OBITUARY
Jacob Kliewer
December 18, 1929 – June 11, 2018
In December 1929, Jake’s parents were fleeing from Russia through Germany, where he was born on December 18, 1929. His family carried on to Paraguay where he grew up in Numa 4. Jake had a happy childhood with his seven siblings. When he told stories of his years growing up, his most fond memories seemed to revolve around life on the farm.
He married Erna Goetz in 1958 and they added six children to their family: Anita, Edie, Erv, Don, Helmut and Rudy. The family has expanded to include his children’s spouses, 24 grandchildren including spouses, and 20 great grandchildren.
By our standards in modern Canada, life wasn’t easy in Paraguay, but Jake worked hard on their farm in Numa 4 and was proud of all he accomplished. When he had a chance to have some fun he loved to play his guitar and have sing-alongs with family and friends.
The family immigrated to Abbotsford in 1975 and dad framed houses for a while before being hired at Columbia Kitchens where he worked until his retirement.
Dad was a healthy man for the most part and he definitely had a healthy appetite when a feast of barbecued ribs or mom’s good home-cooking was concerned. Mom’s delicious soups, reabelplatz, rayen with honey would bring on a response of, “Oba dot schmajt goot!”
Dad found great joy in going to Elwood Park to watch the baseball games and search through underbrush for lost baseballs. He always looked forward to grandchildren coming to visit, playing pool three times a week with friends, weekly games night with other couples; he was very sharp at playing Nuscht. He loved reading and doing crossword puzzles. He cheered on the Canucks and enjoyed game shows like Wheel of Fortune, The Price is Right, and Jeopardy.
Dad was a quiet man, especially later in life, but when he had something to say, he would make sure we understood. Because of his silence, people sometimes thought he wasn’t listening or didn’t understand, but he was sharp and would sometimes suddenly join a conversation with a witty comment or we would catch a smile and know he was paying attention. In the end he used the squeeze of his hand or a whispered, “I love you,” or “Thank you,” to show his love. We will miss dad and his quiet, strong love for our family.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Jacob Kliewer 2018.source
Décès pour la Ville: abbotsford, Province: Colombie britanique
