Robert A. 'Jake' Jacobson, 66

FELTON - Robert A. "Jake" Jacobson, of Felton, died Monday, Dec. 1, 2008, in his residence. He was 66. Born in Wilmington on June 19, 1942, to the late Mary and Nathan Jacobson, Robert learned at an early age that horses would be a major part of his life. Starting a business at 14, giving pony rides in Claymont, he earned enough to buy his first car by the time he could drive. Many children in northern New Castle County learned to ride horse-back and care for horses from Robert. After he graduated from PS Dupont High School in 1960, he continued his education at Oklahoma State University studying Animal Husbandry and riding in local rodeos. From that time on, Robert spent time abroad in the Peace Corps; stationed in Cyprus he taught animal husbandry. Upon returning to the U.S. he attended the University of Delaware where he received a Bachelors in Animal Science with a minor in Education. He later joined the International Voluntary Service and was stationed in Laos setting up refugee camps during the Viet Nam War. Robert worked for the Division of Juvenile Corrections but his desire to be with horses and his customers motivated him to be a full time blacksmith. In 1980 he suffered a back injury and was unable to shoe horses. He took a position with Holy Cross where he taught and was head of the Science Division for one year. Although the doctor had told him that his back injury would prevent him from ever blacksmithing again, his love of horses was too strong to keep him away and he became a farrier once again. Robert continued as a farrier until his diagnosis of cancer in August of this year. For over 30 years, Robert who became better known as Jake, traveled extensively, making the rounds of area horse farms, often accompanied by his faithful dog. He loved visiting with the owners as much as shoeing the horses. His reputation as being honorable, loyal, and one of the best at teaching his trade gave him a strong sense of pride. Money was never his motivation. His only concern was the relationship with his customers, which he considered part of his family. Jake fulfilled a dream of his by traveling to Spain to acquire his own Andalusian Horse, which became known as Jake's Black Stallion, his pride and joy. Jake's love of Andalusians offered him the opportunity to belong to the International Andalusian Lusitano Horse Association (I.A.L.H.A.), and to the Eastern Region Andalusian Horse Club (E.R.A.H.C.), he was a proud member of both. Besides his wife, five children, nine grandchildren, niece and three nephews, who Robert loved beyond the imagination, his legacy is one of fellowship and the betterment of mankind. He was proud to have marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and always believed in helping his fellow man, regardless of race, religion or nationality. He believed in equal rights and wanted the world to be more open minded to different cultures and beliefs. He felt that through a common fellowship of man, the world would be a better place to live, love, and grow. His greatest accomplishment in life was the wealth he acquired through love of family and friends. The passion that drove him involved the friendships he made through his customers, who were part of his extended family. He was a very unique man that will be missed by those who were fortunate enough to have known him. His legacy will carry on through his family and friends. May we all be a little better from loving and being loved by him. He was preceded in death by a sister, Bobbie Lipstein. Jake is survived by his wife of 36 years, Rebecca A. Jacobson of Felton; sons and daughters-in-laws; David Emery of Greenwood, Billy and Brooke Jacobson of Dover, Travis and Farha Jacobson of Glen Burnie, Md.; daughters and sons-in-law, Jodine and Tony Clay of Atlanta, Ga., Melissa and Jason Daniels of Felton; and nine grandchildren. A celebration of Jake's Life will be Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008, in Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 South DuPont Hwy., Harrington. Family will receive friends who want to pay their last respects from 2 until 6 p.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family strongly suggests donations be made to www.standup2cancer.org or by phone at 888-907-8263 or www.jakeserenity.net. Arrangements are by the Melvin Funeral Home, Harrington.