After a courageous 4-year battle with cancer, Jacob Walter Kenneth Twyford died in his parents’ arms on April 20, 2011 at 4:30 pm in their Victoria, BC home. He was 7 years old.
Jacob is survived by father Philip, mother Wency, little brother Ben, grandparents Walter and Kathleen Twyford, grandparents Kenneth and Andra Lum, aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family in Canada, the US, the UK, and China, and also his fish Robert. He was born on a sunny Manhattan day in New York City and was proud to introduce himself as a native New Yorker.
Jacob dreamed, made plans, and took every opportunity to have adventures. He visited the shark capital of Monterey, California, honked the horn on the BC Ferry with Captain Bob, fed Beluga whales, handled an owl named Notlee, and helped to build a tree house. He was a talented cook who loved exploring new foods. Red was his favourite colour; it represented his personality – dynamic, exuberant, and happy. Most of all, he loved life and the joy that is possible even in small moments. Although he is deeply missed, we know that he is safe in Heaven, where he is probably already making suggestions to their menu.
Heartfelt thanks for the incredible care Jacob had at BC Children’s Hospital, especially to our hero, Dr. Sheila Pritchard, and the amazing team of doctors and nurses at BCCH, Victoria General Hospital, and University of California at San Francisco. Many thanks also for the love and support of family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to BCCH Oncology Clinic Child Life through Kristina Jackson at BCCH, email: kjackson@cw.bc.ca or contact the family.
Services for Jacob will be held on Thursday, April 28, 2011 at 10:00 am at McCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson at Vancouver Street in Victoria, BC. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 27, 2011 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at McCall’s. All are welcome. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.
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Captain Bob
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Sue Maitland Wency, you’re a very special person and although I wasn’t fortunate enough to meet him, it’s clear your son Jacob was too.
My thoughts and best wishes for the future are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Sue M
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The Powell Family Philip and Wency,
I’m so sorry to hear of Jocob’s passing. Our deepest sympathies for your loss; you are in our thoughts every day reminding us of what is truly important.
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Rhonda Wright I was very sorry to hear about Jacob. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jacob was such a sweet little boy with so much to teach us all about life. He often had something to teach me and I was amazed at how much he knew. I send my love and strength to your family. When I picture Jacob I will see the little boy on the beach loving life.
Rhonda Wright, RN
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Jennifer Keis Wency, Philip, Ben and family
Sadly I read the email and attached obituary for Jacob. How wonderfully though his life was summed up. I have so many memories of the times I took care of him. Learning about whatever topic was the focus of his interest at each admission whether it be trucks or birds, watching Max and Ruby with him and hearing all about his big adventures were just a few things.
He was so blessed to have a family that made every day count and while there were struggles he was so fortunate to have been introduced to so much. Wency and Philip, you did a wonderful job as parents and Jacob was so lucky to have your love. It was an honor to be part of your family’s journey and to get to know you.I hope that you can have peace in all the wonderful memories of times with your little guy. Hopefully you can smile as little things remind you of him and the amazing son, brother and friend he was to so many.
Thinking of all of you and sending my prayers.
Jennifer
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Sara Carby Dear, Wency, Phillip and Ben,
Although our association has been extremely brief, we would like you to know it has been an honour and a privilege to have met you- I met Jacob just once at home in recent weeks when he was feeling good and was awed by his intelligence and personality. I was amazed at his culinary interest and excitement in creating cookies in the kitchen- he was so animated at the thought of the end result – I had indeed heard he loved to eat! On behalf of all of us at Bayshore, please accept our sincere sympathy for his loss. Our thoughts are with you.Sara and the Bayshore nursing team.
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Olivera Andric and Ashley Dear Philip,
It is with great sadness that we heard about Jacob’s passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences; you and your family are in our thoughts.
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Yashar Barza Wency, Philip and Ben,
I am so sorry for the loss of dear Jacob. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. May this be the last pain you endure in your lives.
Yashar Barza
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Bruce & Merrilee Stuart and Family Philip, Wency & Ben,
Please know that our hearts and thoughts are with you.
We are all blessed and so fortunate to have been neighbours to such a wonderful young man. While he couldn’t stay with us for long, Jacob was a young man who was way beyond his years and who touched our hearts in so may ways.
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Michael, Doris, Natalie and Roger Veronneau What an amazing little guy. Dear Jacob, rest in peace, and to your loving family, my deepest condolences.
Michael
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The Holt Family Our deepest sympathy on your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Anne Minnings Philip, Wency, Ben,
I was very saddened to hear of Jacob’s passing. I hope you have many joyful memories to console you in the loss of a very special son and big brother. My thoughts are with you.
Anne Minnings
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Perveen Khan My deepest sympathy to you and your family for your loss. Jacob was a great little boy I was fortunate enough to have met him at VGH. He sure made my day a little guy full of life and happiness
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Geraldine, Jackson & Tyler We were so saddened to hear of Jacob’s passing. We are honoured that we had the chance to meet him. We will remember seeing the joy on his face whenever he was able to attend school. We will remember his love of sharks and sea life. We will remember the time when Jacob and Tyler were talking about running shoes.
