Jacob Abram Dick, age 90, passed away early Sunday morning on December 11, 2016 at Chilliwack General Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was born May 16, 1926 in Waldheim, Saskatchewan to Abram and Tina (Stobbe) Dick. The family had recently emigrated from Russia, and Jake was the first surviving child to be born in the new land. Abram purchased 160 acres of undeveloped prairie from the CPR for a dollar an acre near Glenbush, Saskatchewan, and the family moved there to start a new life. They lived in a tiny log home, and worked hard to make ends meet. Money was tight during the depression, but with his parents’ strong faith in God, and a home filled with love, they were blessed. Jake often explored the sloughs and bushes nearby. He enjoyed identifying local birds and plants, a passion he continued throughout his life.
Later he and his siblings worked to put each other through school, and Jake eventually graduated in 1956 from University of Manitoba’s School of Medicine. In Winnipeg Jake met the love of his life, Irene (Neufeld). They married, and moved back to Saskatoon to raise their family, which grew to four children. Jake pursued a medical career that spanned more than forty years, taking a one year break in Baltimore to pursue postgraduate studies at John Hopkins School of Medicine. Throughout his practice, he had the privilege to deliver more than three thousand babies, and became a much-loved family doctor that did house calls, and often developed life long relationships with his patients. Along with career and family, Jake influenced a generation of boys through the Christian Service Brigade and directed several summer camps. He still found time to become an avid nature photographer, continuing to pursue his passion for God’s creation while hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and canoeing.
After retirement, he and Irene moved to Greendale, British Columbia to be closer to their adult children. Continuing their lifelong relationship with God and service to community, they led several bible study groups. During their evenings they thoroughly enjoyed walking together along the Vedder River trails, spending many happy years together.
His parents, and older brother Abe predecease Jake. His sisters, his loving wife Irene, and their four children survive him: Gary (daughter-in-law Denise, grandchildren - Dylan and Nadya), Sharon (grandchildren - Lucas and Jasmine), Randy (daughter-in-law Rosa, grandchildren - Massimo and Tiana), Heather (son-in-law Ian, grandchildren - Emily and Stefan).
A Celebration of Life Service will be held in Greendale MB Church, on Wednesday December 28th, at 1:00 pm. Donations may be made to the Gideons International (gideons.ca) - a charity that Jake and Irene have supported generously.
Devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, loyal brother and friend. We will miss you, we love you! You are in our hearts forever . . .
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