JACOB PAUL JANZEN

Condolences & Memories (10 entries)

• Dad it’s not over yet – this is just a new era. You decided on Tuesday not to move into a new care home here on earth but rather directly to your heavenly care home, with no tears, in heaven. From your vantage point we trust you to be with us always. It’s funny to think back and remember our life together and how many times you must have tried to explain why I constantly turned in my hair - that I didn’t like ice-cream – and why I felt passionate to leave my homeland to sing. The yellow dress you bought me - the endless times you drove me to Choir Rehearsals Friday nights – the sacrifices you made so that I could attend MCI - the ice-blue Mustang you proudly presented to me as I began my teaching career – my switch from the MB’s to the GC’s - the worries you must have had trusting me to make a go of it in Germany – trusting me to know what I was doing and not trying to hold me back. That is a lot of trusting! We are a family – JP’s Clan – who aren’t ashamed to shed a tear – who aren’t stingy with “I love you” assurances and big bear hugs. Times have not always been rosy, but thinking back and in the present we have much more to be thankful for than any amount of devastations that came our way. And so now we are trusting our heavenly father to welcome Dad into his arms and watch over him till we meet again. Sometimes trusting is not an easy thing to do, but our Dad was definitely a good example to us. The most incredible, unforgettable summer two years ago with all our family together and this past summer with little Jakob sitting on Great-Grandpas knee, topped off by bringing Dad out to the farm, are definitely highlights in every one of our lives. Dad's last words to me on the farm last summer were – “this is unreal”. I used to think that my singing would be the thanks I could offer Mom and Dad for trusting me with my life’s journey. However, since Jakob arrived and Barbara and now with our third grandchild on its way, I know it is the lives of Eugen and our grandchildren and children, Matthias, Karl, Ben, Paula, Pri and Katrin that personify my endless thankfulness for all the love and care you – Mom and Dad - have given me. I want to honour your life as well Mom. Alongside every successful man stands a strong woman. That you are. Your love and care for us all is above and beyond anything called motherly duty. We need you Mom and we love you. You are beautiful! Thank you to the large family clan for all your loving support – you are the best uncles, aunts and cousins anyone could wish for. Thank you dear family friends for being a part of our Clan. Thank you my dear brothers with your entire families for being there when I could not – now and in the past. Had I known back at age 14 what unbelievably loving and strong men my brothers are I certainly would have been a more loving sister to you. Mom and Dad – both of you in your own way have blessed our lives and my deep desire is to bless you in return with another JP Clan gathering and all the little ones running around our feet, trusting us to care and in return we will trust them to live their lives in peacefulness and the comfort of a great legacy! We love you Dad - you will always be with us! And you are right – this is unreal. Jude - Posted by: Judith Janzen (daughter) on: Jan 27, 2015

• Dear Tilly & family you will miss him but recall so many great memories. Travis & I were blessed to enjoy gracious hospitality, generous friendship and good humour. We're looking forward to GLORY! - Posted by: travis & lois reimer (friends) on: Jan 24, 2015

• We got to know Jake & Tilley in 1976 when they were hosting Ratna(Debbie] from Indonesia and we were hosting Nettie Giesbrecht from Paraguay, under the MCC youth exchange program. Both girls were working at Westgate Collegiate. So our paths crossed quite frequently. We have enjoyed their friendship over the years. Later we sang in the same choir, the Keenager Choir. We want to extend our condolences to Tilley and family. May your fond memories of Jake and God's presence comfort you at this time of loss. Gordon & Nettie Dueck - Posted by: Gordon & Nettie Dueck (friends) on: Jan 23, 2015

• We will miss you very much, the Saturday breakfasts just aren't the same, and Tillie we hope you soon feel well enough to join the group again soon. Jake was a good RV driver and very good friend. Tillie , may God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. We are thinking of you. - Posted by: Harry and Carol Gerbrandt (friend) on: Jan 23, 2015

• I always enjoyed visiting with Jake and family and appreciated his sharp mind. I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers to Tillie and family. - Posted by: Carl Plett (brother to Ronalee and Jim) on: Jan 23, 2015

• Jake & Tanta Tilly & family have been part of my life since Arnaud days. Farming, family, Food bank, Church and friends were some of his passions. He was most proud of his children, and grandchildren and farming. I have been blessed to have had him and his whole family in my life. I am so sorry for your loss. May your memories comfort you in the days to come. Love you all. - Posted by: Carillee (To my Aut & Unkel) on: Jan 22, 2015

• We got to know Jake when we attended the same church. Always pleasant, friendly and caring along with his sweet wife Tilly. We got to spend time with him at the nursing home when we served there. He always acknowledged us and responded. He even sang along with the hymns. How we loved the time we spent with him and we will really miss him when we serve there again. He's free of pain and is spending his time in glory. Love to the whole family. - Posted by: Bernie and Irene Driedger (friend) on: Jan 22, 2015

• Jake was a friend for many years, attending MBCI for our high school years. Our deepest sympathy to Tillie and the Janzen family. Sincerely, Neil and Gerda Fast - Posted by: Neil & Gerda Fast (Friend) on: Jan 22, 2015

• Jake together with his son Jim were friendly farming neighbors whose successful farming practices I tried to emulate while operating our farm. That required a lot of "get up early and stay out late" committment on my part. Although Jake and I were the same age he carried on actively involved in farming long after I called it quits. Later in retirement he often joined our Friday group at Robins donut shop contributing to friendly discussions. His presence has been missed there as well as many other groups where he was active. - Posted by: Edward Epp (Friend) on: Jan 22, 2015

• May God be very near to you as you mourn the loss of your dad. He is in a better place, free from all the pain & suffering. - Posted by: Fred & Helen Rempel (Cousins to Ronalee & Jim) on: Jan 22, 2015