Jake Block

It is with great sadness that the family of Jake Block announce his passing on Thursday, May 8, 2025 after a valiant battle with a painful illness.

Jacob “Jake” Block was born on December 18, 1927 at Sec 16 – Twp 23 – Rge 11 – W3rd in the Beechy Area. He was the third of six children born to Peter & Helen Block. The family moved to the Nine Mile House near Main Centre and later to the former Goosen farm where they lived for many years. Jake attended the Los Angeles School for Grades 1-10 and then had a boarding place in Herbert where he took Grade 11 and 12 at the Herbert School. In 1947, following graduation, he took a short course at Moose Jaw Normal School before going to teach at Crossfell School on the bench, south of Piapot. That was the beginning of a thirty-five year career in teaching. He taught at Queen Centre, Capeland, and Rush Lake before moving to the Herbert School in 1954. He was a colleague with his brother-in-law, Dick Klippenstein, for the next twenty-seven years. During summer holidays, intersessions, and summer school, he completed his B.Ed. and B.A. degrees. In the fall of 1967, Tina Hinchliffe arrived from England to join the teaching staff at the Herbert School, and Jake & Tina were married n the summer of 1968. Over the next few years their family was enriched by the birth of their children, Jason, Janine, and James.

In 1980 they moved to a farm north of Rush Lake which they named Hansome Farm. During this time the family became involved in the Main Centre Church. In 1983 Jake retired from teaching and began his twenty-five year career as a mixed farmer, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

In 2004 Jake & Tina bought a home in Lethbridge where they spent the next fourteen years. Whilst in Lethbridge they attended the Evangelical Free Church where they became involved in the senior’s group. They volunteered weekly at the Lethbridge Food Bank and monthly at the Soup Kitchen. In 2018 they moved to Riverview Village Estates in Swift Current.

Jake enjoyed the company of his sisters, Lynn (Abe) Voth, Alvina (Al) Thiessen, and a brother, Elvin Block right up to a few days before his passing. Nephews and nieces were very special and he also enjoyed their visits and support. Jake served the community throughout his life sitting on many committees and boards, including Councillor for RM 166, Herbert Town Council, Herbert Hospital, and Sunrise Homes. He coached school sports, was a member of the Lion’s club for twenty-five years, enjoyed curling, baseball and pool. An avid fan of the Roughriders, Maple Leafs, and LA Dodgers. He was especially thankful for his wonderful children and their families.

Jake was predeceased by his parents, Peter & Helen Block; a sister, Helen (Dick) Klippenstein; a brother, Henry (Bertha) Block; a brother-in-law, Henry Letkemann; and by a sister-in -law, Viola Block. He is survived by his wife, Tina; his son, Jason (Joanne) Block – their grandsons, Kristien (Madison),  Andrew, and great-grandson, Jayce; his daughter, Janine (Stefan) – grandson Liam and granddaughter, Kendra; his son, James (Brooke) – grandson, Harlee; a sister, Lynn (Abe) Voth; a brother, Elvin Block; a sister, Alvina (Al) Thiessen; sisters-in-law, Hazel (Rodger) Knutton and Bee Hinchliffe; and by his nieces and nephews, Wendy, Joanne, Debi, Terry, Randy, Steve, Glenn, Niel, Darrel, Darren, and Dominik.

*** To view Jake Block recorded service, please visit Bridgeway Community Church Facebook page*** 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jake Block, please visit our floral store.