JACOB LOEWEN -

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JACOB LOEWEN 1918 - 2011 Suddenly, yet in the fullness of time, Jacob (Jac) Loewen, 93, died at his home October 1, 2011. Predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary, in 1998, he is survived by five children: Pat Bryski (Al), Millie Kroeker (Wally), Ray (Debbie), Susan Loewen (Phil), and Don (Sandy); 10 grandchildren, Scott (Donna), Joel, Nathan (Carla), David (Amber), Jacquie, Dan (Nicole), Matthew, Timothy, Jennifer, Christopher; and seven great-grandchildren, Anna, Jordan, Micah, Taryn, Rayne, Laryn and Calla; five brothers, three sisters and their families. Born January 30, 1918 at Rosenfeld, Manitoba, Jac was baptized as a young man and joined the Bergthaler Mennonite Church. As a peace-loving Mennonite he was a conscientious objector and during the Second World War served in forestry camps in Alberta and British Columbia. On September 16, 1945 in Niverville, Manitoba he married Mary Martens, to whom he remained devoted to the end. They moved to Winnipeg where he began a masonry business specializing in commercial, residential and church construction. Deeply committed to his Christian faith, he served unstintingly in Sunday School work and endeavours such as Union Gospel Mission. In 1963 he helped start River East Mennonite Brethren Church and erected its brickwork. Besides faith and family, Jac's passions included horses, which he trained as an early horse whisperer , golf, and his violin, which he joyfully played at every opportunity in churches, senior homes and family gatherings. After retirement he turned his naturally inventive spirit to woodwork, and deftly produced fine furniture and toys which grace the homes of his children and grandchildren. In woodwork as in life, he loved the challenge of devising solutions to seemingly impossible tasks. Jac's devotion to his family was boundless; he was a consummate caregiver and model of servanthood. To his end he maintained an exuberant curiosity about life. A time of visitation is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 6 at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main St. The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, October 7 at River East Mennonite Brethren Church, 755 McLeod Ave., with interment at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens following the reception. If friends desire, donations may be made to Union Gospel Mission. We, his family, are deeply grateful for his long life, limitless love and faithful example. We grieve, but not without hope.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 04, 2011