Thursday, August 19, 2010
Dear Nadine. I was very saddend to learn of Jake's passing and wanted to let you know and your wonderfully large and loving family know that I thought the world of Jake on both a personal and professional level. He was one of the most enthusiastic people that I ever met and was so committed to his family and to his work in post secondary education. I knew him as the Principal of the VVI and I knew him as the President of East Kootenay College and he helpd put both institutions on the provincial, national and international map. He especially fought hard for the trades programs and their place in the sun. I also knew Jake as a very involved community contributor who spent hundreds of volunteer hours on various important projects. I travelled with him to Asia and attended with him countless meetings concerning post secondary education in BC and always enjoyed his company and especially his great sense of humour. We are all the better for knowing him and I send you, Nadine, and your family and friends my most sincere condolences. We will certainly miss him but we will also have very fond memories. Most sincerely, Rich Johnston, Retired President, Malaspina University-College.
