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Vancouver Island

I wanted to share with the Giant Pumpkin community that my dad, Jake van Kooten, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. He was a long time avid pumpkin grower, earning the Orange Jacket in 2008 with his 1536.5. After retiring from growing 10 years ago, he decided this last season to grow one more. He attended the British Columbia weigh off and was delighted to see his pumpkin friends - he enjoyed himself so much that day. I hope to honour his pumpkin growing legacy and grow my biggest ever this year. He will be very missed.

2/8/2025 5:44:03 PM

Indiana

Sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.

2/8/2025 6:17:53 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

Sorry for your loss. I remember the 2008 season and it seemed like the weather affected almost every area, yet Jake persevered.

2/8/2025 6:23:40 PM

Mission Viejo, CA

Sorry for your loss Kerri. Wishing you a great season to honor your dad.

2/8/2025 6:32:50 PM

Colorado

Sorry to hear that.I sat next to him at a dinner in Portland. Nice Man, very well spoken.It was a pumpkin Meeting.My Condolences to you.

2/8/2025 6:54:00 PM

sorry to hear this, rest in peace jake

2/8/2025 6:54:30 PM

Nova Scotia

Deepest condolences from the Dill family. Always sad to hear.

2/8/2025 8:59:11 PM

Dundee Michigan

Sorry for your loss. Met him a long time ago, was very kind to me. Forgive me if I'm wrong, my memory isn't what it used to be, was his handle The Flying Dutchman?

2/8/2025 9:23:35 PM

Tyngsboro, MA

I’m very sorry for your loss.

2/8/2025 11:00:17 PM

Lloydminster/AB

Very sad. He was a very important part of the community and I am proud to have had some of his seeds. Thanks for letting us know and take care of yourself during this hard time.

2/9/2025 12:25:45 AM

Johnston, R.I.

Sorry to hear this.

2/9/2025 4:59:54 AM

Grittyville, WA

VIpmkn, sorry & have a good year. Keep on growing them until you get a really special one, like your dad did?

2/9/2025 6:41:55 AM

Beaver WV

So sorry for your loss!! May 2025 bring you a PB, while your dad watches down upon you!

2/9/2025 7:07:31 AM

Canada

Sorry for your loss

2/9/2025 7:46:56 AM

Bethlehem CT

My condolences to the family. I remember that 1536.5 pumpkin. That pumpkin was the largest grown in the entire world that year, Quite an accomplishment!

2/9/2025 8:29:39 AM

Jericho Vermont

My Condolences to the family.

2/9/2025 9:45:25 AM

Bottom of ohio

Thoughts and prayers

2/9/2025 10:15:10 AM

Cheshire Ma USA

May Jake RIP

2/9/2025 11:48:03 AM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Kerri and family, I’m deeply saddened to hear this news. When I joined bigpumpkins.com back in 2004, your Dad was the first one to reach out to me and we opened a friendship that I value very much. He mentored me, provided guidance and information and invited me and Andrea to visit he and your Mum in Port Alberni to see his patch and show us his growing techniques. An absolutely outstanding individual who I’ve always liked and respected so much. My very sincere condolences to you, your Mum and your entire family.

Glenn, Andrea, Sydney Dixon

2/9/2025 11:54:00 AM

Netherlands

Sorry to hear of your loss. I grew some of his seeds many years ago. He made the trip from The Netherlands to Canada just like my parents.

2/9/2025 12:03:43 PM

Deer Park WA

So sorry for your loss it has beeh an honor to call Jack our friend over the past 30 years. Rest in peace Jake thanks for alk the memories and tips.

2/9/2025 7:40:13 PM

Syracuse, NY

A great guy and I'm very sorry to hear of this. My condolences to you and all his beloveds around Him, miles deep, I'm sure.
Eric Gerry

2/10/2025 5:02:39 AM

Connecticut, USA

Sorry to hear the sad news. My condolences to the family.

2/10/2025 5:50:08 AM

Washington State

Kerry and family: Jake was a wonderful man and a very good friend for many years. He always had a smile on his face, and a caring, encouraging attitude toward everyone at our weigh offs. He will be missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Joel and Mari Lou

2/10/2025 2:05:30 PM

Peosta, Iowa

My Condolences to his Family

2/10/2025 6:58:24 PM

Goffstown,nh

I had the honor of presenting your Dad his orange jacket in 2008 at the GPC Awards night. I had never seen a happier giant pumpkin grower than him on that evening. Condolences to your family.

2/10/2025 7:57:06 PM

Little-TON - Colorado

My condolences to the family. I remember that 1536.5 pumpkin and Jim awarding the Orange Jacket to him. It was my first GPC convention in Niaraga. My best to the family. RIP

2/11/2025 10:05:29 AM

nanaimo,B.C,Canada

I'm so sorry to hear this Kerri. Back when i was growing pumpkins and would visit my parents in Port Alberni I would always drive by your dads place and check in on his pumpkin patch. He was always so welcoming and a fine gentlemen. My heart goes out to Elaine also.
Dave Pley

2/11/2025 10:17:41 PM

Whidbey Island

One of the nicest guys on the planet. I always enjoyed seeing him come down to Washington to our weigh-offs back in the day. He even had an artificial replica of one of his big ones brought down to a meeting here. Raised quite a few eyebrows at the border. My sympathy to the family.

2/13/2025 5:29:29 PM

Richmond, BC, Canada

Very sorry for your loss. So glad we were all together for his last weighoff.

2/14/2025 10:06:25 AM

South East

Our condolences. One of your dad's seeds made into our patch years ago.

2/15/2025 6:49:26 PM