Obituary of Jacob Esau

Jake was born September 5th, 1940 in St. Boniface, Manitoba to Henry & Helen Esau. He was the second of three children. An older sister Louise and younger sister Irene. He grew up in Headingly, Manitoba. Jake moved to southern British Columbia when he was 17 to attend the Mennonite Educational Institute. Jake met his future wife Eileen through mutual friends. They dated for about a year before they were married on June 30th, 1960. Jake & Eileen lived in Chilliwack for about a year and a half after they were married. Shortly after, their first son Darrell was born. By the summer of 1964, they had 3 more children; Rod, Roma & Dawn. They eventually moved to Mackenzie in 1966. Jake moved his family to Chetwynd in 1976, where he worked for Canfor. Then it was off to Quesnel minus one child. Darrell stayed in Chetwynd with his new wife and son. Jake worked for a short while in the sawmill in Quesnel before moving to Oregon. Jake & Eileen lived in Oregon just long enough to get the rest of their children settled and then came back to Canada in spring of 1986. Jake & Eileen moved back to Chetwynd to be close to family in 2000. Jake had many interests. Cooking was one of them. He would often make elaborate dinners for family & friends. His children complained that he would dirty every pot in the house while he was cooking and they would have to clean up after him. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting and traveling. Jake spent a lot of time fishing and crabbing in Oregon and visiting with his children and grandchildren. Jake always enjoyed his music, from playing accordion and singing with his sisters, to teaching himself how to play guitar. Jake was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was the kind of man that you didn't have to ask for help. If he saw that you needed help he was there, no questions asked. Jake & Eileen always had an extra bed at their house and an extra plate at the table. Jake had a wonderful sense of humour. He liked to joke and had a story for everyone. Jake was predeceased by both his father & mother. He is survived by his loving wife, Eileen, their children, Darrell & Monica Esau, Rod & Chris Esau, Roma & Ken Vigil, Dawn & Stewart Buxton, 12 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren. His sisters Louise & her husband David Cheney, Irene & her husband Herman Raabe and their families. Many nieces, nephews and cousins. Jake passed away on Saturday, November 3rd, 2007 in Chetwynd, B.C. at the age of 67 years. A memorial service was held on Thursday, November 8th, 2007 at 11:00 am at the Chetwynd Baptist Church. Pastor Bill Evans officiated. Interment will be at a later date. Memorial arrangements were under the care of Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium.