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
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
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
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.
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
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