JACOB (JAC) HIEBERT

Family is saddened to announce the passing of Jacob (Jac) Hiebert, son of Peter & Maria Hiebert on December 3, 2025 at the age of 96.

Jac is survived by his daughter Donna Hiebert, partner Betty Berg and his sister Doris (Pete) Hildebrand. He is also survived by his grandchildren, his many nieces and nephews who will remember him fondly.

Jac was predeceased by his son Terry, parents Peter and Maria Hiebert, and siblings Kaye, Ed, Marie, Peter, John, Dave, Anne, Andy and Bill. He also is survived by many people who loved him dearly.

Jac was born March 10,1929 at home on N.W. 1/4 Sec. 7-7-4E near Niverville Manitoba at the onset of the Great Depression, and like most children born in the mid-west at that time, learned the act of survival at a very young age. He attended Carmichael School #1959, a very basic one-room elementary school. Secondary, or high school education was taken by correspondence, as he did not have the opportunity to attend a real high school in either Niverville or Steinbach. Jac also attended the Agriculture and Homemaking School at Altona and graduated with the Award for Proficiency. Growing up in a family of 11 children who lost their mother at a very critical time, undoubtedly created a profound sense of values, not only in Jac, but in the entire Hiebert family.

The summer of 1937 was particularly difficult for Jac's family when they suddenly lost their mother due to a lightning strike. Jac looked back in retrospect and remembered his Mother as a very compassionate person. He could not help but wonder at the strength and courage Dad must have had to carry on alone in bringing up a family of 11 children, with the youngest being only four years of age. The very meagre resources that were available made it all the more significant.

Jac spent his late teens and early twenties in a variety of occupations while also attending agricultural short courses and taking some correspondence courses. Some of his more interesting lines of work were trapping and lumberjacking in Northern Ontario, working as a farm hand and spending almost two years in a gold mill in Yellowknife, NWT. In the spring of 1953 he rented the family farm at Niverville which he continued to operate until the fall of 1961 when Father decided to sell. After leaving the family farm, Jac went to work as foreman for Richardson Stock Farms. In June of 1963 he was hired by Agriculture Canada as a Poultry Inspector. He remained in the employ of Ag. Canada until his retirement in 1991.

While living in Niverville, Jac became involved in a number of community projects. He served as chairman of the Board of Stewards of the United Church for a number of years and was eventually elected as a member of the Board of Trustees. He was also involved with sports, primarily baseball and curling. As secretary/treasurer of the Niverville Community Club for 12 years, he played a major role in the construction of the Centennial Arena. Always an avid curler, Jac served terms as president and secretary/treasurer of the Niverville Curling Club.

In the fall of 1970, Jac was provided the opportunity to move to Brandon and take over the western portion of Manitoba as Inspector in charge of Agriculture Canada's Poultry Division. When Agriculture Canada withdrew a number of their programs involving poultry, a good portion of his time was spent in the Plant Products, Fertilizer, and Feed divisions. Jac especially gained considerable expertise in poultry production and earned a national reputation for his knowledge of hatchery design and operation. To this end, the Manitoba Hatchery Association presented him with the Buffalo-Rooster Award, emblematic of outstanding contribution to the poultry industry.

Upon moving to Brandon, the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba immediately appointed him chairman of the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair Egg Show. Under his stewardship, the Egg Show has become famous not only in Manitoba, but right across Canada. He has had industry people from London, Ontario, the PNE in Vancouver, and Agribition in Regina attend the Winter Fair to learn about the way to run a successful Egg Show. Jac was an elected director of the Provincial Exhibition for over 15 years, and served as chairman on a number of committees, including several terms as Chairman of Finance.

Jac was married to Joanne in 1959 who brought with her a son, Terry, 6, who was joined by Donna in the spring of 1961. Jac remembered that "we have certainly had our share of joy in the ensuing years. Like many other Canadian families, we enjoyed our share of camping, picnics and travelling, with all of its humorous and pleasurable, and some not so funny incidents. Time seems to go quickly when things go well, and it seemed we had no sooner moved to Brandon in the fall of 1970 when the children finished their schooling and were ready to make it on their own."

Terry spent some time at Brandon University and decided to move to B.C. where he eventually went to work for the B.C. School Trustees Association. Unfortunately, he suffered a debilitating back in¬jury at work, and along with other complications had to go on permanent disability pension. He unfortunately passed away at a far too young age.

Donna, after travelling around for a year or two, attended the Halifax College of Art & Design, graduating with a degree in Fine Arts. In 1987 she was awarded a contract by the Halifax Parks Board to erect a sculpture on the Halifax waterfront, adjacent to the Maritime Museum. "The Wave" is about 12 feet high, built of ferro cement and will be an attraction for many years to come. This as a "must see" to all those visiting Halifax. She now lives in Ontario and has two wonderful children.

After retiring in 1991, Jac remained in the Brandon area and kept active in a variety of ways. He was a longtime member at the Glen Lea Golf & Country Club in Brandon and found outdoors activity both healthy and invigorating. In fact, Jac golfed regularly until almost 90 years old and while his game prowess diminished, he enjoyed the company that the Golf Club offered. He also enjoyed hobbies, including woodworking which he would leave for the more inclement times of year.

Jac and Betty spent many years together in their retirement and enjoyed each other's company immensely, visiting with friends and relatives.

Jac remained steadfastly independent until just a few years ago when he felt it best to move to Riverheights Terrace for assisted living. While it was an adjustment for him, he grew to greatly appreciate the services that were offered to him and that he needed. He continued to drive to doctor appointments and visit his sister Doris in Altona Manitoba much to the chagrin of those around him. However, that was part of his charm. While he knew the limits on his ability to drive and would never exceed that, it was understood that anyone who knew Jac that there was a definite limit for telling him what he could (or possibly should not) do.

Jac remained in good health until just a few short weeks ago when he was admitted to the hospital for what was the first, and only time in his life. He passed away peacefully at the amazing age of 96 with family coming to see him regularly during his stay in the hospital.

The family would like to extend their immense appreciation to Brandon Regional Health Center for their care in his final days.

As per his wishes, Jac's final resting place will be at the Hiebert Heritage Cemetery, near Niverville Manitoba where he will be with many of his family members. Cremation has taken place with Internment in the spring of 2026 along with a Celebration of Life and family gathering.