JAKOB “JAKE” BRANDSMA, of Lethbridge, Alberta, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre, Palliative Care Unit on Monday, June 15, 2026, at the age of 89 years.

Jake will be lovingly remembered by his sister, Pauline Withage of Lethbridge; his niece Jennie (Frank) Anderson of Pincher Creek; his nephew Andy (Sharon) Brandsma of Lethbridge; and his niece Carolyn Gouw (Neil Alho) of Lethbridge, who were especially close to Jake and devotedly involved in his care. He will also be dearly remembered by numerous other nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Jake was predeceased by his parents, Louis and Klazina Brandsma; his brothers, Louis (Betty) Brandsma, John (Jennie) Brandsma, and Peter (Elly) Brandsma; his sister, Anna (Hank) Wamsteeker; and his brother-in-law, Henry Withage.

Jake was born on April 10, 1937, in Uithuizermeeden, Groningen, Netherlands, and immigrated to Canada in 1951 at the age of 14. Throughout his life, Jake worked in many different roles, including beet and farm work, the railway, typewriter repair, purchasing for ATCO, and accounting. Much of his career was spent in California, where he worked as a deli manager with the Lucky grocery chain.

Jake was a sweet, kind, loving, and gentle man who was loved by all who knew him. He was a faithful Christian and a member of Grace Reformed Church. He shared a special closeness with his family, as well as with his dear friends Jim and Jose in California.

Jake loved animals, especially pets, birds, and dogs, often lovingly referring to them as “his kids.” He enjoyed watching American football and was a loyal Seattle Seahawks fan. He appreciated a good meal of KFC and gravy, loved the ocean, and enjoyed travelling. When Jake retired, he became a “snowbird”, residing at his residence in Indio, California during the winter, and the other half year at his residence at River Ridge Condominium in Lethbridge.

Jake touched many hearts throughout his life and will be deeply missed.

A Funeral Service will be held at Grace Reformed Church, 1402 – 8 Avenue North, Lethbridge, Alberta, on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 11:00 A.M., with Reverend Paul Van Stralen officiating. The Funeral Service will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Jake’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

In lieu of flowers, and in memory of Jake, donations may be made to the Bringing Hearts Home Cardiac Campaign at crhfoundation.ca/cardiaccare/

 

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2026-06-15
• Location : Lethbridge, Alberta