Jacob Samuel Kotler

you are in our hearts and minds forever.

Love you, Miss you

xxoxo Uncle Andrew

This fine little man has helped us love one another so much even since his passing but I know we will see his playful spirit again in our own time. Love you Richelle and Robbie. And the ones you love in the present.
auntie Val

Today was a big day. I had the chance to talk about my Grief Bear. Looking forward to collecting more bears for the Share Your Bear program with the Calgary Police Service and Kids Help Phone. So many kids will get bears to help them through tough times thanks to many generous people.
Love and miss you always,
Richelle

Hi Jacob,

Its Uncle Andrew, I hope you and Zaidy Mel are making everyone laugh where you are. I think of you always and miss you like crazy. Please give Zaidy Mel a big kiss from me..

love you xo

As June 25, 2014 approaches, I can hardly believe it will be seven years since you left us. I think of you every day and miss you deeply. You will always be remembered.
Love,
Mommy

Happy Birthday, Jacob. We celebrated at the zoo this year with cupcakes by the lions den. Your brother fell in love with the animals. It was a beautiful day and you were near and dear to us as always.
Lots of love,
Mommy

The picture of you and Uncle Shane, me Auntie Val and cousins Shayla, Victoria and James still hangs in my living room. We hiked behind Great Grandpa Ritchie's old farm and had fun by the waterfall. We will miss you forever Jacob, and love you with all our hearts.
Love Auntie Val

Jacob,
As your birthday approaches, I've been thinking of you more. I can't believe you'd be 14 in a couple weeks. Wow. I'm not sure what I'll do for your birthday this year. We will see. It'll be something fun for sure. I think about you daily, especially since Corey reminds me of the little things you used to do when you were his age. I wish you two could have met and been brothers alive together. I think you would really have enjoyed each other. You two are alike in some ways and so different in others. One thing for sure - you both have all your mother's love. Miss you and love you so much.
Mommy

Thank you Jacob for helping God bless his mom with another beautiful boy. We will celebrate his birthday and remember you always.
Love Auntie Val

Corey would like to say thank you for his early birthday present. We gave him your green Little Tikes monster truck yesterday. He had a huge smile on his face and hasn't stopped playing with it since. Thanks for sharing!
Love Mommy and your Baby Bro

Just thinking that you must be showing Zaidy around up there. Found a penny today. Thank you. I love and miss you both. Keep the big guy out of trouble, okay? And have fun!
Love,
Mommy

I was hanging some Butterflies on my classroom window yesterday and thought of you. I so vividly remember how you loved nature and had such a gentle personna!! I saw your Mom's recent entry and got goosebumps to hear that you have a brother/sister along the way!! What a GREAT BIG brother you will be!! HUGE Hugs,
Mrs. Howey

Dearest Jacob,
I had the honor of "celebrating you" this week on your birthday with your Daddy. You are, and always will be so very loved! Although I did not have the pleasure of meeting you in person; I feel like I've learned lots about you through pictures, stories, your singing debut, seeing your favorite color everywhere and of course, your love of blueberries! It's been wonderful getting to know you through your Daddy's eyes - your spirit is all around us...and your memory forever cherished in the hearts of all who love you. Happy Birthday Jacob.

Happy Birthday, Jacob. I thought of you lots yesterday. You would have been 12 - wow! How time flies. No more sharing your roses with Mommy... you get the whole dozen. I'm sure the birds enjoy the blueberries. We had cupcakes for your birthday too. I can't wait to share this ritual with your baby brother or sister and tell them stories about you. You are always with me.
Love,
Mommy

Happy Birthday Jacob. I wish you could be here with all of those who you meant so much to. You are missed by both those who knew you and those that have heard about you.

Gerald

Dear Jacob,
You are always with me on my adventues... finding pennies or pesos or euros wherever in the world I may be. Sorry for spending the 5 pesos you gave me, but I really needed the ice cream 'cause it was so hot in Chichen Itza.

Petey loves to travel too. Today maybe we'll go to the beach and takes some photos of him there. I never thought to take him on the tours but then again, he was too precious to take with us on outings.

I wish you were here to enjoy the waves and sun and sand. Your big grin upon you face, laughing in you life jacket as the waves catch you and carry you to the sandy beach. But no, life goes on without your physical presence.

But thankfully I carry you with me in my heart all the days of my life. And as I try new things and explore new lands and live my best life I can, you are with me in spirit. You are with me and remind me to relax and enjoy the moment I am in right now. And the fear passes and the sadness of missing you passes and my life can begin again in that moment.

Thank you for being my boy. Love you always and forever.

You are always in my thoughts and in my heart.
Love you and miss you.
Uncle Andrew

Hi Jacob you little sweetheart, you have been in our thoughts and minds a lot recently, as we pack up the house to move downtown. It sad to leave the house and all the memories of you, but we know that you are with us no matter where we are and that is comforting.

We love and miss you, and often wonder what you would have been up to in these missing years

Sending you love and special hugs

Bubby D

Dear Jacob Your birthday is coming and we have been looking a lots of picturesof you and all of us. We spend lots of time thinking about all thr good and fun times we had together. Bubby Dina and I miss you and send you all our love Zaidy Mel

Dear Jacob,

Mommy here. Missing you like crazy. I've been watching videos of you lately and it makes me both happy and sad. Happy because you were such a great boy - so happy, funny, and delightful. It's a joy to watch you onscreen. Sad because you are no longer here to add your light to the world. You will glow on in our hearts and memories and through us, but it's not the same. I miss you and love you.
Love,
Mommy

Hi Jacob

Well little buddy, it's been 2 long years since you left us to play with the angels. That we miss you is an understatement, but we know that you are with us every day. Funny thing Jacob, we find pennys everywhere - you wouldn't know anything about that now would you???? HMMMMM???

I hope that you are happy. That you are making mischief where ever you are and that there is music to sing to, things to wonder at and most of all love.

I want to thank you for the lessons you taught me when you were here, to look at the world with "fresh" eyes - see everything as an adventure, and the biggest one you taught me when you left - to live each day as if it is my last. I do those things now and it is thanks to you.

Who knew a "little kid" could teach a grown up so many valuable life lessons ay?

I know you know it but I want to say again that we love you honey...and we miss you more than words can say

Jenn and Roy

Hello Jacob:

Your Mom sent me your rendition of "Life is a Highway". What a great job you did! We had our "DDS Talent Show" today. You would have done a 'terrific' job of this song!! Like the lyrics say "There's not much time, but today!!"

Like your mom said "Rock out man!"
Lotsa Love,
Mrs. Howey

Dear Jacob,
Shayla has many dreams about you, and I try to comfort her, but her grief is still very raw. I tell her your watching over us all everyday, and wouldn't want to see anyone of us in pain. We will always love you Jacob. Your humor, and laughter are everywhere. Hellloooo, from us.
Auntie Val, Uncle Shane, and cousins Shayla, Victoria and James.
XXXXX00000

Dear Jacob Bubby Dina and I are visiting with daddy and staying at your home. We went to the diansaur musuem and spend lots time thinking about you. We will stay here all week and spend time with Daddy and be thinking of you . We miss you Love Zaidy Mel

Jacob,
Just a quick note to you to tell you that I love you and always will. Good things are happening in my life and I wish you were here to share in my joy. I know in my heart you are always with me, but I miss you just the same. I miss your hugs and your smiles and you sneaking up on me trying to scare me. And Discovery Channel just isn't the same without you there snuggles up with me on the couch. :0)

And I wanted to tell you that on June 25 - your second angelversary - we will be planting a tree at 10 am at Douglasdale School.

Love always,

Mommy

Hi Jacob,

I am thinking about you today as halloween is coming up pretty quick. I am missing you (as always!)

Love,
Auntie Shawna

Hey Jacob, you just popped into my head and I needed to say hi. I miss you and wish you were still here. My wife & I had a little baby boy a few months ago and Noah loves his little penguin that mommy sent to us. I'm sad that we didn't get to know each other better while you were here but I appreciate you visiting me in my thoughts from time to time. Take care of Mommy & Daddy and we'll all see and play with you soon.
Love always and forever Jarred, Keren & Noah Kotler

HI Guys

Just thinking of Jacob.

My love to both of you.

Andrew

Dear Richelle and Robbie,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you two all the time, especially this week. You brought into the world a wonderful son, who showed us to live carefree, and without inhibitions of being what we all love to be. A child at heart.
Love Uncle Shane Auntie Val and cousins Shayla, Victoria and James

Dear and lovable Jacob, A year has past so fast and we miss you so much.We think of you and laugh atall your fun attitudes and cry because we love you so much and miss you here . Love Zaidy Mel Bubie Dina

The families of Richelle Kotler and Robert Kotler would like to invite you to the Unveiling for Jacob Samuel Kotler.

Sunday, May 4, 2008 12:00 pm
Chevra Kadisha Cemetery - NE corner of Hwy 22X and 37 St SW Calgary, AB

The service will last for approximately 20 minutes. Everyone is invited to Robert's home at 67 Douglas Shore Close SE (245-6029) immediately following the service. Lunch, co-sponsored by Richelle and Robert, will be served.

Please RSVP by return email to Robert at [email protected] or Richelle at [email protected] so we can have an idea of the number of people to expect.

Happy Birthday Jacob! I am so sad that you are not here to celebrate your birthday. I miss you.

Your friend,
Jared Caldwell

I am so looking forward to Jacobs Jamboree tonight!!! We visit you often, I hope you liked the blueberries...

Hi guys,

I was just thinking of Jacob and the two of you. Wanted you to know we think of him all the time.

With love,
Rich, Marla, Jonah and Marisa

Happy Halloween, Jacob. I love you and miss you. I'll be dressing up for you tomorrow. Goodness knows I've already eaten your share of the candy.
Love,
Mommy

Rob andRichelle:
I am so very thankful that I had the pleasure of teaching Jacob both in Kindergarten and Grade 1. I will always remember his contagious smile and his love of life!
I am thankful for his inquisitive mind and his energy for life! He will not be forgotten!

Thank you for coming into Miss Leung's class and sharing special stories of Jacob. Amanda came home and told me all about it and we shared some time together talking about how special he was. Amanda loves her penguin. Thank you. What a nice way to always remember him. She has named her penguin Jacob and has written on one of the hearts "in memory of Jacob Kotler". We look forward to the celebration of "Jacob's Garden"! You are in our thoughts and prayers.

I MET JACOB AT CARRIE AND ANDREW'S WEDDING. HE WAS SO CUTE THERE. PLEASE BELIEVE THAT YOU WILL SEE HIM AGAIN SOMEDAY IN HEAVEN. BARB MARX

Dearest Rob & Richelle;

Jacob is in our hearts forever.

I think you both always.

With all my love

Uncle Rue

Dear Robert, Richelle & Family:

Thank you Robert for passing on the guest book so I could view the messages and also write one. I only had the pleasure of meeting Jacob once but will never forget him. He was so lively, friendly and an awesome child and will be missed greatly by all who had the pleasure of knowing him

Soar with the angels darling Jacob because you are God's special angel.

Take care of yourselves and may the fond memories you have of your incredible son and grandson help to ease your pain.

With love and friendship.

Cindy

Our deepest sympathies are with you, we can not imagine the pain you have suffered. Please know that Jacob was always such a caring young man in class, smiling and affectionate. It will be wonderful to have Jacob's Garden as a memorial at the school.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you,
Pam Urban (Shane's mom), Shane, Derek, Cole, Tasha, & Derrin ( Shane's dad)

Richelle & Robert, as the summer comes to a close, we wanted to let you know that we think and speak of Jacob often. Kelly Ann has class projects they had completed together and remembers the fun they had working on them. As school begins, she says a prayer for Jacob, our thoughts are with you.
Beth, Dave and Kelly Ann Heughan

We are back home now trying to catch up on everything but miss the familiy already. Yvette and I have talked many times about this last visit and want to say how much we enjoyed getting to know you more and while the cause is most unfortunate the raw emotion let out along the way also shows who you are in a very deep way. We are so very proud of you and who you are and have only great respect for the way you carry yourself through the valleys of sorrow. Your loss profoundly affected me in the way I handle the day to day growing up of our children and has made us hug them harder, forgive them faster, and need them more. Thank you Robbie. I think it is important that you also see the good that comes of the situation too. I am sure that there are many people who have taken stock in a similar fashion since finding out about the tragedy. There were many occasions here before we left that group prayers where held for you and your family, even Brandon’s entire class one by one stood up and said a prayer. Again so many have asked after you upon our return .People from school, work, church and neighbours among them. Jacobs’ story lives down under, and while not experienced directly as we did, it has also touched lives other than our own in a positive way. The impact of your loss will obviously be with you every day but take comfort in knowing that his life and death have changed peoples’ lives in positive ways all over the world. Many children will benefit from what I could describe as a passion for Jacob. Parents and children need to climb out of our existence every day even for just a few moments to take a look at what really matters in life itself.

Unfortunately my new laptop was smashed on our return trip and will take a few more weeks to fix but I promise to send some great shots for you too.
Thank you again for the time we spent and also the sharing. We sincerely hope that you are able to come and visit us out here one day.

Love and blessings,

Greg, Yvette , Brandon and Amarnie.

Jacob It has been a month since you taken from us. We are having trouble accepting this. You are everywhere with us. In our hearts , our thoughts and in our feelings. Your presence is with us every moment. but you are gone and we miss you. You will always be with us in our hearts and thoughts. With so much love Bubbie Dina and Zaidy Mel

We were truly blessed to have Jacob in our lives. We think about him always and will cherish the many wonderful memories.

ROBBIE
it is late at night and i cant sleep. i am thinking of you!!!
love you lots

Dear Rob,

Please accept our sympathetic wishes with the loss of your son Jacob. May you be spared any further sorrow.

Sincerely,

Julie Sternberg & Michael Ezri

I was blessed to have Jacob in my life and in my home. Every time I remember that I won't see him again it brings tears to my eyes.

Dear Robbie and Richelle

I just wanted to let you know we think of you every day, our hearts and our prayers are with you, and Jacob's sweet, chocolaty smile will be with us forever.

Love Lori, Shane, Bradley and Kelsey

Elayne:
I have just heard of you loss. Words do not express how I feel for you and your family. I will pray for all of you.
Maureen

To Richelle and Rob:
I can't begin to tell you how sorry Amanda and I are to hear of Jacob's passing. Amanda was in Jacob's class and she will miss the way he made her laugh. He was a very special boy with a huge heart. We will always remember his beautiful smile and great big hugs!!!
From: Amanda and Angela Dzikowski

Dear Richelle,

My mom just called and told me she had read about Jacob in the Keremeos paper. We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

With love,

Kulchera

Elayne,

Please accept our deepest sympathies on the tragic loss of your beloved grandson, Jacob.
Words cannot express the sorrow we feel for you and your family at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

You are all in our thoughts and in our hearts. We wish you strength and love.
Rich's poem is truly beautiful. Thanks for it.

Elayne,
Please accept my deepest sympathies on your family's tragic loss.

Our hearts and thoughts are with you.

Our thoughts are with you now and always guys. Love from Rich, Marla, Jonah and Marisa.

------------------------
Jacob’s Paradigm
------------------------

Pulled away on a current of tears
This boy of eight tender years

How can we fill the hole
that he left
Deep in our soul
we, the bereft?

How are we going to survive?

His tireless days were spent chasing after
every chance to generate laughter

The joy
and the song
From this boy
still live on

His soul, in our hearts, is alive

We seek no divine explanation for that tragic day
Something went wrong and he passed away

But his life will have meaning
and we’ll honour its purpose
By never forgetting
the gifts that he gave us

His love of all things that we share.

Laughter and song - how perfectly fitting
that these were what helped us during our sitting

The sharp edge of gloom
was blunted by fun
Just how many tunes
fit Adon Olam?

So many great songs are there

Though carrying on brings feelings of guilt
We’ll focus our thoughts on the love that he built

And though now we can never
see him play in the park
He’ll still play on forever
in the park in our heart

His joy will light our eyes

A life like his brings hope to us all
That a heart so enormous in a body so small

Would touch the lives of the people
around
Leaving a mark so deep and
profound

His spirit lifts ours to the skies



We have been seared with the pain
Cried our grief, screamed our sorrows
But what he created will always remain
His spirit and wonder for all our tomorrows

Life is measured by impact, not span
We’ll laugh, sing and dance all the time
Thanks to the impact of one little man
This is his gift. Jacob’s Paradigm.


-

Robbie, Richelle, Shawna, Don and Jacob’s extended family and friends,

I will never forget Jacob walking into Shawna and Don's house and then recruiting a few playmates. It never appeared to fizz him that he was the only child in the room. He was able to find the inner child in everyone there.

I am honored that I had the pleasure to escape the life of an adult on a few occasions to play with your beloved Jacob.

My thoughts are with Jacob's entire family and the many friends I had the pleasure of meeting during this time of sadness.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Dear Elayne & Family:

My heartfelt condolences on the sad loss of your loving angel, Jacob. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I received this sad news from Rich via his tribute to Jacob online. Jacob's beautiful spirit and joy for life is evident in those that have written about him. My heart and prayers go out to all those that knew him. May God's peace enshroud you like a blanket and grant you solace.

To the Kotler Family:

Please accept our deepest condolences on your tragic loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.

Dear Robbie and Richelle,

Don and I are extremely saddened by the loss of Jacob. We are thinking of happy memories to share with you, such as Jacob coming to visit us at "the end of the world". Every time he came over every magnet on our filing cabinet became a toy and we would find them EVERYWHERE! We will especially miss his wonderful sense of humour and the fact that no matter how hard I tried he would never eat my famous matzoh ball soup.

Jacob will be forever in our hearts and souls, we miss him terribly. Just know that we are always here for you, to laugh or cry with.

We love you,

"Auntie" Shawna and "Uncle" Don

Just wanted to send you both a note to let you know that Jacobs smiles and hugs will be greatly missed at the restaurant. We wish to thank you for bring Jacob into our lives and gracing us with his charm and attitude of an intellegent young man.

Robbie, Richelle, Elayne, Mel and family,
we were so saddened to hear about your Jacob.
our hearts go out to you... Teresa, Marshall, Ronen & Josh

Dear Rob and Richelle,
We're so very, very sorry to hear of the passing of Jacob. I cannot imagine the pain you are experiencing right now, but I know that your new guardian angel (Jacob) will watch over you and give you comfort and love forever. He often gave me a hug at The Centre or at school and would say, "Hi Quinn's Mom" in his usual cheery mood. He had an impish smile and it was the sweetest look. May you find peace down the road and please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Laurene, Quinn and Brock

Dear Robbie, Shawna, Mel, Elaine and family, I was so schocked and saddedened by the news of your enormous loss. My Auntie Eleanor just told me. My heart breaks for all of you. I know Mona would have been devasted....so on behalf of my late mother and myself, I will say a prayer for your sweet little boy Jacob......your cousin Jane Ravvin

We were so, so saddened to hear of Jacob's passing. Clare fondly remembers playing tag with Jacob at recess. She will miss her friend. Our thoughts are with you.

Dear Robbie, Richelle, Mel, Dina & Family,
It is with the most heartfelt sorrow that I must express my immense sadness to all of you. Jacob was a real "character" and may the days ahead bring you joy again which Jacob did for you.

Dear Robbert, Richelle, Mel & Dina

We have just heard the tragic news about your precious little Jacob and we are deeply saddened. We can’t even begin to understand the pain that you and the family are going through right now. Mike and I want you to know that you are in our thoughts and our prayers.

Our deepest sympathies
Mike & Kellie Payne

Dear Richelle,
My daughter Kennady and I were saddened to hear of Jacob's passing.
Jacob was a very generous boy and will be greatly missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Kaleen and Kennady Darling

Dear Robbie,

My heart goes out to you in this time of pain and sorrow.
May the rest of your days be filled with only joy and warm memories of your son Jacob

Sincerely
Barry Pokrass

Dear Robbie, Richelle, Elayne, Mel and Family

We were so devestated to hear the very sad news of Jacob's passing.

Please accept our sincerest condolences.

Eleanor and Ron Bell

Dear Robby,Richelle,Elaine,Dina and Mel and extended family
Our hearts are with you always.We will always remember precious Jacob with his beautiful smile.May your cherished memories of Jacob be treasured always.May the sun shine brightly on your lives and give you all the strength to continue life.Mark and I love you dearly and are glad that we were able to be there for all of you.
Bella and Mark Kotler

I am deeply saddened by your loss. My deepest condolenses to the entire Kotler family. May Jacob always remain in your hearts and in your memory.

Richelle
Words don't mean a thing - our hearts ache for you at this devastating time. I know however that you being you will find a center of peace and do what most would not - rise again - breath in - breath out and move forward - the legacy that "your boy" left is forever honey- clutch it tightly and do what Jacob would do - smile - and learn to play - remember what he taught us all - to look at the world with wonder and all the things we find common are amazing creations - he was too - and forever we will remember what he taught us

We love you honey

Dear Rob, Richelle, Mel, Dina and Family,

It is with great sadness that I heard the news of the loss of your beautiful Jacob. It is truly a tragedy. My thoughts are with you in your time of immense grief and I hope you can find some comfort within the embrace of your family and friends at this difficult time.

Dear Mel & Family On behalf of the Rothstein, Bassel & Pantel Families, we offer you our deepest sympathies and may your family be spared further sorrow. We are thinking of you at this time. Cousin Lillian, Natalie, Stan, Sandy, Les, David & Karen.

Dear Rob & Richelle,

We were devastated to receive the news about Jacob. He was adored by everyone at Centre. He truly embodied the spirit of a child, filled with wonder for the smallest discovery; he accepted everyone as a friend and delighted in any opportunity to play. Jacob turned ordinary tasks into games, his walk naturally became a skip and his enthusiasm permeated everything he did.

People often take for granted the common gifts life has to offer us, but not Jacob. He embraced each one fully. His blue eyes would dance with excitment, his hard-to-surpress bounce could barely be contained to a wiggle.

Jacobs enchanting nature filled our days with laughter and we will always be grateful for the time we were able to share with him. We are so sorry for the anguish you must suffering now. Please know that our hearts are with you. Will we miss Jacob enormously.

Sandi, Amanda & everyone at A Step Ahead

Dear Robbie & Richelle:
We will always cherish our memories of the long weekend we spent with you and Jacob in Banff. He had endless energy to hike, chase chipmunks, make funny faces, and keep us all going.

It was very moving to sit with Jacob's teachers and to see first hand what a beautiful artist and a beloved student he was.

You are both very important to us, and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.

Our deepest condolences to the entire Kotler family.