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Tribute Wall
Sunday
7
November
Service Information
2:00 pm
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Westminster Presbyterian Church Barrie
170 Steel Street
Barrie, Ontario, Canada
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The family of Jacob Proper uploaded a photo
Thursday, March 26, 2015
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The family of Jacob Proper uploaded a photo
Thursday, March 26, 2015
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The family of Jacob Proper uploaded a photo
Thursday, March 26, 2015
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Bethany Touchette posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
I just wanted to say how much I appreciated Jake as a member of our church family at Westminster. As a kid I thought he was hilarious and the most friendly adult there. He made all of the children feel welcome and I know my own children felt the same way. So many times my family would look up at the choir and Jake would be doing something to make us laugh. He was always there to help with a breakfast, feed kids at VBS and March Break Camp and to share a laugh. Recently he joked about getting some binoculars to spy on us, as we moved onto Hickling Trail and became "neighbours". I know he will still be watching our whole church family, as he was such a part of all our lives. He will be greatly missed by everyone. But thinking of him you just can't help but smile.
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Chris Hepburn posted a condolence
Monday, November 8, 2010
Hallo familie Noorlander in Nederland We hadden een mooie herdenking gisteren voor Ome Jaap - hij zou hebben genoten. Dank u allen voor uw vriendelijke woorden en liefde - we denken aan jullie allemaal. Het is zo goed om hier uw vader met ons en Tante Mien Wij wensen u allen de beste Liefde Tante Mien, Yolanda, Simona, Chris, Brittany en Conor
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Chris Hepburn posted a condolence
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Hello friends and family in the Netherlands - here is the Eulogy I gave today for Ome Jaap - Love Chris, Simona, Brittany and Conor ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eulogy for Jacob Proper Good afternoon Thank you to all of you for being here today as we not only mourn the loss of our Dad – but celebrate his life – because that is not only the way he would want it – that is the way he lived it – every day a celebration. Jakes' wish was that we were not to be sad and cry but to sing and rejoice and celebrate his life – the latter is an easy request to follow – but I'm sure he would understand if a tear or two is shed. I used to always joke with everyone that Jake was my “favorite father-in-law” - but it's true – and what I should have said, and really meant is that Jake was the best father-in-law that I could have had or ever wanted. I loved him like my own Father. Dad was a lot of things – a loving Husband, a terrific Father, a wonderful Grandfather, Brother, Uncle – and great friend to so many of you – and just about anyone that ever met him for that matter! It was easy to be friends with Jake – his personality was infectious – after one meeting with him you felt like an old buddy – and the next time he saw you – he greeted you like a life-long friend. He was even friendly with telemarketers. Dad loved his family – both at home and his extended family here at Westminster Church. He had a magical way with children, I don't recall a single child that wasn't instantly taken with Jake – he practically raised our two children Brittany and Conor as infants, and their Opa has had an enormous influence on the fine young people they have become. He doted on everything they did and hardly a day would go by where he didn't ask how or what they were doing. He was a loving Uncle to his many nieces and nephews in the Proper, Geroux, Noorlander and Vandertas families, and their children. Many of the children we have seen grow in the congregation at Westminster over the 35 years that they have been members here, have also loved Jake – quite a few of them called him 'Opa' as well. Even the family dogs loved Jake – our Cairn Terrier Duncan always greeted Jake by jumping up on his lap and licking his ear practically off every time he saw him. Jacob Proper was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands on July 7, 1931 to Aart and Margret Proper, the proprietors of a Dairy store. He had an older brother Aart, and a younger sister Meinie and brother Cory. Jake met Hermina Klasina Zeilmaker aka 'May' to all of us – in …. at a football match ( that's soccer to most of us) – in fact I'm told Jake was quite the talented player. After the War – times were tough and Jake along with his father Aart followed his older brother (also) Aart to Canada on his 22nd Birthday in July of 1953, soon to be followed by his Mother and younger brother and Sister – and 4 years later, in May of 1957 the young lovestruck May (talk about a leap of faith!) - None of them could speak a word of English by the way. Soon after Jake and May married in September of '57 and took up residence in Woodbridge and later in North York. In 1965 they celebrated the birth of their first child Simona (my lovely wife) and three years later their second daughter Yolanda came. In 1973 they moved to Barrie and have been here ever since. Jake worked in several jobs over the years – including farm and building labor, factories and foundries, and spent quite a few years as a painter – but I think one of his career aspirations was to be a “Sanitation Engineer” - as he spent so much time meticulously planning and coordinating the weekly taking out of the trash. (Even when on vacation in Florida or North Carolina). On one recent family vacation – the first thing he did when we arrived was to scout out the location of the garbage dumpster. Being married to a fellow Sister from the Zeilmaker family – Jake had a special bond with his two brother-in-laws – Herman Noorlander who is married to Margaret, and Ken Geroux who is married to Simona (my wife's namesake). Jake and Herman worked together for years painting and they even ran a paint-store here in Barrie – Jake wasn't the best businessman however, and often forgot to collect payment for the paint from the contractors. “Just pay me later he would say”. One of Jakes passions was sports – and of late he would always attend boxing matches with Ken at Casino Rama. Ken and Simona also played cards every Saturday night with Jake and May. He was also in my opinion one of the greatest “Armchair Athletes” that ever lived! He loved horse racing – Canadian football, soccer, hockey and especially golf – he knew more about golf than anyone I ever met – which is more amazing considering he never played a round in his life. He loved music – you would often walk into the house to sound of either dutch music or the Gaithers – his favorite gospel group. His favorite colour was “blue” (perhaps because it was also his favorite beer) - and as a matter of fact – I am a little worried for anyone who might have shares in Labatts because he was a major contributor in the success of the brand. There are so many stories that could be told about Jake – most of them funny – a few probably not suitable for church – but there wouldn't possibly be enough time to tell them all – I'm sure you all have a few or your own. Our family would love to hear about them later when we join together for fellowship in the hall. Dad and I shared a lot of interests, including a love for music – so in closing – I'd like to quote the lyrics from a current song by George Strait that not only reflects on Jakes last days here with us, but I think would sum up Jakes' philosophy on life; “Life's not the breath you take, the breathing in and out That gets you through the day, ain't what it's all about Just might miss the point if you don't slow down the pace Life's not the breaths you take but the moments that take your breath away” God bless and keep you Dad – we love you and miss you!
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marty en piet van meeteren posted a condolence
Sunday, November 7, 2010
lieve mien kinderen en kleinkinderen we wensen jullie veel sterkte met het grote verlies jullie wisten dat het er aan zat te komen maar het komt toch altijd nog onverwachts want wat je lief hebt wil je niet kwijt nogmaals heel veel sterkte voor nu en voor later jullie zijn steeds in onze gedachten piet en marty
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marty en piet van meeteren posted a condolence
Sunday, November 7, 2010
lieve mien kinderen en kleinkinderen we wensen jullie heel veel sterkte met dit grote verlies jullie wisten dat het zou komen en toch komt het altijd onverwachts want wat je lief hebt wil je nooit missen nogmaals heel veel sterkte en wij denken aan jullie
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marty en piet van meeteren posted a condolence
Sunday, November 7, 2010
lieve mien kinderen en kleinkinderen we wensen jullie heel veel sterkte met dit grote verlies jullie wisten dat het zou komen en toch komt het altijd onverwachts want wat je lief hebt wil je nooit missen nogmaals heel veel sterkte en wij denken aan jullie
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Greet posted a condolence
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Lieve Mien, Mona, Yolanda, chris en kleinkinderen Ik wens jullie veel sterkte. Ik denk aan jullie. Mien, Ik hoop dat het een beetje met je gaat. Ik denk dagelijks aan je. Ik wens je heel veel sterkte. Mien, Misschien is het een idee als je lekker met Herman mee komt. Ik hou van je. Greet
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Brenda and Han posted a condolence
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Als je geboren wordt leef je elke dag een beetje meer Als je ouder wordt worden al die beetjes steeds wat minder Ineens wordt je van al die beetjes wat moe en dan ineens ben je aan dat laatste beetje toe.... He will be missed Lieve tante Mien, Lala, Mona, Chris, Britney and Connor, Heel veel sterkte toegewenst met dit grote verlies, wij zijn in ons hart bij jullie. Love Brenda en Han
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Tiffany and Mark Pelka and family posted a condolence
Saturday, November 6, 2010
We were so sorry to learn of Jake's passing. We would like to extend our condolences to the entire family and hope you can take comfort in your memories of better times. We will always remember Jake as a good friend and neighbour.
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Aly, Cor and Family posted a condolence
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Our thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow, we will always remember the good times we all had. Jaap loved to have fun and would always have a smile for everyone. God Bless you all. Aly Cor and Family
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Nancy Findlay posted a condolence
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Dearest May and all the family There are no words that can be said to ease your sorrow, I am so sorry that I can not be there Will be homeat Christmas -see you then I am in NZ. Thinking of you Love Nancy
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Nancy Findlay posted a condolence
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Dearest May and all the family There are no words that can be said to ease your sorrow, I am so sorry that I can not be there Will be homeat Christmas -see you then I am in NZ. Thinking of you Love Nancy
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l.harmsen posted a condolence
Saturday, November 6, 2010
lieve mien wij wensen jou de kinderen en kleinkinderen heel veel sterkte. in gedachten zijn wij bij jullie lau en anneke
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jeroen, Tanya, Kim en Lisa posted a condolence
Friday, November 5, 2010
Lieve Tante Mien, Simona en Lala Heel veel sterkte in deze moeilijke tijd. We zullen ome jaapie ontzettend missen. Naar Canada komen zal nooit meer hetzelfde zijn. Hij heeft een speciaal plekje in ons hart. Love you, Jeroen, Tanya Kim en Lisa
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Donald Garrie posted a condolence
Friday, November 5, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I have fond memories of time spent with Jake at Westminster.
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The Fraser Family posted a condolence
Friday, November 5, 2010
To the Proper Family, I received word from Matthew that Jake had passed away. I am very grateful to Matthew for keeping in touch with me and that he was able to read my letter to Jake last Friday. Jake touched the hearts of many and when he touched the hearts of the Fraser's he left a big impression. He was a friend whose smile and laughter will never be forgotten. When I think of Barrie I will always think of Jake. Blessings to the entire Proper family and thank you for sharing Jake with us. May you best remember him but imitating in your life those qualities which you most admired in his life. Love & God's Blessings from the Fraser Family John, Jill, Natalie, Diana, Crystal
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