Obituary - Jake Braun

In Loving Memory of
JACOB BRAUN

March 2, 1932 - March 13, 2011

Rather than mourn
the absence of the flame
let us celebrate how brightly it burned.
Let’s comfort one another
with favorite memories
of sharing times when we were all together,
Let’s celebrate the spirit of one very special life
So in our hearts the flame will burn forever




++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

TRIBUTE TO JAKE BRAUN
With Love, by Linda Braun

When Jake asked me several months ago to do the Eulogy at his funeral, I was speechless. What an honour! Even though he has been my brother-in-law for 42 years, I thought surely there was someone else who could better say the things that need to be said, but I am going to give it my best...

How does one eulogize such man as Jake Braun? Jake was a man for all people! We cannot even comprehend how life can continue without our brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and above all friend, who has been our solid rock for so many years.

To Jake’s family: Rita, Terry and Debbie, Donna and Brent, Rick and Deb, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, brothers, George and John, and sister, Anne, nephews and nieces, and Rita’s brothers, we grieve with you in the loss of your beloved Jake. However, Jake showed us unquestionably how we all have to be strong and get through this with dignity and grace, as he did throughout the many years of his illness, right to the very end.

First and foremost, Jake’s family was always the most important aspect of his life. He cherished Rita and adored her special traits that endeared her to him in the first place. She was his soul mate and his right hand. It was his nature to bug the heck out of her – that was his way of showing her how very much he loved her.

Jake’s children made him proud, even when they didn’t do the things he thought they should, or shouldn’t do. He loved them unconditionally and was always there to support them. He had a very good head on his shoulders and you could count on Jake for reasonable advice. He allowed the latitude to take it or leave it, but mostly his advice was right on.


The family enjoyed many outings and activities. Camping, golfing, snowmobiling, fishing and spending quality time at their cabin at Oak Lake were some of their favorites. They also enjoyed many hours popping popcorn, and spinning cotton candy at local fairs with their concession booth. And then there was all that time fixing washing machines and dryers and folding clothes at the Laundromat…

When the grandchildren came, they proved to be “the cream of his crop”. He felt blessed to be so close to Dustin and Tiara as they were growing up. Recently when Jake and Rita and John and I were on a road trip together, we were traveling through Manitoba, and Jake would point out places where they had gone - just hopped into the car and taken the kids to see the countryside. It was obvious that these were treasured memories for him to enjoy over the years. He was tremendously proud of them both as they grew up to be responsible hardworking young adults.

Then, even though their two granddaughters, Lindsey and Randi, lived way out in Alberta, they were a big part of Papa and Palma’s lives - and Jake had somebody new to bug. They knew they could count on Papa for all the love a grandfather could show, and then some. How he loved his girls! And how he enjoyed watching them grow up into beautiful young ladies with lofty goals and good judgment. He never hesitated to tell them how proud he was of who they were.

He ensured that J.J. and Ricky stayed a part of their lives though they lived in B.C., and when they moved to Manitoba again, Jake made sure they felt a part of the family. When Ange and Jeremy, and then Ian became part of the family, he welcomed them with open arms.

Although he never felt old enough to have great-grandchildren, they too enjoyed his attention, which was basically “bugging” with lots of hugs and kisses.

Jake was the glue that held OUR family, the Braun family together, his brothers and sister, nieces and nephews, all of whom he made feel special. We could always count on him for support and good advice, and regular telephone calls just to keep in touch. He was there for each and every one of us.

Then there is Julie’s family, the Puhatches, who adopted Jake many years ago. He felt a part of your family as well, and valued that relationship deeply. And Debbie, who can testify that the love of Jake and Braun family is the reason she is still here today. And Donna across the street who had been like a family member for many years, as well as her husband, John and their children.

We all know that Jake had a way of making people feel very special and good about themselves. It was one of his most admirable qualities.

An enjoyable part of his life for many years was their dog, Jennie. It was so difficult when she died that he wrote a beautiful poem about her. Jake had a talent for writing short stories as well. He was published in The Saskatchewan Senior on many occasions and had planned to write a book about his life experiences.

To get into Jake’s accomplishments in various aspects of his life would take us all day. Suffice it to say, he was probably the best teacher his students ever had; he could run a meeting in the most efficient and entertaining manner so that people were happy to be there; he was an excellent businessman; he never started a project that he didn’t finish; and above all he was the first to volunteer where help was needed, both with friends, and with the many clubs and community organizations he was part of.

