March 24, 1997 - November 11, 2021
Beloved son, brother, brother-in-law, stepson, step brother, grandson, cousin, nephew, and great friend.
A parent never wants to have the police contact them about the death of their child. In our case, it happened twice - once three years ago when Jacob was run over by a pick-up truck, and then again on this November 12th. He miraculously survived the first one, against all odds. This time, he had no fighting chance.
Jacob is survived by his mom Shirley (Wilson) Paulsen and stepdad, Larry Gilbert, his dad Paul Wilson and stepmom Jenine Dafoe, sister Maddi Wilson and her spouse Jason Starr, and grandmother, Shirley Wilson MacDougall. He has so many aunts, uncles, cousins, step nephews, and furbabies, there are far too many to mention.
Jacob was predeceased by his cousin, Deanna, his Stumpy Grandma, and his Grandpa Denis. His Grandpa Ted, Uncle Gordie, and cousin Tara left this earth before he could meet them.
If you never knew Jacob, you missed out. He had a way of finding his way into your heart. He was a joy and a bright light in so many lives. He made friends wherever he went, and yet he was one of the quietest people you would ever meet.
He kept to himself but family, they were his people. He never missed a chance for a free meal at a family dinner. His humour was dry and sometimes inappropriate, like that of most of the family.
Jacob had some very close and diverse friends, including Tiger, Eliza, Miki, and Joemer. And a support system of incredible adults like Josh, Mandy, Colleen, Mark, and Rowen. These are the ones who got him, who understood him.
Jacob's legacy will be his story that one day we will tell in all its glory. It will be gritty and painful and joyful. It will be raw.
We ask that in lieu of flowers you please support a new high school financial award in Jacob's name at the Abbotsford Community Foundation ( 604-850-3755 or info@abbotsfordcf.org), or to BC Children's Hospital Foundation (1-833-315-2133), in his name.
A Celebration of Jacob's Life will be held privately.
A link for the livestream will be available by request.