Obituary of Jacob Peter Klassen

It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Jake, at the age of 62 years old.

Jake will be lovingly remembered by his companion Debbie; siblings Evelyn, Frank (Janis), Helen (Tony), Marilyn (Kim); and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

Jake was predeceased by his parents Wilhelm and Katharina Klassen; brother-in-law Mark Haywood; and niece Aleksandra Duda.

After high school, Jake gained his mechanical expertise working at Muzeen and Blythe.  While there, he along with his former wife Cindy, spent copious hours creating and building Vertical Adventures the first indoor climbing facility in Manitoba.  He loved the route setting, pizza parties and competitions at Vertical Adventures fondly called "The Gym".  He was well liked and respected in the climbing community. 

Jake was a master of many trades and worked a variety of jobs, utilizing and honing his skills.  Jake’s passions were working on Top Alcohol Dragsters, fabricating things in steel and using his creative mind to come up with unique solutions to help with problems he or others encountered... like the unique dock lift he devised at the cottage that we will be hard pressed to operate without him.

Jake was an adrenaline junkie...slalom water skiing at the cottage, downhill skiing at his favorite spot, Fernie, B.C., and mountain biking and climbing in Squamish, B.C.   Unfortunately, his love of extreme sports took a toll over the years resulting in physical damage to both knees and shoulders causing him great discomfort and limiting his mobility in recent times.

The nieces and nephews will cherish memories of Uncle Jake at the cottage. He built them amazing zip lines, tree forts, taught them how to climb on his portable climbing wall and took them on harrowing tube rides.  He was the biggest kid of them all.

Although Jake had struggles with addiction, he will be remembered for his kindness and willingness to help anyone in need with his diverse skills in building or repairing anything.  As many can attest Jake gave the warmest and most loving big bear hugs.

Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life will take place at a later date.

A donation in his memory may be made to Addictions Foundation of Manitoba.

Rest in peace now that you are free of your pain.  We will miss you terribly Jake!