Obituary
Jacob J. Esau
May 9, 1930 – April 8, 2020
2 Timothy 4:7. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith….
Jacob Esau passed into the presence of Jesus on April 8, 2020 at the age of 89 years.
Jake grew up on berry farms, moving to several communities in the prairies before the family of 12 moved to BC in 1947. He was the fourth oldest in his family of 5 brothers and 4 sisters. He committed his life to serving his Lord at the age of 12 and never wavered in his dedication to that life-changing promise.
Jake married Lillian Classen on July 29, 1954 and they lived in Vancouver until they joined Canadian Sunday School Mission and were called to ministry in several small northern communities. They moved to Lillooet in 1959 and Jake began a church and as well as pastoring the congregation he also directed children’s camps and Bible clubs as well as working full time at the local Esso station, driving taxi part- time and volunteering as the town ambulance driver. Jake and Lillian moved to Forest Grove in 1976 – pastoring the church and directing Lake of the Trees Bible camp. He (and Lillian) was called to be the full time camp director for Maple Springs Bible Camp in 1980 and they worked and lived in Peachland at the camp until he retired in 2000. Jake and Lillian moved to Penticton where Jake continued to be busy helping those in need, the elderly, and his family. He was part of the Gleaners for many years and spent a year with Canadian Food for Children. In 2013 Jake became the loving and faithful care giver for his dear wife. He willingly took his responsibilities earnestly and lovingly. Jake was a dedicated, humble, generous and gracious husband, father, grandfather and friend and his purpose in life was to live for God and others. Lillian passed into glory in June of 2015 and Jake continued to help and care for those in need until Dec. 2019 when his own health deteriorated suddenly.
His extraordinary love for his Lord, his family and his friends was always expressed best by Jake’s exemplary life. His heart was overflowing with love and faithfulness to God and a devout burden for people and their spiritual, emotional, and physical needs. His love for children was unmistakeable as he immersed his life caring for their souls.
Jake was a humble man, shy and quiet with an undeniable joy and sense of humour.
Jake will be remembered and sadly missed by his
children: Caroline Johnson (Everet), Lorne Esau and Judy Parmley (Merv).
Grandchildren: Kim Severson, Geoff Severson (Stacy), Kristi Humby (Ian), Jarett Harvey (Rachael), and Jenna Hill (Jody).
Great grandchildren: Jaymie Stowell (Colten), Emily Severson, Noah Fehr, Lucy, Ben and Caleb Humby, Presley Severson, and Raimi Hill.
Great great grandchild: Nixon Severson.
Brothers: Henry (Betty), Abe (Martha), Dave (Anita).
Sisters: Helen, Nina (Peter), Mary (George).
Plus many sisters in law, brothers in law, cousins, nephews/nieces and friends.
Sadly predeceased by:
parents- Jacob, Anna,
wife- Lillian,
Son – Jonathan
Brothers-Martin, John
Sister- Katy
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jacob J Esau, please visit our floral store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Jacob J Esau May 9 1930 April 8 2020 (age 89)..
Death notice for the town of: Penticton, Province: Colombie britanique