Isaak, Jacob H. (1907-1979

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1979 May 25 p. 34

Birth date: 1907 July 18

text of obituary:

JACOB H. ISAAK

Jacob H. Isaak of Abbotsford, B.C passed away on March 28. He was born to Henry P. and Helen (nee Janzen) Isaak on July 18, 1907 in Donskaja, New Samara near the Ural Mountains in Russia. He was the youngest of seven children. His mother died suddenly in 1913. Shortly thereafter his father married a widow, and for a time the combined family worked the large farm, but then his father died in 1920. He and his brother Peter stayed with their older sister Annie, and in 1925, with the aid of C.F. Klassen, they were able to leave Russia They arrived in Aldersyde, Alta., via London and Quebec City. A year later he and Peter moved to Bradenbury, Sask. to homestead, and later to Demaine. Sask., where he met Sara Tiessen of Donovan, Sask. They were married in Donovan on March 28, 1929, and started farming in Demaine. Both accepted the Lord as their personal Saviour and in August 1930 they were baptized and joined the Beechy Mennonite Brethren Church. In 1933 they moved to Glenbush, Sask. where they lived in a log house and broke land for farming. Then in 1936 they moved to B.C., first to Yarrow and then a year later to Abbotsford where they were founding members of the Clearbrook Mennonite Brethren Church. They were ordained as deacons and served in that service for 27 years. His last illness came quickly: cancer was diagnosed in February. following 50th anniversary wedding celebrations in December 1978. He died on the wedding date, March 28.

His family remembers him as a model of Christian humility, goodness and selfless service. They thank God "for the privilege of having shared his life as husband, father, grandfather and friend." He leaves to mourn his wife Sara; two daughters and two sons Tena and Rudy Wiebe of Calgary, Betty and Ben Reimer of Richmond, B.C., John and Lou Isaak of Edmonton and Alan Isaak of Vancouver; and ten grandchildren. The funeral service, March 31 in the Clearbroo Church, was conducted by John Esau and Henry Regehr.