Jake Vander Wal

Jake Vander Wal died at home surrounded by his family on April 21st, 2008. Jake will be greatly missed by his wife Susan, his son Eric and partner Carissa Brown, and daughter Alex Sieswerda, husband Lee and his very special granddaughters, Maren and Bronwyn. Jake was born in Niagara Falls on August 6th, 1949. From the very beginning he was fascinated by the natural world. Jake and Susan moved to Thunder Bay in 1971 to live in the North, where they found room to grow and plenty of moose and deer. He attended LU and lucked into a summer job with OWRC. This grew into a spirited and successful career working at the Ministry of the Environment. Jake retired after pouring his passion and energy into cleaning up the waters of Lake Superior. He was active in the development of the Remedial Action Plans Program, Lake Superior Programs Office, and the Lake Superior Binational Forum. His efforts to restore and protect Lake Superior culminated in a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Binational Forum. In honour of his inspiration and commitment, the City of Thunder Bay and the LRCA have renamed the Mission Marsh Islands and surrounding waters as "The Jake Vander Wal Habitat Creation Project". Jake loved to laugh. His home was always open to his family and friends. There was always a beer and some form of pork to share. He loved telling stories, singing, and the company of friends. His garden was amazing and shared with everyone who came in the yard. He was generous with his time, his kindness, and his optimism. Jake will be sadly missed by his many hunting and fishing buddies. He relished his time in the bush and on the water. We are sure we will never hear all of the stories. He loved you all. He was predeceased by his father Haye (Henry) Vander Wal and is survived by his mother, Aaltje (Alice) Vander Wal, his brothers Ted (Linda), and Ozzie (Nancy) and his sisters, Agnes (Richard) Glockner, and Helen (Bert) Prinzen, as well as a very large and loving extended family. The family would like to thank Jake's doctors, Geoff, Harshad, Rick and Adrian for their constant support and expert care. We would especially like to thank CCAC and Bayshore for our family nurse, Joanne Knudsen-Bailey, whose professional support for the last 5 years gave us the strength to live normally and die with dignity at home. A celebration of Jake's life will be held at the Italian Cultural Centre, 132 S. Algoma St. , on Saturday April 26th, eulogy at 1:00 PM. Cremation has taken place. If friends so desire, memorial donations to EcoSuperior - Thunder Bay, Nature Conservancy Canada, or the environmental charity of your choice would be appreciated. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com"