John Laurie Jacobs

May 22, 1954 - May 30, 2019
Jake was born on May 22, 1954 in Camrose, AB and died May 30, 2019 in Calgary, AB (passed away suddenly surrounded by his family). John is survived by his wife Donna of 43 years; his girls - Terine (Derek) Forrester and Penny (Scotte) Titus; sister Val (Merv) Zwicker; mother-in-law Betty Hansen, sisters-in-law Carol (John) Zerkee and Lorraine Hansen; brothers-in- law Ted Hansen and Tim (Sandra) Hansen; many loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. Predeceased by his father Ches Jacobs, his mother Ollie Jacobs; sisters Sharon Ferguson and Sue Jacobs; father- in-law Ted Hansen and brother-in-law Danny Ferguson.
Jake took pretty much most of his schooling in Camrose except for his Grade 12 - he went to Medicine Hat to play hockey - he graduated from Medicine Hat High School - the next year he played in Drumheller for the Drumheller Falcons.
John was employed with the Dept of Transportation for a short time - climbing towers in the NWT, BC and Alberta to change bulbs - (these towers ranged from 100 feet to 650 feet). A fall from a glide path tower in Fort St John ended that career. He then settled back in Camrose and worked for the Carpet Bin. John came to Stettler in 1977 where he was employed with the Carpet Bin which later became Stettler Flooring and Paint. In 1985 John began a 33-year career with Peavey Mart in Stettler as Store Manager. In 1999 he became Product Manager at Peavey Industries in Red Deer. In 2009 John came back to work at thestore in Stettler. He retired in January 2018. The community knew him as Mr. Peavey Mart.
Upon retirement, during the winter months, John volunteered at the Food Bank which he enjoyed and, on the weekends, you would find him at the rink where he continued to mentor and supervise the young officials. Once hockey season was over, he could hardly wait for the golf season to begin. He became part of the grounds crew at Pheasantback Golf Course. He was in his glory as he now had a purpose everyday to get up in the morning again.
John has always been involved with sports. Hockey, football and golf were his passions. He played minor hockey in Camrose, had a stint with the Medicine Hat Tigers, Drumheller Falcons and then played senior hockey for the Camrose Maroons and the Stettler Sabres.
Growing up in Camrose, once athletes reached a certain level of hockey, they were required to take their turn officiating the younger levels. John began his officiating career in 1967and attained his Level 4. He served as an official at multiple different levels.
John was involved as a Coordinator and Instructor with the Hockey Alberta Development Camp for Officials for 25 years which helped groom young linesmen and referees.
He was Zone chairman for the North Central Zone and later became Provincial Chairman of the Hockey Alberta Referees Council.
He was the recipient of numerous awards including Hockey Alberta's Hockey Development Award, the President's Award, the Ernie Boruk Award, the Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation Award and was inducted into the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame. He also became a Life Member of the Referee's Council.
The Celebration of Jake's Life will be held Friday, June 7th at 1 pm in the Blue Arena at the Stettler Recreation Center, 6202-44 Ave., Stettler, Alberta.
In lieu of flowers, send donations to the Stettler Minor Hockey Association, Stettler Food Bank or a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.stettlerfuneralhome.com
Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements. For further information please call 403-742-3422.
 Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium