Jakob “Jake” Spehar was born on June 2, 1937, in Dreznik, Slovenia.
Raised on a farm, at age 17, he left to work at a factory in Trzic, Slovenia. At age 21, he immigrated to Canada, where his work took him across the country; he worked on farms, the railway, sawmills and the Bennett Dam.
In 1968, he returned to his home country, where he married Marija. They settled in Saskatoon, where they started their family, before making Golden their home for the next 40 years.
Jake worked as a carpenter at the local sawmills. His family and his work were his life. He enjoyed beekeeping, gardening, grocery shopping, spending time with his family and going for coffee with his buddies. After retirement, he continued to work in construction throughout BC and Alberta with his son Matthew.
After a courageous battle with leukemia, God called him up to heaven on August 27, 2010. Prayers were recited from Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Golden on Tuesday evening, August 31st, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday morning, September 1st, with Father Jim McHugh as celebrant. Pallbearers were: Tony Mannarino, Jeremy Young, Shane Silbernagel, Eric Zutter, Arnold Benty and Joe Dusevic. Interment followed in the Golden Community Cemetery.
Jake is survived by his loving wife Marija, seven children: Peter (Tina), Helena (Eric), Bernadet, Christine (Shane), Mark, Stefanie (Jeremy), Matthew; five grandchildren: Kimberly, Taylor, Jacob, Curtis, Paige, Chase and the family dog Tundra.
Thank you for all of your prayers, love and support.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Golden and District Hospital in memory of Jakob.
Messages of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.hindmanbowersfuneralhome.com
Funeral arrangements were in the care of Hindman Bowers Funeral Home, Golden.