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We pray that Jacob is rejoicing in Heaven with his new body, free of sickness, free of pain. We also pray that God will provide you much peace and comfort during this difficult time.
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Susan Irvine Dear Wency,
I am so sorry about the loss of your precious Jacob. My heartfelt condolence to you, Philip, Ben and your families. Please know you are in my thoughts. Susan
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Leslie Hall Although we have not met, wanted to send you a note and say that I am very sorry for the loss of Jacob. I read about Jacob’s passing and have been thinking of your family. We lost our son Mark 3 years ago so in many ways, I know how you feel.
What a lovely picture of your son.
You are in my thoughts.Leslie Hall
Victoria
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Saran and Kanwal Our deepest sympathies on your loss. Jacob, yourself and your family are in our prayers, meditations and thoughts.
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Angela Liu and Sophie, Irisa and Lei Dear Philip and Wency,
Jacob is a very brave boy. His blind eyes blazed like meteors into that good night. He has shown and taught us all so much… He is truly a gift from God.
Angela Liu, Sophie, Irisa and Lei
DO NOT GO GENTLE INTO THAT GOOD NIGHT
By Dylan Thomas
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rage at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
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Jessica Hopkins Wency, Philip and Ben,
I am so sorry for your loss. Jacob was an amazing boy who touched my life. I feel lucky that I had the chance to know him so well.
If you need anything during this time, please let me know.Jessica Hopkins
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Melody Ferrer & the Lise Family Dear Wency & Philip,
We were shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of your son Jacob. Please accept our deepest condolences and know that our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
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Judith Lloyd Dear Wency & family,
I’m so very sorry to learn the news. The picture says it all… and my words fall short in facing sadness like this with one so very young & full of life! I’m wishing ALL of you God’s peace, as you transition to the ‘new order’ in your lives. Kindest regards, Judith Lloyd
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Christine Thate Philip and Wency,
I am so sorry for your loss. Take care of yourselves at this difficult time.
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Jaganpreet Samra I am very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts, and I wish you all possible comfort at this difficult time.
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Michael Philip and Wency,
My deepest sympathy on your loss. You are both in my thoughts and prayers.
Michael Carpenter
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Alice MacKay I am so terribly sorry to hear of Jacob’s passing. My heartfelt sympathies to you and your entire family.
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Jennifer, Terry and Ethan Gunning Our son Ethan and your son Ben are in Kindergarten together at Selkirk Montessori. While we did not have the pleasure of meeting Jacob, we have heard so many wonderful things about him and we are saddened by the news. We hope your family takes Jacob’s amazing courage with you each day as you all courageously move forward into tomorrow.
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Juanita Shorkey I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of your son, Wency and Philip. –Sending you healing thoughts.
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Gisele LeClair I can’t begin to imagine how hard it must be to say goodbye to a beloved son and brother, so full of life, taken too soon. My deepest sympathies to you and your entire family.
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Fellow class mate Zarina Zarina would like to say how much she liked Jacob and will miss him. God bless.
Zarina, Marni and Gregg.
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Ruth, Olivia and Lauren Gerber Our heartfelt condolences to your family. Jacob was a very special boy.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
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Shannon Wency, Philip and Ben,
My heart goes out to you and your family over your loss of Jacob. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Shannon
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Brian Bowman and the Bowman Family Wency, Philip and Ben.
Our sincerest of condolences extended to you and your family. I met Jacob a number of times. His brilliance, charm and courage always shone through. It will be remembered always. Our thoughts are with you.
The Bowman Family.
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Jane Lee Dear Philip, Wency and Ben
I am so sad to hear that Jacob has lost his battle. He was such a little trooper and an inspiration to us all. We will miss his smiling face bombing around on his John Deere in the circle.
As Frank has probably told you am in UK but my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
With love from Jane
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Nurse Sarah Dear Philip, Wency and Ben.
Thank you for the pleasure of knowing Jacob. Both him and your family are such an inspiration in dedication, love, and yummy food. My heart is full of love for you guys. Jacob has taught me so much about being a nurse, I will carry his lessons with me always and everyday. Hugs Sarah
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Robert Hertlein Our deepest condolences on the loss of your son. We’ve heard so much about his life from Marcus, and he was clearly loved greatly by everyone who’s lives he touched.
Robert and Julie Hertlein
Mr and Mrs Twyford,
I am so sorry to hear about you loss. My whole crew on A Watch on the Spirit of British Columbia who had the privilege of sailing with Jacob feels a sense of loss today when I informed them of Jacob’s passing. He had a wonderful smile full of enthusiasm and we will think of him today as we sound the ship’s whistle through Active Pass. I know that he is doing the same.
Captain Bob