"Simply put, the man is a living legend."
Those were the words of Steinbach Deputy Mayor Michael Zwaagstra on July 2nd, referring to Jake Epp. Zwaagstra made that comment at a City Council meeting after hearing Epp speak at the Mennonite Heritage Village Gala on June 27th. Epp passed away eight days later, on Saturday, July 5th, at the age of 85.
In a statement from his family, Epp is described as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, leaving behind a legacy of public service, conviction, and dedication to his country. He is lovingly remembered by his wife Lydia, his daughter Lisa, and his granddaughters Melissa and McKenzie Coleman.
Epp was born on September 1, 1939. His family says he was proud of his Mennonite roots and began his professional life as a high school history teacher in Steinbach. Epp was elected to Steinbach Town Council in 1970 and then appointed Deputy Mayor.
He was first elected to Parliament in 1972 as the Member of Parliament for Provencher, beginning a political career that spanned over two decades. Epp served in several cabinet roles, including Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Minister of National Health and Welfare, and Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources.
After retiring from politics in 1993, Epp continued his leadership in the private sector as a senior executive at TransCanada Pipelines until 2000.
"Epp is a great example of someone who went into politics for the right reasons, made a positive difference while there, and got out with his integrity intact," says Zwaagstra.
The role of Provencher MP is one that Epp held from 1972 to 1993. Twenty years later, in 2013, Ted Falk was elected to that same position and continues to serve in that role today.
"I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Jake Epp," says Falk.
Falk says he first got to know Epp in 1975. The two attended the same church, with Falk's father being Epp's pastor.
"In those early teen years, I can still remember on occasion Mr. Epp visiting our home to have private discussions with my father about some of the work that he was doing in Ottawa," recalls Falk. "I know one of the issues that Mr. Epp was extremely passionate about was doing something on the pro-life issue and protecting pre-born children. And he worked very diligently with that."
Falk says he will remember Epp for his statesman-like appearance, for always presenting himself well, and for his trademark puff in the pocket of his suit.
"He always was a person who demonstrated a lot of genuine care and interest in individuals, and he was very inquisitive about a lot of things," says Falk. "He asked a lot of questions, and he cared genuinely and deeply for his community and his constituents."
Falk says what really impressed him was how Epp was able to integrate his faith with his work.
"It also led him to be a very principled individual because he took those principles from his conviction of faith in Jesus Christ, and I think that's what made him the wonderful politician that he was," adds Falk.
Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen says when you think about it, Epp really beat the odds. He came from a small community and was one of the first Mennonites to enter politics, but he was respected by his cabinet colleagues, served in some very senior roles, and was close with prime ministers.
"Jake Epp was, I think, a political titan in this area and in Canada," says Goertzen. "And I don't say that lightly."
Goertzen says even in his post-political life, Epp served in a senior executive role with TransCanada Pipelines and was appointed Chair of Hydro One in Ontario. He refers to it as remarkable, noting Epp never took his local support for granted. However, Goertzen says that of all of Epp's accomplishments, he was most proud of his family.
"My wife Kim and I had the opportunity to have supper with Jake and Lydia just a couple of weeks ago for a private dinner in Winnipeg," shares Goertzen. "We talked a lot about politics, but he talked mostly about his family. And that's what I'm going to remember is that for all the things that he accomplished in the world, he really valued the family that he had more than anything."
Goertzen says his very first memory of Epp is from his years working at Penner Foods. Goertzen was in his early 20s, and Epp had just announced that he would not be running for re-election and would be stepping down from the Mulroney Cabinet. Goertzen says he was working in the produce department when word began to spread inside the grocery store that Epp was there shopping. Goertzen abandoned his post, located Epp, and proceeded to thank him for his service to the community.
"He was gracious and went on his way," recalls Goertzen. "That was the first time I met him, many, many years ago."
Goertzen went on to enter a life in politics and says Epp would often come to visit him at the Legislature.
"He was always very gracious and very optimistic in talking about the positive things that he thought that I was doing in politics," says Goertzen. "That meant a lot to me coming from someone like Jake Epp whom I admired deeply."
Goertzen says a few years ago during some difficult political times, Epp called him up to invite him for dinner. Epp and his wife, together with Goertzen and his wife, met in Winnipeg to talk about the blessings and challenges of politics.
"He was always very gracious and very optimistic in talking about the positive things that he thought that I was doing in politics and that meant a lot to me coming from someone like Jake Epp, who I admired deeply," he adds. "It was incredibly valuable for us, and since that time we've reconnected, usually two or three times a year, gotten back together and just grew a real personal friendship."
Goertzen says during Epp's career, he was in the council of prime ministers, in the company of royalty, and part of the senior executive at the highest level of corporations in Canada, yet he took time to reach out to people whom he thought he could help.
"I will miss him greatly," he says.
Steinbach Mayor Earl Funk says he will remember Epp for how hard he worked for the community. Funk refers to Epp as very proactive in the development of Steinbach and the growth of the region.
"From what I remember, he worked with churches, he worked with other groups and organizations in our community, and he did his best what he could do when he went to Parliament with our concerns," adds Funk.
He refers to him as always being friendly, happy, and gracious.
Meanwhile, some people are familiar with the name Jake Epp only because it is the name of the library in Steinbach. Funk explains that the name dates back to the early 90s while Wes Reimer was Mayor of Steinbach. Funk says the Council of the day felt that because Epp had been a councillor, educator, and MP, the library should be named after him. To this day, it remains the Jake Epp Library.
To recognize Epp, the Canadian flag at Steinbach City Hall is flying at half-mast. This started on Monday and will stay this way until the day of his funeral.
A memorial service for Jake Epp will be held on Tuesday, July 22 at 11 am at Crossview Church in Steinbach.
