Jacob Banman passed away with his three children surrounding him on Friday, March 20, 2020 at the age of 76.
He will be lovingly remembered by his three children: son Rick (Darlene), daughter Teresa (Bryan Dyck), daughter Connie (Terry Wiebe); grandchildren Ryan (Chantal) and Jenessa (Ryan Bartel); Jessica (Monty Kirkwood), Caitlyn (Matt Davey), Tyson (Bailey Smith); Jerrod, Carah, Krysten; great grandchildren Riley and Brooke Banman, Brayden and Kayleigh Bartel. He also leaves to mourn his 6 siblings and their families, mother-in-law Olive Foote, and 6 in-laws and their families. Jake was predeceased by his wife Carol, the love of his life (2015), his parents and his brother John.
Jake was born in Winkler, MB on December 11, 1943. He was the third of eight children born to John and Justina Banman. As a family they moved around a lot including locations like Haskett and Elm Creek. Growing up was very different back then so Jake only completed Grade 8 and started working to help provide for his parents and siblings. This meant that he moved away from home to live and work with different families. At age 18 Jake moved to Winnipeg to live with his brother and wife. It was at this time that he began his work at Colgate. He had many stories to tell of the shenanigans that took place at work as well as while he was living in the big city.
It was also at this time that he met the love of his life Carol Foote, at a baseball game at Wingham School. Carol was playing, Jake was the base ump and it was love at first sight. After 4 years of dating they were engaged and married on August 6, 1966. Their first two years of marriage were spent in Winnipeg and then in 1968, with a one month old, they moved to a farm north west of Elm Creek. It was on this farm where they raised their three children. On the farm Jake raised cattle, pigs, chickens and he spent many summer hours making hay. One of his favorite summer pastimes was mowing – so much so that he would mow trails in the bush for his family to enjoy. We have many memories of taking walks along the trails and having huge fires in the bush.
Jake, along with his brother John, did carpentry work – first for Newton Builders and then many years together as Banman Builders. He has made many friends and acquaintances on the jobsites. Coffee time would often turn into a time of hysterical laughter or a competition of some kind that Jake would be the lead instigator in.
Jake was a hard worker but he always made time to have fun. He and his brother John were wrestling buddies for a span of over 25 years, being called different names such as the Ice Cube Farmers and Giant Jake and Gentle John. He coached Rick’s minor hockey team for years, played hockey himself on the Elm Creek Seals, played baseball with the Elm Creek Sluggers and really enjoyed teaching his children the ropes on the pitcher’s mound! He enjoyed spending time outside doing things like fishing, hunting, camping and Goldeyes games with his family. In the last few years, Dad didn’t have the energy to participate in sports but he spent many hours watching every sport possible on TV!
Jake was baptized together with Carol and they joined the Newton Community Fellowship Church, where they attended. Church and faith in God has always been important. He was an active member by being an usher, youth sponsor, a greeter and even took part in a couple dramas, one time as Gruffy the Bear. Connecting with people was always important to Jake.
Jake always lit up a room with his fun loving personality. He knew how to laugh and to get others to join in wherever he went. He was a big kid that never grew up. He was always full of crazy ideas that would often get himself, his kids and grandchildren into trouble! There is no shortage of stories and pictures to remember these adventures. He was musical and over the years could be heard playing guitar, harmonica and yodeling. Jake also loved to sing and was often heard singing at the top of his lungs in many different places!
Family was everything to Dad. He was very present in all of our activities, including his grandchildren & great-grandchildren. He was our biggest cheerleader through every activity and life experience. He has left a big hole in our lives but we have the memories and his example to carry us forward. Five years ago when Mom passed away he lost a huge piece of his heart. We rest in the knowledge that his heart has now been made whole. A year ago his health made life more difficult for him. He fought through many issues which he faced with strength and courage. He enjoyed each moment God gave him with his family and friends and fought to stay with them right to the end.
2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
A private family burial will take place at the Elm Creek Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.
As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Jake’s memory to Portage District General Hospital Foundation, 524-5th Street SE, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3A8 or CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Jacob Banman passed away with his three children surrounding him on Friday March 20 at the age of 76 2020..
Décès pour la Ville: Carman, Province: Manitoba