Kuipers, Jake

1926 ~ 2003

Loving partner, father, grandfather, uncle & brother. Born Blauwhuis, Netherlands, April 16, 1926, immigrated to Canada in 1956. Predeceased by mother Aaltja; father Hendrik; sisters: Janke, Jacoba, Jetske, Catharina; brother Herman, and Janice Smith, a very dear friend. Survived by sisters: Maria Van derjagt of Holland, Alida (Fred) Hess of Lethbridge, AB; brothers: Joostinus (Mary) Kuipers of Calgary, AB, Wiepke (Nieske) Kuipers of Fairmont, BC, Hironimus (Elizabeth) Kuipers of Holland; brothers-in-law Peter van der Henne of Sudbury, ON, Theo Sterk of Holland; sister-in-law Jansie Kiupers of Holland; partner in life Joyce Ruthven; daughter Saskia (John); granddaughters: Meghan and Laurel McKee of Calgary, AB; daughter Teresa of Calgary, AB; son Rob (Karen) Kuipers, grand kids: Josh & Alicia of Strathmore, AB; extended family: Ross (Cathy) Ruthven, Steve (Tammy) Ruthven, grandkids: Mackenzie, Jessa & Colton; numerous nieces and nephews in both Canada and Holland.

Jake served in the Dutch Forces in Indonesia from 1947 to 1949. Upon his return to the Netherlands he took up his trade as a baker and a chef. He immigrated to Canada in 1956 and worked as a baker in numerous camps in northern B.C. and Alberta. He was a gentleman who always put his family first.

Special thanks to Dr. Brown who was not only a doctor in Jake鈥檚 fight but a friend he held dear. Special thanks to Ted Panos from the Hospice Society for always being there. To Homecare nurses, especially Sandra for taking care of his needs. Thanks to our neighbors especially Jill Hart and Harry Loutit for being there at our call.

A special thanks to a dear friend, Mary McDonald, for being my shoulder. Thanks to all the nurses on the 3rd floor @ St. Joe鈥檚 for your sincere care and comfort in Jake鈥檚 final days. Thanks also to the Ladies of the Royal Purple for rallying around in our time of need.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 10th, 2004 at 1:30 pm from the Royal Canadian Legion Upper Hall, Comox. Arrangements entrusted to Comox Valley Funeral Home & Crematorium, 1101 Ryan Road. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Canadian Cancer Society or the Hospice program.