Obituary of Jacob "Jake" Driedger

DRIEDGER: Jake Driedger of Brandon, with his family at his side, passed away at the Assiniboine Center, after a brief battle with cancer on Sunday, March 6, 2016. Jake was born on December 22, 1933 in the RM of Hanover to John and Elizabeth Driedger. He grew up on the farm in Marquette and then later, in Poplar Point, MB with his eight brothers and sisters. It was hard work but he spoke many times of his life on the farm with great fondness. This is where he developed the work ethic that he carried with him his entire life. He attended school in St. Francis Xavier and went on to complete his final year of high school at St. James Collegiate in Winnipeg. After graduation, Jake began his working career at the Royal Bank. He was transferred to Churchill, MB as Branch Manager, an experience he very much enjoyed and spoke of often. In his role as Branch Manager, he was sent to numerous towns in western Manitoba including in 1960, the town of Newdale. There he met the love of his life, Faye Fleury. Jake and Faye married in July of 1962. They spent the early years of their marriage in Birtle and Roblin, where their twins Brent and Brenda were born. After many years at the bank, Jake made the decision to venture out on his own which included a move to Winnipeg. Their last move was to Brandon. There they happily participated in the lives of their grandchildren. They enjoyed many years at their summer place at Killarney Lake, playing golf and where they made many lifelong friends. There, everyone young and old alike, knew him as Papa Jake. Jake and Faye were also actively involved in the Brandon bowling scene. In July of 2012, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their friends and family in attendance, a very happy occasion. In October, Jake's heart was broken when he lost the love of his life. After Faye's death, his devotion to his family grew even stronger and he continued to give of himself, ready to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He was a true gentleman with a kind heart and a joyful nature and once you met him you were surely never to forget him. Jake is lovingly remembered by his son Brent and daughter Brenda (Dan) Billings of Brandon, his beloved grandchildren, Curtis Cameron, Ryan (Jessica) Cameron and Danielle Billings. Also surviving are his siblings, sisters Liz (Wally) Epp, Irene (Gary) Hamel, Eleanore (Ron) Meints, Hilda Dielsen, brother John (Liliane) and sisters-in-law Marilyn and Alice. He was predeceased by his parents, and three brothers, David, Abe, Henry and his wife Maggie, and brother-in-law Earl Dielsen. A memorial service was held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel on Thursday, March 10th, 2016. Donations in Jake's memory can be made to the Brandon Regional Health Care Centre Foundation – "Palliative Care", 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, MB, R7A 2B3.