{Uncle Jake}

My Grandpa Flake, Jake, Steve, and Jed (his brothers)

On Sunday my Uncle Jake (actually my dad's uncle - my grandpa Dean's brother) passed away unexpectedly. He had just broken several ribs a few weeks earlier after a horse riding accident but appeared to be healing just fine until Sunday. Even though he is my great-uncle, I still felt so close to him and will miss him so much at the Flake Reunion we go to every Pioneer Weekend.

My Grandpa and his brothers are amazing men, true cowboys in the best way. They owned a cattle ranch in Snowflake Arizona and all lived along a winding dirt road I loved to visit when I was a child. I can remember summers spent walking along that road with my aunt Kaija. We would go in their barns, ride their horses, go inside and eat homemade cookies. Uncle Jake would give you a huge bear hug that would almost take the breath out of you but it felt so good. Tomorrow I am going to a memorial service in Phoenix, I will not be able to make it to the funeral in Snowflake.

Here's a link to some articles written after his death (click on the word): Jake Flake



Here's a tribute to Uncle Jake that my uncle Jeff did on the House Floor: Tribute