From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Port Alberni, BC, Canada

Today was my last weigh-off. It's time for me to retire from this hobby. I have grown pumpkins for more than forty years and competitively the giants for more than 20 years. Over that time I have met the most wonderful, special people in this hobby.I will forever treasure my moment in the sun when in 2008 I managed to be number one in the world.
Elaine and I have drastically downsized and there is no room for a pumpkin patch. We will celebrate our 50th anniversary next summer by doing some river cruising in Europe. After that, I'll get my new small back yard in shape for a few veggies and learn to relax.
There are many PB's this year as well as a new WR. Congratulations to all. In my wildest dreams I never thought that the weights could go this high.
BTW, my final weight at Nanaimo today was 1074 lbs., good for second place.
Good luck to all growers.

Cheers, Jake van Kooten, aka the Flying Dutchman

10/14/2013 12:50:06 AM

Enumclaw, Washington

Jake:
you will be missed by the PNWGPG. You have inspired new growers including me a few years ago. Thank you for your contributions to new pumpkin growers with seeds and advice. Enjoy the European cruise next season.

Bob Risi, Enumclaw, WA.

10/14/2013 2:19:19 AM

Netherlands

Sorry to see you go. I have enjoyed communicating with you and growing your seeds. To date, your 1287 was my fastest ever growing pumpkin till it blew itself up. I also enjoyed growing your 1142 which became the Dutch champion in 2009.

Take care.

10/14/2013 3:49:28 AM

Massillon, Ohio

Awh, so sad! Enjoy the next chapter of your life!

10/14/2013 6:19:29 AM

The North Coast

My first pumkin was grown from your WR. I felt very privledged. Enjoy yourselves.

10/14/2013 6:28:04 AM

Leerdam, The Netherlands

Hi Jake,

Enjoy your time off and enjoy your upcoming river cruises.
It is good to know you.

Iwan

10/14/2013 6:36:53 AM

South Hero, VT

Jake, thank you for all you have done for us! You are a legend in your own time, and you deserve the best of everything.

I hope you live long, prosper, and enjoy every minute of it.

10/14/2013 7:44:09 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Once a pumpkin grower always a pumpkin grower....sort of like a sailor, you will always long the sea..Take care Jake
Shannon

10/14/2013 7:45:48 AM

Port Elgin, Ontario, Canada

Although you will stop growing from this point forward, your contributions will not go missing from the pumpkin growing community. Your accomplishments prove themselves by the amount of genetics carrying the VanKooten name. It was so nice to meet you in Niagara in 2008 when you accepted the orange jacket for growing the largest in the world. Top of the class! Best wishes to you and Elaine as you continue your life's journey.

10/14/2013 7:51:58 AM

Massillon, Ohio

Congratulations on all of your accomplishments! Wishing you the best!.....Glenna

10/14/2013 8:42:55 AM

South East

Enjoy Jake!! All the best to you and your wife!!

10/14/2013 8:48:46 AM

Mulino, Oregon

Jake, I appreciate growing and competing with you these past 12 years. Congratulations on all your accomplishments and enjoy your 'retirement'!

Jim Sherwood

10/14/2013 10:09:59 AM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Its been a pleasure getting to know you and Elaine a little better over the years, Andrea and I will always remember our visit to Duchman Acres only a few years ago.

Jake, I will do my best to relieve you of the Provincial Trophy that is taking up room in your office right now...you have inspired me for bigger and better...thanks for everything.

Glenn & Andrea Dixon

10/14/2013 11:15:32 AM

Washington State

Best Wishes to a GREAT GROWER! Jake, you added a lot to the sport. Hope you have an enjoyable retirement. It was nice knowing you and competing with you through the years.

Joel Holland

10/14/2013 12:01:36 PM

Little-TON - Colorado

JAKE,

CongratZ on a great growing career... Great meeting you and enjoy your retirement......Good Luck
SkyWiZzzy

10/14/2013 12:27:17 PM

Colorado

Jake,I wish you all the best.

10/14/2013 2:49:22 PM

Commack, NY

All the best in the next chapter of your life!

10/14/2013 7:13:12 PM

Cameron

We Canadians are losing one of the best growers we ever had. Thanks for all you have done for this great sport over the years & enjoy your retirement. We wish you all the best.

Jane & Phil Hunt - GVGO

ps. Do you happen to have an extra 2009 Wallace or a 1495 Stelts that you'd like to donate to the GVGO. LOL. Just kidding. Have fun in Europe.

10/15/2013 9:05:46 AM

Sort of Sunny Sometimes, WA

Ah Jake, I will truly miss visiting with you and Elaine at the weigh-offs. Wish I could've wished you a happy pumpkin retirement in person :) (Think of all the travelling you'll be able to do with all the money you're going to save on manure and amendments!) Be blessed~

10/15/2013 10:06:10 AM

gonna miss ya jake stay in touch

10/15/2013 10:08:23 AM

Parker, Co

Jake, we wish you all the best in your retirement. you know...you can always come out of retirement! or grow big tomatoes? You were a great Champ at Elk Grove weigh off and I remember you sending the California growers seeds from that champion pumpkin. again...all the best! cindi and pete

10/16/2013 10:51:54 PM

Minnesota

Don't retire! just retire from competitive growing!:)

10/17/2013 1:35:44 AM