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
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
Our deepest sympathies on your loss. Jacob, yourself and your family are in our prayers, meditations and thoughts.
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.
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
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.
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
Philip and Wency,
I am so sorry for your loss. Take care of yourselves at this difficult time.
I am very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts, and I wish you all possible comfort at this difficult time.
Philip and Wency,
My deepest sympathy on your loss. You are both in my thoughts and prayers.
Michael Carpenter
I am so terribly sorry to hear of Jacob’s passing. My heartfelt sympathies to you and your entire family.