Jacob Koning
May 15th, 2022
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It is with great sadness but also with remarkable peace, that we announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Jacob (Jack) Koning at the age of 67 years, at Holmberg House Hospice in Abbotsford, BC. Jack peacefully went home to be with his heavenly Father on Sunday, May 15, 2022, after a hard-fought battle with metastatic melanoma. He will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife Sieglinde, his children, Heidi (Dustin), Nathan (Nomi), Daniel (Laurel), and Jon (Teresa); his grandchildren Alexis, Dominic, Dylan, Oliver, Noah, and Benjamin; and his brothers John (Helen) and Adrian (Marlene). He is joyfully reunited with his beloved daughter Julia, and his parents, Frans, and Adriana Koning.
Jack was a talented, engaging and highly motivated individual who chose to be defined by the gifts he was given rather than the ones he was not. He had a lifelong passion for music and teaching that he poured his energy into and shared with family, students, colleagues, and friends. Jack was a well-loved teacher at Abbotsford Christian School for 24 years, building the school’s K-12 music program from the ground up and influencing generations of students to not only appreciate music, but to dream big, set goals, work hard, and believe in themselves. When chronic illness forced him to step away from his position at ACS, he focused on providing top notch service to the area’s music teachers and families through his store, King’s Music. He was known to often go over and above to support local music programs and endeavors.
Jack’s passion for his family was evident as he squeezed every meaningful moment out of life, sharing quality time in his garden, on countless outings and on trips with his wife and children, and later, grandchildren. There was never a dull moment with Jack. He was larger than life, a go-getter who was always researching and planning the next adventure, whether it be a day trip to Vancouver or a family trip across Canada.
We would like to thank all those who shared their memories and appreciation with Jack over the last four weeks. As he read your beautiful thoughts and stories, he was filled with gratitude and joy and was overwhelmed that his life touched so many just by using the gifts that God had given him and by treating others with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Our family also wishes to thank the nurses and doctors at the Palliative Care Unit at Abbotsford General Hospital and the Holmberg House Hospice, as well as the multiple specialists who gave our dad outstanding care for his many health concerns over the years.
We sure will miss him. We will miss his passion for music, his passion for his family, and his passion for teaching. Mostly, though, we will miss his passion for the Lord, and for telling anyone who would listen about Him. It gives us great comfort to know that he is made perfectly whole, enjoying, and participating in the glorious, celestial sounds of music in his eternal Home.
Jack’s Final Concert will be held at New Life Church on Delair Road in Abbotsford on Wednesday, June 1 at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, our family requests that donations be made to the BC Children’s Hospital or the Abbotsford Hospice Society.
Messages:
Our hearts and prayers go out to you, with the passing of Jack. He truly was, a faithful servant of his Lord. His love and gift for music has touched countless lives. May you receive the comfort and peace needed, as you miss Jack in your lives, and all he meant to you. Sincerely: John and Margaret Wikkerink
Dear Sieglinde & family, Our deepest condolences on the passing of your dear husband, father & grandfather. Clare & I had the privilege of knowing you both for many years and being on staff with him at ACS for 24 years! We. fondly remember our many visits and card games! At school I have many fond memories helping Jack set up for musicals and accompanying him and my students to the VSO at the Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver. May you feel the loving & comforting arms of our Lord carrying you through these very difficult times. Also, may your comfort be in the sure knowledge that he is home with his Lord Saviour. You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers! With Love in Christ, Bill & Clare Tinsley
Dear Sieglinde and all the family, It was uplifting for me to visit Jack in the hospital and to attend the memorial service. Jack and I go back to 1977 when I was a new music teacher and we met occasionally to commiserate on our work teaching band. He remained a friend since as we often had lunch and he honored me with his presence at my special events such as big birthday retirement events. He was a generous contributor to my fund raising initiatives for St. James Music Academy, The BC Cancer foundation, Thrive City Music Camps, and more. My respect for Jack as a music teacher and businessman continued to grow throughout the years. It was a great pleasure to meet together for lunch or coffee as we often did and he so often spoke proudly of his family and his activities. I'll miss him and I know you all will. I was honoured to get a big hug from him at our last meeting as he said " see you on the other side".
Dear Sieglinde, We are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your beloved husband Jack, and extend our sincerest sympathy and condolences to you and your family. May our good Lord give you strength and guide you through this difficult time. Maria, Herbert, and Yvette Hetze and family.
Condolences to the family. I was a student of Mr. K's, both band and choir. He instilled a passion for music in myself and so many others. His passion was infectious.
VALE - Jack, although we didn't meet many times, contact with you and Sieglinde (phone and email) and the family were loving a joyful occasions, all because of our wonderful Julia. Never have a I met a more loving and accepting "crew". I hope we can meet again in eternity. My deepest love to your wonderful wife and families. Yours Patricia, Leongatha, Victoria, Australia.
I first met Jack about eighteen years ago when his business, King’s Music, was recommended to me by some music specialists colleagues of mine. Ever since that initial meeting, I always went to his store for any purchase or repair service that my music students or program needed. Jack was a very kind and gentle man and was eager to help me in any way that he could. I’m saddened to learn of his passing and offer my condolences to his family and friends.
So sorry for your loss. I happily shared a lane during length swims at ARC pre-COVID.
Sieglinde and family, Fred and I are deeply saddened to hear of Jack’s passing. We think of the many evenings we spent together, supporting and sharing with others in our CF support group. We saw Jack’s heart and his love and compassion. He spoke eloquently about the pain and grief of losing Julia, and in doing so he helped others. He will be deeply missed by many, I’m certain. With deepest sympathy, Sharon and Fred Thiessen
Our sincere condolences with the passing of Mr. Koning, We were blessed to listen to his concerts at the school and his music in the church over the years.
Dear Sieglinde & family, We are so very sorry for your loss and send our prayers and condolences. You were all very fortunate to have such a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. It was a great memory for us to have visited with him last December in Edmonton, when we celebrated Uncle Rudy's 90th birthday. We're disappointed that we won't be able to join you in the Celebration of Life. With love, Urs & Ric
Dear Sieglinde and family. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for the death of Jack, your loving husband, father and grandfather. May you find comfort in God's love and many blessings. Jack will be dearly missed by many.