Jake Balzer was born on May 15, 1918 in the village of Pleshanow, Russsia. He grew up in Colonsay, Saskatchewan and during WWII was a conscientious objector, working on Vancouver Island. He was a strong believer in life-long learning which took him to Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and attending the University of Calgary after retirement. He travelled and worked as a translator of German and French internationally throughout his adult life, in Tunisia and Belgium. In his later life he developed a passion for translating German Mennonite history books into English. His last 30 years were spent in Calgary and he enjoyed his involvement in Highland Mennonite Brethren Church. He attributes his longevity in part to golfing in the summers and speed-skating in the winter. His strong faith in God brought him through difficult times. He passed away peacefully at the age of 99 on March 15, 2018.
A Funeral Service will be held for Jake at Highland Mennonite Brethren Church, (4018 Centre B Street N.W., Calgary), on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at 2:00 p.m.