Obituary of Richard Jacobsen

Richard 'Rick' Norman Jacobsen passed away in Mesa, Arizona on March 21, 2018 at the age 64 years. With his family by his side, Rick succumbed to a hard-fought battle with legionella pneumonia. Rick was born on September 4, 1953 in Camrose, Alberta to his proud parents Norman and Mary Jacobsen. Norman and Mary along with Rick's grandparents Carl and Anna Jacobsen lived on a farm near New Norway, Alberta where he grew up with his two younger brothers Ken and Dale. Rick worked very hard on the farm, he played hockey and baseball throughout his childhood and enjoyed many great times with his brothers, and close friends. At the age of sixteen years Rick decided to set off to begin his working life. Working away from the farm in Edmonton and in the Arctic, Rick would always return to where his heart was, the farm. After a persistent courtship, on his part, on December 18, 1976 he married the love of his life, Karen Jans. They spent the first four years of their married life in Drayton Valley, Alberta where he worked as an oilfield operator. During this time Rick and Karen became proud parents of their children Julie Ann and Ryan Richard. In 1980 Rick moved his family back to New Norway where he began his dream job, farming along side his father and brother Ken, which he and Ken continued until his passing. He remained in the energy industry, operating the local oil and gas fields with Ken until the fall of 2012. Rick was an extremely hard working and dedicated man, he was committed to the two jobs for most of his life. He also knew the importance of enjoying life, spending time with his friends and family was extremely valued by him. He truly lived his life to the very fullest. In his younger years Rick enjoyed hunting, and throughout his life camping with family and friends. He loved many sports, watching and playing ball, hockey, curling and golf. He also found great pride and joy in being there for his children and grandchildren during their sporting endeavors. In 2012 they purchased another home at the Venture Out Park in Mesa, Az. He cherished his time down south, where he was blessed to meet many amazing friends, filling his winters with playing golf, activities in the park, and "Happy Hours" in the sunshine. Rick loved his three grandchildren with all his heart and treasured every moment shared with them. He was such a great, and silly 'Papa'. Rick will be lovingly remembered by his wife Karen; daughter Julie (Warren) Boychuk; son Ryan (Jaimie Pastuck with children Sam and Katie Strahl); grandchildren Brady, Riley, and Emily Boychuk; parents Norman and Mary; brothers Ken (Vera) and Dale (Darlene); Uncle Knud; special cousins, nieces, nephews; and so many kind and loving friends and neighbors. Rick will be greatly missed by everyone who had the honour of knowing such a wonderful man. A funeral service was held on Saturday April 14, 2018 at 1:00pm from the City Lights Church, Camrose with Pastor MaryAnn Pastuck officiating. Inurnment followed in the New Norway Cemetery. You are invited to join the family for fellowship and refreshments at the New Norway Agriplex immediately following the inurnment. Memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to the Stollery Childrens Hospital or to the charity of one's choice.