Jacob (Jac) Loewen died Oct. 1, 2011 at 93. He was born Jan. 30, 1918 in Rosenfeld, Man., to Peter and Margaret Loewen. He was baptized as a young man and joined the Bergthaler Mennonite church. As a conscientious objector, he planted thousands of trees in Alberta and B.C. during World War II. Jac married Mary Martens Sept. 16, 1945, in Niverville, Man. They moved to Winnipeg, where he began a masonry business. His motto: “Do everything as unto God – with skill and integrity.” His service in Sunday school led to his involvement in starting River East MB Church in 1963 – for which he also erected brickwork. Jac’s passions included horses (he trained as an early “horse whisperer”) and violin, which he played at every opportunity at churches, seniors’ homes, and family gatherings. In retirement, he crafted fine furniture and toys for family members. In this, 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 caregiver and servant. His family is deeply grateful for his love and enduring example. Predeceased by Mary in 1998, Jacob is mourned by children Pat Bryski (Al), Millie Kroeker (Wally), Ray (Debbie), Susan Loewen (Phil), Don (Sandy); 10 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 8 siblings.
