JACOB WYNIA

January 28, 1924 ~ June 6, 2013

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust”.  Psalm 91:2

Jacob Wynia went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, June 6, 2013 at the age of 89.  Jacob was born on January 28, 1924 in Lollum, The Netherlands.  He was the seventh of 11 children.  On February 4, 1948 he married Tettje de Vries from Wommels, The Netherlands.  Two months later, they immigrated to Canada settling in the Granum area.  Jacob worked for various farmers and the Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District. In 1957, he purchased a farm east of Granum.  Jacob farmed, drove school bus and was custodian of the Christian Reformed Church.  In 1972, the family moved to a dairy farm in Agassiz, B.C.  Due to health reasons, Jacob and his wife retired to Medicine Hat, AB. where he resided until his passing.  Jacob was a strong believer of Jesus Christ and shared his love for his Lord and Savior with all those he was in contact with, young and old.  He taught Sunday School, organized Vacation Bible School and was actively involved in Evangelism.  Jacob enjoyed visiting the elderly and shared the gospel at various nursing homes.  Other than God, he shared his love with his beloved wife, Tettje of 65 years, his children, Betty (Jim) Burke, John (Carol) Wynia, Charles (Leona) Wynia, Shirley (George) Poelman and Nancy (Peter) Dykstra;  his 20 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren.  He lived for his wife and family and loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren unconditionally, always remembering them in his everyday prayers.  Jacob is survived by his twin brothers, Hendrik, Douwe (Klaske) Wynia, and sisters-in-law, Liep Riemersma and Ettie Agema of the Netherlands as well as many nieces and nephews especially Youkje of Apeldoorn.  Jacob was predeceased by his parents, Rients and Tietje, three brothers and five sisters.  He enjoyed gardening, woodworking and camping. Jacob has left a legacy of faith in God and will be remembered for his cheerfulness, gentleness, patience and contagious smile.  Jacob will be deeply missed and remembered by all who knew him.  Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., on Thursday, June 13, 2013 from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. and again starting one hour prior to the funeral.  A Celebration of Jacob’s life will be held at the Christian Reformed Church, 300 Primrose Drive S.E., Medicine Hat on Friday, June 14, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor George Koopmans officiating.  Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery.  (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com)  If friends so desire, memorial donations in Jacob’s name may be made directly to the Bible League, Box 5037, Burlington,?ON., L7R 3L8 or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, #124, 430 – 6 Avenue S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 2S8.  Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455