On behalf of Henry’s family, thank you for being part of this celebration of Henry’s life. Your support helps carry forward the values he lived by and ensures that his legacy continues through future generations of agriculture students.

Obituary
Henry Jacobs Jr. (May 31, 1931 – May 26, 2026)
Fraser Valley Agricultural Pioneer
Henry Jacobs Jr. was a foundational figure in the British Columbia dairy community, whose vision, resourcefulness, and lifelong community service helped transform the Fraser Valley into the province’s premier agricultural hub. Born in New Westminster to Henry and Mary Jacobs, new immigrants to Canada from the village of Pabneukirchen, in the northern part of Austria. Henry inherited a resilient work ethic that defined his entire life. He was married to his beloved wife, Lorraine Joan Jacobs (née Klieninger), for 29 years, with whom he built a vibrant family and a successful dairy farm. Together, they raised three children: Rosina Schroeder (Ian), Patricia Bartsch (Randy), and Joe Jacobs (Hallie). Henry’s legacy eventually blossomed to include six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom held a central place in his heart.

Following Lorraine’s passing in 1985, Henry adapted with quiet strength, mastering the art of making breakfast and establishing his home as the central morning gathering spot for the entire family. This cherished tradition became a cornerstone of family life, carrying on faithfully across three generations. Proving his lifelong commitment to these moments, Henry shared his final breakfast with his family on Saturday, just one day before being admitted to the Abbotsford Regional Hospital.

Beyond his farm and his family, Henry was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman who found great joy in nature. He was a long-time, active member of both the Abbotsford Fish and Game Club and the Hole in the Wall — a long-standing, local private men’s fraternal and social club where he shared camaraderie, stories, and deep-rooted friendships with fellow community members.

Pioneering the Post-War Dairy Boom
In the late 1950s, as the Fraser Valley underwent a massive transition from dense wilderness to modern farmland, Henry became a key driver of the region’s agricultural expansion. In 1957, he partnered closely with fellow pioneer farmer Johnny Schweigert to take on the monumental task of clearing massive cottonwood trees from newly purchased properties in the area.

To make the intensive land-clearing viable, Jacobs and Schweigert cut the dense cottonwood timber into precise 24-inch blocks and hauled them down to the Scott Paper mill in New Westminster, selling the wood for $18.00 a cord to help fund the growth of their early dairy herds.

Protecting and Shaping the Land
Henry’s commitment to the land extended far beyond his own fence lines. Recognizing that the survival of Fraser Valley farming depended entirely on water management, he volunteered for many years on the local Diking Commission. In this vital role, he dedicated his time and practical expertise to maintaining the dikes and flood protection systems that shield the low-lying flats from the Fraser River.

The efforts of Henry Jacobs and his contemporaries during the mid-century expansion established the rigorous land base, drainage patterns, and herd management practices that allowed the Fraser Valley to become the most productive dairy hub in British Columbia.

A Lasting Educational Legacy
The family’s commitment to the future of Fraser Valley farming is institutionalized locally through the Henry Jacobs Endowment Scholarship in Agriculture. Administered by the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), this endowment serves as a permanent memorial to his foundational work. It is awarded annually to students pursuing advanced credentials in agricultural sciences, directly supporting the next generation of dairy innovators, production medicine specialists, and agronomists in the region.

A devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Henry passed away peacefully in May 2026, just five days short of his 95th birthday. He leaves behind a proud family and an enduring legacy woven into the very soil and community of the Fraser Valley.