HILDEBRAND: The world lost a great man on Wednesday, September 19, 2012, when Jacob Peters Hildebrand, age 88, passed away at the Cypress Regional Hospital, with his family by his side. As a testament to the strength of his family’s devotion to him, most of his grandchildren made the trip, many from long distances, to come and see him during his last days. Jake was born August 6, 1924, at his home north of Gouldtown. His grandmother, the community mid-wife, delivered him. As children, Jake along with his brothers and sisters walked several miles to school at Riverdell. They were only able to attend school during the summer months. Jake had to quit school at age 15, and he and his brother Henry made their way to Kapus Casing in Northern Ontario where they worked in a lumber camp for 2 months. After they returned home, Jake worked at several jobs in Alberta and Saskatchewan on ranches, farms and dairies. He came back to work on the home farm and that was when he met Vera Andreas. They were married July 15, 1951, and were blessed with 4 children. Jake was baptized in the Gouldtown Conference Church and from that time on served the church in various capacities. Jake’s hard work and strong work ethic enabled him to start building up the farm. In 1965, Jake, Vera and their family moved into their first new home. Over the years, the farm continued to expand and grew to include the raising of purebred Hereford cattle and, for a short period of time, a large hog operation. In 1986, Jake and Vera moved into Herbert to begin their retirement. For as long as Jake’s health would permit he would continue to work the farm land and build a beautiful yard at their new home in Herbert. All through his life Jake had a strong sense of community. He showed the foresight for improvements needed and made a big impact on his community. As a young man Jake and his brothers would dig graves by hand while their father built the coffins. After Jake and Vera got married, Jake served as Councillor for R.M. of Vermillion Hills and later, after they retired off the farm, on the Herbert Town Council. He served on numerous Boards and Committees including the School Board, Glen Kerr Coop Pasture Board and Housing Authority Board in Herbert. Jake had a keen interest in politics all of his life and was active during every election. While on the farm Jake played an integral role in having power and phone lines brought into his community. He acted as the local vet and provided veterinary services to his neighbors for many years. Jake was predeceased by his parents, Henry & Helena Hildebrand; his brothers, Isaac and Henry; his baby sister, Nettie; his sisters-in-law, Mona Hildebrand and Lydia Hildebrand; and by his brothers-in-law, Isbrandt Harder, Diedrich Dyck and Vic Andreas. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Vera; his children, Patricia (Craig) Jahnke, Nancy (Verne) Gummeson, Baron (Shelley) Hildebrand, Carol Hildebrand; his 14 grandchildren; his 2 great-grandchildren; his sisters, Gertrude Harder and Helen Dyck; as well as by numerous nieces and nephews. Jake may be gone but will never be forgotten and will always be remembered with so much love. The Funeral Service was held on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at 1:00 pm from the Living Faith Fellowship Church, Herbert, SK with Pastor Robin Haensel officiating. The pianist for the service was Ruth Newton with special music brought by Brenda Schulz & Florence Woelk singing, “What a Day That Will Be” and “Shall We Gather at the River”. Scripture was read from John 14:1-6, 27 and Psalm 23. The eulogy and tributes were shared by the granddaughters. “Take My Hand” and “How Great Thou Art” were sung by the congregation. The ushers in the church were Roy Hildebrand and Carl Hildebrand. The Interment Service was held at the Gouldtown Cemetery, Gouldtown, SK with the following grandsons serving as pallbearers, Jarrod Jahnke, Benjamin Jahnke, Eric Hattum, Dustin Gummeson, Jacob Hildebrand, Joseph Hildebrand, Luke Hildebrand and Mark Hildebrand. In memory of Jake Hildebrand, donations made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or to the Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, 3535 - 8th Ave., Regina, SK, S4T 0T6, would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK.