Dear Rose, you have my deepest sympathy, sincerely Anne Borchardt

My opa has made me smile ever since birth, and he would want me to keep smiling every day. Dominick remembers going to Niagra Falls with opa. They took pictures of eachother at the falls, hung out, and overall had a great time there. Kase's best memory with opa was his train set. Kase was fascinated with how the train worked. Lastly, my best memory (Engelina) was going to the zoo with him. When opa asked me what the giraffe says, I got confused and said nothing. But I guess I was right since he said I was correct. 
In conclusion, the only thing opa would want us to do is have fun, and don't be afraid to smile

Our heart goes out to the Tjepkema family during these difficult times. Sending positive vibes - Wes, Heather and Samara Karr

To the Tjepkema‘s, We are saddened to hear about your loss. Sending hugs and prayers your way. - Natalie Bourbonais & Kyle Wilm

Sending all my condolences to the family and those close 💙

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.  

We are shocked to hear of the untimely loss of my Birthday Buddy, and send heartfelt condolences to Rose, Trish, Joe, and all the family.

Many memories of happy gatherings at your home, and restaurant meals together with your friends. Endless talk about trains, cars, and old movies. Jack had  amazing knowledge of all his hobbies and interests.
Our hearts ache for you
Anne and Paul



I met Jack, like many others, through model railroading. The "post Covid" picture was during a visit by the Cambridge Model Railroad Club back in October this year.

Jack with the late Charles Begg in Chicago,  1979.  Another dear friend taken too soon.

A great road trip to see Alco Locomotives in Emporium, Pennsylvania. 2015

Jack running model trains in Waterloo with Peter Raschke. 1983

Helmut Ostermann with Jack in Fort Erie, Ontario. 1989

I met Jack 48 years ago as a high school teenager without a car.  Jack was kind enough to take me along with other friends on many photography adventures to places I would never have gotten to myself.  We witnessed a great deal of history pass before our eyes. Jack had a wonderful sense of community among all his fellow train enthusiasts, and would organize outings with as many car loads of train buddies  as were interested.  Some of the highlights of our adventures included seeing restored Steam Locomotives thundering past us as they once did in the 1950's.  Rest in peace old friend.
Helmut Ostermann

Visitation

Coutts Funeral Home & Cremation Centre

Jacob "Jack" Tjepkema

immediate need

Death has occurred or is near

plan ahead

Pre-plan a funeral or cremation

OBITUARY

Jacob "Jack" Tjepkema

January 17, 1949 – December 28, 2022

Coutts Funeral Home & Cremation Centre

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Past Services

Visitation