Jakob Rhyner
19 April 1930 – 15 February 2022
In loving memory of Jakob Rhyner, who passed away peacefully on 15 February 2022 at Princess Court in Dryden.
“Köbi” was born on 19 April 1930 in Elm, Glarus, Switzerland. He was raised on the family farm. In his teens, Jake apprenticed with a Master Carpenter, “carrying his tools for food and little pay.”
In 1951, Köbi immigrated to Canada. He joined his older brother Esajas and a number of his countrymen. Together they travelled to Northwestern Ontario seeking work and adventure.
Köbi and his brother eventually settled in Waldhof, Ontario, where a large group of Swiss/German families had settled before them. They quickly made friends and found work.
It was in Waldhof that Jake met and fell in love with Helen Bruetsch, marrying on 10 August 1956. In 1958 Köbi achieved a lifetime dream, together with Helen, purchasing and establishing a dairy farm of Holstein cows in Waldhof, Rhyner’s Green Acres. Köbi was active in the operation and production on the farm well into his 80’s when he was succeeded by his
sons. Köbi was an active member of the Ontario Milk Producers and with the Dryden Edelweiss Club. He loved to sing.
Köbi is survived by his children: Jack (Lucille), David (Huguette), Ron (Wanda), Susan Leutschaft (Ben), Darlene Benham (Dean) and Rita Bobay (Mike). Also remembering him are his many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Köbi was predeceased by his parents, siblings and wife Helen in 2006. A service in memory of Köbi will be held at a later date for friends and family. Donations in memory of Köbi can be made to Princess Court DECO through Stevens Funeral Home, PO Box 412, Dryden, Ontario P8N 2Z1.