As a man who passionately cared about his country, his community and his family, he was also actively involved in politics. He knew Preston Manning and Steven Harper personally and was proud to help the Reform Party get on its feet.

In retirement, he and Rita were able to do some traveling. They went on a teachers’ tour to Greenland, one of the first tours ever to that destination. When Jake was District Governor of the Lions, they traveled all over North America. They enjoyed an extended vacation in Florida and it was a joy to hear them reminisce about their trip to Las Vegas! One of their favorite trips was to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, and most recently, they were totally thrilled to enjoy a cruise to the Bahamas with Donna and Brent. With Jake using a “transporter chair”, aka a wheelchair so he didn’t have to walk everywhere, all four of them went FIRST CLASS and he had many stories to tell about their adventures.

Telling stories was one of Jake’s forte´s. You could always depend on him coming up with a good joke, either in a meeting, or in visiting. His repertoire of jokes was endless, and he was a master joke-teller!

Among the things he enjoyed to do most was dancing! He could dance the feet off of Rita and could not resist dancing at an anniversary party even as late as this past summer.

In the last few years, he became involved with the Brandon Prostate Support Group. From what I gather, attending a meeting chaired by Jake Braun was never a dull event. You never know what he was going to come up with next . . . you either had to get on board the train or you were left at the station!

A general observation: If you wanted to get something done, Jake was the guy to do it. He didn’t have enough time to do all the things he wanted to accomplish. We did see firsthand how excited he was in December when he came home from the Mayor’s office. His proposal about how the City and the Lions Clubs of Brandon could apply for grants and effectively refurbish all of the outdated Community Centres in the City had been favorably received and he was on Cloud 9. This was just a few short months ago.

Recently, I had asked him if he had any items left on his “bucket list”. Those of you who have seen the movie will know what I am talking about. Although he had put some of the things he would have liked to do on the back burner, his reply was “Not really”. That answer was a testimony as to how Jake had lived his life. He did it all, and extremely well. He had met and married his sweetheart; he had an exemplary career as a teacher and educator; he had traveled to every place that he ever wished to; he had met so very many people in so many avenues of life who called him “friend”; he had rubbed shoulders with people in high places; he had his share of fun and fulfillment, right to the very end. What more could a man ask?

Rita, you will always carry Jake “right here”, but now life takes on a different dimension for you. We know these last months helping Jake get through this have been hell on earth for you. But what an admirable job you have done. No man could ask more of his wife than you gave to Jake. We know he appreciated every second of his time with you. We pray that you can find the strength to carry on and find much happiness in the years to come.

Terry, we know that your Dad was also your best friend. The excellent heritage he has passed on to you is the best gift he could have given. Hold tight to those family values that meant so much to him.

Rick and Deb, you made the Friday night card games the highlight of Jake’s week over these last years. We know you will miss those times of love and laughter. Your happiness meant everything to Jake and it warmed his heart to see that you had finally found it.

Donna, you are your father’s child and we know that you realize that with pride. You showed us your Dad’s heart as you were at his bedside and supported your Mom throughout his illness, right to the end. And Brent, emblazoned in our memories is the classic birthday invitation – in disbelief, we watched Jake, who could barely walk, walking around the table and getting down on one knee to invite you to his birthday party – then the realization set in that there was no way he could get up off the floor without help from us!

Jake was thankful for his many blessings and he had made his peace with God in his last years. Now, he is living away from us, but we know he is in a better place. We are certain that Heaven is blessed by his presence, and he is surrounded by all those of his family and friends who have gone before. We all know that Heaven will never be a dull place with Jake Braun there!

Some of you may have heard the following “wish” before, but I am certain it would be what Jake wishes for all of us here. It is called “Enough”:

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.

I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.



(Awesome Southern Gospel song)
IF YOU ONLY KNEW
by the Inspirations

If you only knew
I’m just going home
Your prayers are all answered
My sickness is gone

Things are much better
From Heaven’s view
The sun always shines
We’re having a time
If you only knew.


SMILE, LOVE LIFE, I DID!!

Last week in New Iberia end of Feb. 2011

P.A. Shopper Article: LAST WEEK OF FEBRUARY IN NEW IBERIA

Although it is already April and we are back at home, there are still stories to tell about our time in New Iberia.

Our last week in February was a very busy one. It was unbelievable what we seniors accomplished in four short days!

Monday, the ladies painted doors and soffit at one house, while the guys took all the furniture out and began to put down laminate flooring throughout the living room, kitchen, back bedroom and loft. We all lamented that this laminate was going over top of beautiful, albeit well worn, hardwood flooring!

Tuesday, while the rest of the crew were finishing up the laminate, John and I were sent to the George house to remove and install one more window which had been ordered the wrong size and had finally arrived. Then we were off to Jeanerette, where John put the bathroom vent pipe in, and we got Rosella and her husband to sign off on the job card. We were happy to have one last visit and to say goodbye in person.

Wednesday was a very BUSY day. Last year, the MDS crew had repainted half of Karen’s bedroom, and built and painted a walk-in closet, as well as putting lino on half of her floor - that is all she could afford to get done at the time. This year, we were to repaint the rest of the bedroom, repair and put lino on the rest of the floor, fix two doors so they would close, put crown mould around the top of the ceiling, fix the folding closet doors, and replace some ceiling tiles in the living room. Well, I tell you, it was like a beehive in that house! First, the furniture had to be moved into the living room. The ladies painted the walls, and then the men fastened the crown mould on top of the wet paint. The poor subfloor was so rotten in places that we were wondering why the bed leg hadn’t fallen through! Plywood was put down before the lino was laid. By the time we left at 3:30 p.m., EVERYTHING was done and back in place. We were certain Karen was going to be one happy lady coming home to a “new” bedroom, and a bathroom door that she could actually close! We wished we could do much more work for her, but it was not on the list. As warm and homey as the house is on the inside, the outside looks like an old granary, and could really use some new siding! Maybe next year…

Thursday, the last work day for John and I, our crew started a totally new project. Betty is a grandma with a wonderful family. We had the pleasure of interacting with several of her grandchildren for the one day. Her 10 year old grandson and his friend offered to clean out the back porch. We were replacing the screen, ensuring there were no places where wasps and bugs could get in.

John always enjoys bantering with the homeowners. After we had been there for an hour or so, he asked the teenage grandson, Wilson, sitting in the living room on the chesterfield with his cousins and Grandma, if he would stand up. He did, and then John said “Thank you!” The kid said, “For what?” John said, “For not wearing your crotch down around your knees!!” They all laughed. A short while later, Wilson was helping haul in sheets of gyproc, and wanting to mud the nail holes. In the one day we were there, we realized it was our loss not to get to become more acquainted with this family, as the other workers would be doing. However, our time working there was completed.

March newspaper article re Mardi Gras

The spirit of Mardi Gras was ever evident in New Iberia, Louisiana, during our time there in January and February. The Carnival Season begins on the Feast of the Epiphany (Twelfth Night – January 6th) and ends at Midnight on Mardi Gras (“fat Tuesday”) the day before Ash Wednesday. Carnival can be translated to mean a farewell to the flesh. Though Mardi Gras actually refers to just the one day (the Tuesday before the first day of Lent), rather than refer to “Carnival”, it is common to call it the Mardi Gras season, with balls, parades and other festivities taking place throughout the entire period, January 6th to Mardi Gras day.

The brilliant Mardi Gras colors are very symbolic. Purple symbolizes justice, green symbolizes faith, and gold symbolizes power.

A Mardi Gras tradition is the King Cake. It originated in 12th century France to celebrate the visit to the Christ Child by the three kings (or Three Wise Men). The cake is circular in shape and decorated with sugar in the three colors of Mardi Gras representing a king’s bejeweled crown. In times gone by, the plastic or ceramic figure of a baby was hidden in the cake to represent the difficult time the three Wise Men had finding the Christ Child and the gifts brought. Whoever found the baby in their piece of cake was supposed to buy the next King Cake. Nowadays, at most outlets, the baby just lays on the top of the cake.

Each community in Mardi Gras country has at least one large parade. In the urban centres, especially New Orleans, their parades are very elaborate. There are various named organizations, called “Krewes”. Each Krewe has its own royalty: King, Queen, Maids and Dukes elected annually. Each Krewe holds an annual themed masked ball at which that year’s court is presented to the rest of the Krewe. Prior to the ball, members of the court are kept secret. The themed masked balls are very sophisticated affairs. Some of the parades are conducted by separate Krewes. Items thrown from parade floats by Krewe members include beads, plastic cups with the Krewe’s crest, doubloons bearing the Krewe’s crest and some referent to the theme of that year’s ball, or toys.

Over the years we have attended mostly small town Mardi Gras parades. They reminded us of small town Saskatchewan parades where everyone in the community is involved, and everyone is safe and having a good time. The larger centers’ parades are more boisterous and sometimes not all that safe.

This year, although there was no actual Mardi Gras parade in the area while we were there, as volunteers, we were treated to an all-you-can-eat boiled shrimp feast hosted by the Methodist Church. They invited the over 80 MDS and other volunteers they knew of. The feast was delicious, and as an added bonus, the Krewe of the Methodist Church gave us a mini Mardi Gras parade in the dining hall. As we were enjoying the feast, about a dozen beautifully costumed Krewe members including this year’s King and Queen, accompanied by lively taped Cajun Mardi Gras music, wove in and around the guests, placing strands of Mardi Gras beads around each guest’s neck. It was a highlight of our time in Louisiana.

We are actually at home

Jake and Rita and J.J. and Ricky (Rick's two boys)on Grampa's 79th birthday.

Just thought we'd let you know that we have returned early to help Jake celebrate his 79th birthday on March 2nd. We stayed in Brandon for a week and then, as Jake appears to be rallying in palliative care, we decided to come home. Rita was happy to have the support for the week. She and Donna are at the hospital as much as they can be.

We had planned to still be in Texas by now, and when we have to go outside, we wish we were still there...

The last week in New Iberia, we stayed in a motel across the highway from the RV Park for 3 days while the roof on our RV was being repaired. We had to take it to Breaux Bridge to be done. We were very thankful to get an efficient, well priced job done. That's a rare commodity down there (or anywhere, for that matter).

Shari and Abby are happy to have us home. Shari's new cat, Minx, is not so sure about it.

No doubt we will be travelling back to Brandon before too long, either to give Rita a break in hospital visiting, or to be there for the final farewell. The fact that Jake is still here and in the shape he's in is nothing short of a miracle. The doctors can't even figure it out!!

Have a good day!

P.A. Shopper Article re Hopkins Street Revitalization

Hopkins Street Revitalization, New Iberia, LA

First of all, I must make a clarification. In the last paper, the caption below the picture of Art and Bruce in his mask in the MDS trailer should have read: “Insulating is a hot job.” There was no hot tub involved!!

There is some degree of controversy as to whether the participation of Mennonite Disaster Service in the revitalization of the poverty-stricken area of Hopkins Street in New Iberia, LA. is a worthy mission. From speaking to most of our volunteers who have worked in this area, there is no doubt that helping these people has been a blessing to themselves beyond measure. One of our friends wrote in her Christmas letter “We worked in an area where the poor were barely surviving, having been born into extreme poverty, and never knowing another way of life. They simply exist, without hope, until someone takes the initiative to reach out to them.”

We are at this place in conjunction with “The Hopkins Street Revitalization Project”. Historically, the district was the hub of African American Culture in Iberia Parish, and home to many of New Iberia’s middle class Black families; teachers, railroad workers and business owners all fueled by a large and successful group of sugar cane farmers. The area began to deteriorate in the mid seventies and the process accelerated as local business were squeezed out of the capital market. The area suffers from the same urban maladies as most inner cities – drug related crime, high drop out rates, single parent female headed households, out of wedlock births, general health issues, sub par education and high unemployment. An excellent revitalization plan has been prepared to address abandoned and blighted properties and MDS has been involved in this plan providing volunteer labour.

The drive for the improvement of the conditions in the Hopkins Street area has been spearheaded by Joseph Lockwood, a former resident. Joseph grew up in this culture and is devoting his retirement to helping his neighbors and stopping this desperate cycle. He was fortunate to have the opportunity to pursue an education. He completed high school, went to University and had a career as an engineer. Coming back to visit his old stomping grounds, he was horrified at the state of affairs on Hopkins. He put his money where his mouth is and has been instrumental in officially beginning a Task Force for the implementation of a revitalization program. His goal has been to help shape the quality of life for generations to come and “to help our community be what it ought to be”. There are many others who have a heart for this project, including retired educators, judges, corrections officers and others, as well as Juanita Lewis, the lady who started St. Joseph’s Diner to feed the hungry and has run it for the past 11 years.

The focus of the revitalization is upgrading homes, ensuring a quality education for the children of the area, self-esteem issues, youth services, supervised recreational opportunities including Boys and Girls Clubs, student assessment, K.Y.T.E. (Keeping Youth Trained and Educated), Drug and Alcohol Programs, Job Skills Training and Behavior Modification and the National Guard Youth Challenge, just to name a few.

It is unknown as to how long MDS will be sending their volunteers to assist in upgrading the state of the housing where possible, but we do know that we have been very blessed to have played a small part in this worthy project.