The Reverend Canon Laverne Valentino Burton Jacobs of Walpole Island First Nation passed away peacefully in Wallaceburg on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at the age of 83. Laverne was the son of the late Burton Norman and Dorothy Evelyn (Isaac) Jacobs. Beloved husband of Lynn Anne (Bee). Loving father of Mary Sue Jacobs (the late Michael Myers), Cynthia Jacobs and Charles Jacobs. Dear Mishoo of Kalvin, Krystal (James),Shawn (Heather), Eric, Sylvia, Daniel and Adrian and Great Mishoo of Caden, Jackson, Marrissa, Kaldr and Caspian. Brother of Elaine, Alan (Bernita), Gayleen (the late Frank) and the late Ralph (Marguerite). Uncle of Clinton (Anika), Inez (Darren), Alexis, Athena(Stephane) and Great Uncle of Salem, Shelby, Corbin and Liberty.
Reaching beyond his own family, Laverne dedicated himself to the service of his expansive, extended family—his people. Inspired by the visionary leadership of his father, Burton, and with the loving support of family and community, Laverne both began and ended his ministry within his home, Walpole Island First Nation. He was ordained an Anglican priest in 1975, and served churches at Forest and Kettle Point, as well as Walpole Island. His Christian faith was deep, solid and thoughtful.
Laverne spent the middle years of his ordained ministry reaching out to Indigenous people across Canada and indeed, around the world. He dedicated much of his life to pushing the Anglican and United churches to live up to Christ’s inclusive, loving vision.
Although he was a gentle, soft-spoken man, Laverne also possessed an iron resolve, a wise political sense and a commitment to educating and cultivating non-Indigenous allies. During his decades-long guidance leading national Indigenous ministries in first the Anglican Church and then the United Church he pushed tirelessly and with a surprising amount of success against obstinate colonial structures and systemic racism. He played a key role in opening a space in those institutions where once very marginalized Indigenous Christians have increasingly been able to find full belonging and to express their Indigenous and Christian identities as equals with the non-Indigenous parts of the churches.
Laverne also showed outstanding leadership in pushing both churches to own their shameful residential-schools history, and played a key role in instigating and guiding their healing responses, often despite much reluctance and foot dragging within the governing structures. Despite many obstacles, he never lost his love for people, and his ability to laugh with friends at the absurdities. He often said: “If you are going to be a bridge, you have to be prepared to be walked on.” Laverne was respected and loved by all who knew him in these circles.
Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation at the Haycock-Cavanagh Funeral Home, 409 Nelson Street in Wallaceburg on Tuesday, December 16 from 5 – 7 PM. The funeral will be celebrated at the Walpole Island United Church (159 New Ferry Rd) at 1 PM on Wednesday, December 17 with visiting at the church from 11:30 – 1 pm, prior to the funeral. Interment to follow at Highbanks Cemetery. Cherished stories and tributes may be left for the family at www.CavanaghFuneralHome.ca
If desired, donations to the Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Center may be left at the funeral home 519.627.3231 or at 290 Zielke Dr. Beausejour, MB., R0E 0C0 / 204-268-3913 / Connect@sandysaulteaux.ca
