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.
35 Responses
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.
I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of your son, Wency and Philip. –Sending you healing thoughts.
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.
Zarina would like to say how much she liked Jacob and will miss him. God bless.
Zarina, Marni and Gregg.
Our heartfelt condolences to your family. Jacob was a very special boy.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
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
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.
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
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
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