Jacob (Jack) DeKONING

Uncle Jack was a colorful individual who experienced many things during his long life. Born in Den Haag (or Utrecht?) to an unwed mother, he regretted not having a normal father-son relationship (he did meet him on at least one occasion and had a picture). He was raised by his grandparents (mother's parents). He learned many languages (Dutch, Frisian, German, French, English, ...) and earned his meals during WWII as a translator. He was educated at Christian schools in the Netherlands (his grandparents took good care of him and raised him well). His favorite teacher was Mr. Tjepkema in Holland, who taught him the languages. He narrowly escaped death by shooting on one occasion during the war. He came to Kansas after the war (early 50s?) and remembered that he was very poor at that time and required a sponsor to immigrate. From Kansas, he made his way to Los Angeles, CA, where he worked at a bank. He once visited his father in Los Angeles. His father was a little "wild" (his grandparents had been against their daughter marrying him). After his first wife died while he was living and working in Los Angeles, Jack met and later married his second wife, who worked as a nurse in the area. After they both retired and moved to Port Alberni, BC, they lived for many years at 4422 Roger Street, Apt 2. He always had a great sense of humor and an endless supply of interesting stories and observations on current events (on which he was always well-informed). He was extremely talkative and sociable and always enjoyed having visitors.

Source: Family papers and memories