Meet the Board

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 Vanessa currently works for Flint Energy Services LP and is the President and founder of the Jake Weitz Memorial Scholarship. She has worked at environmental organizations, and is currently a board member and volunteer for Essentials For Our Community.

 Jake passed on a Sunday, just two days earlier he had written his final exam for his 2nd year of Automotive Services at Red Deer Polytechnic. We were so proud of Jake and we told him so after his exam on Friday.  Vanessa wants Jakes memory to live on and she couldn’t think of a better way than to create a non-profit scholarship.

 Jake was good with his hands, and loved working on cars, trucks, and tractors. Vanessa wants this scholarship to go to students like Jake, who have a passion for mechanics. 

"As Jakes mother I couldn’t be more proud of Jake and his brothers, Carter and Ben.  My children are my whole world. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss Jake, and I hope this scholarship is a lasting legacy of his kindness and generosity to everyone he met".  

Shane is and forever will be self-employed. He is a grain and cattle farmer, a jack of all trades. Shane has been a farmer pretty much his whole life and isn't afraid to get the job done. 

Shane's two boys Jake and Carter are everything to him and 100% his pride and joys. Shane was beyond proud of Jake, from always being there to helping out around the farm to going off to college to pursue what he really wanted to do - Automotive Services.  He thought having a Memorial Scholarship opportunity likes this to carry on  Jake's legacy would go along way, not only keeping Jake with us, but also helping out others who enjoy the same passion. 

"When Jake and I worked on equipment we never wore coveralls, we would cuss like sailors at the machinery, and when we were working in the field we didn't always clean up our tools - we had to get going while the sun was shinin (clean up was on a rainy day)"! Jake loved swathing - it was one of his favorite activities. "It will never be the same. As time marches on, I miss him in everything I do on the farm, from fixing broken equipment, and from seeding to harvest." 

  Mark currently works as an Airline Captain for Canadian North Airlines. He has been with the company for 13 years and holds a diploma from NAIT in Aviation. 

Mark first met Jake back in 2015. They both shared a loved for hockey and played hockey in Mark's basement. Not only did they share a love for hockey but when Jake got older, they shared a love for mechanics, and would work on the family vehicles together in the shop on Westhill. 

Mark believes education is easy when it’s something you love. “I became a member of the Didsbury Fire Department in 2020 and since then I’ve taken numerous courses and obtained many Pro-Board Gold Seal, NFPA Certifications. With my line of work as Pilot and Fire Fighter I take courses all the time and it’s not a chore when it’s something you enjoy.” 

Mark says “I’m proud to be Jake’s Step-Dad but to also be a working Member of this Board, I want to keep Jake’s memory alive and I think scholarships in trades, like this one, are rare, and something to be valued and appreciated, just like Jake”. 

  Jason is a 2nd generation owner/operator of a busy Automotive Repair Shop in Didsbury.  Along with his wife Erin, one of his sons and the help of his wonderful staff of 10, they run GTA Performance (Gil’s Truck and Auto Repair).  

Being a journeyman red seal technician since 2002 Jason was able to work with and train many technicians including, Jake Weitz.  He is the father of 3 boys, enjoys the outdoors and is an avid golf enthusiast.  Jason has and still is on many boards and enjoys being involved in his community projects.  

Jason is honored to be a part of the Jake Weitz Memorial Scholarship and looks forward to helping support and encourage up and coming technicians.

 Marjorie Malinowski is Jake’s maternal grandmother; she has proudly accepted the role of Secretary Treasurer. Having known Jake from the day he was born, she is determined and excited to keep his memory alive through promoting his love of mechanics and helping others. 

With Marjorie at his side, Jake spent time learning the alphabet, counting, reading, and together they shared many discussions on farming, climate change, career choices, and their frustrations and roles of being the oldest siblings. 

As Jake grew, roles changed, he taught her how cell phone apps worked and explained what the symbols and lights on her truck’s dashboard meant. Jake also had a natural ear for musical instruments. Some of Marjorie’s best memories are going to concerts with Jake. Marjorie, having sat on and chaired a wide variety of organizations, charities, volunteer boards, as well as her own corporations, brings to the board a vast knowledge of administration on public, non-profit, and private sector groups. Like  other board members, she is eager to keep Jake’s memories strong and to make Jake proud. 

  Zack is currently on the board at the Didsbury Golf Club, supporting the club in the many areas. Zack currently works at Miller Excavating. While working Zack is also completing his Degree in Business from Olds College.

 "Being a Member of this Board is an honor for me, as Jake and I were bestfriends. We had a lot of fun experiences together out at the farm".  Jake also loved spending time at Zack's place when they were younger, and he has lots of funny stories about their times together. "As a friend I knew Jake well, and I feel this scholarship is an awesome way to continue Jake's legacy by doing something he would've loved. The whole idea of a scholarship is a very good idea and am very glad to apart of it".

Roman was born and raised in Didsbury and is currently a 1st year apprentice at his family ran automotive repair shop GTA Performance (Gil’s Truck & Auto Repair) in Didsbury.  Roman graduated high school in 2023 and is looking forward to becoming a licensed red seal technician in the next few years.  He thoroughly enjoyed working along side Jake Weitz for 2 years at GTA Performance.  

Roman is very active and loves snowboarding, golfing and surfing.   This will be the first board position Roman has held and he looks forward to being involved in this wonderful tribute to his friend, Jake. 

Angela is currently the Managing Director of a Large Full Service Law Firm with both Canadian and International offices. Angela holds degrees/diplomas in Human Resources and Sociology as well as an MBA (Masters of Business Administration) and a CPHR (Chartered Professionals of Human Resources) Designation.  Angela is also a mental health advocate having completed both the Queens University Mental Health Leadership Program and the Mental Health First Aid Program though the Mental Health Commission of Canada. The picture above is Angela holding 1 day old Jake in 2004 as she has been a life long friend of Jake’s mom Vanessa. Having spent time on various community serving and legal management boards, Angela is honored to be able to help with the Jake Weitz Memorial and keep his memory alive through helping others.