to all the staff at Menno Home and Dr. John Chan for such loving care that he received during his stay there.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Columbia Bible College, 2940 Clearbrook Rd, Abbotsford, BC V2T 2Z8 would be gratefully appreciated.

Arrangements under the direction of Woodlawn Funeral Home, Abbotsford, BC.