Dr. Wilbert Reimer Giesbrecht

1927 – 2014

Wilbert Reimer Giesbrecht was born January 23, 1927 at Greenland, Manitoba to Cornelius and Margaretha Giesbrecht. He passed away May 14, 2014, reaching the age of 87 years. His early life and school days were spent in the Greenland, Manitoba community. He was the middle child in a family of 11 children, growing up on a chicken farm and attending the Montezuma country school. In his latter teens he and his family moved to Whitemouth, Manitoba becoming the first church family in the area.

At age 21 he began his studies at the University of Manitoba and graduated in 1956 as a medical doctor. In the early years of his studies he felt his need of a Saviour and gave his life to the Lord. He was baptized upon the confession of his faith into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. He talked much to us as a family about the love and mercy of Jesus and how important it was that we accept Him as our Saviour and follow in His footsteps. It was a joy to him as his children and grandchildren got converted. His faith meant much to him and was his guide as he went about his daily work caring for his patients.

He married Arlene Wiebe on May 27, 1955 in Inman, Kansas. They were blessed with five children. After finishing his residency in Winnipeg, they moved to Steinbach, Manitoba where he worked for about 2 years. They moved to BC where he established a family practice in Abbotsford becoming the 7th doctor in the area. He practiced in the era of health care for the whole family including housecalls. Dad had a significant number of elderly in his practice because he knew both the High and Low German and he had a real heart for them. He also had a concern and care for those struggling with mental illness.

Dad enjoyed nature, always being amazed at the intricacies of God’s creation. We children have many memories of Dad expounding on God’s great handiwork.

In 1992-1994 Dad and Mom went to Paraguay where they worked in an institution for the mentally ill. These years were a highlight in their lives.

In 2001 Mom passed away leaving Dad lonely. He found a companion in Linda Friesen and they were married April 12, 2003. We as a family appreciate her very much; she has filled a much needed Mom and Grandma role and companion to Dad.

In the last few months of Dad’s life he often expressed a desire to go “home” since he felt life had ceased to hold meaning for him. He quietly slipped away mid-morning May 14. We’re looking forward to meeting him on the other side.

He leaves to mourn his wife, Linda, five children: Carol (Ralph) Regehr, Russ (Lynn) both of Abbotsford, Lois Giesbrecht of Loomis, CA, Joyce (Rick) Giesbrecht, Donna (Brad) Giesbrecht also of Abbotsford, 14 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters: Alvina Hiebert, MS, Leanna Wiebe, MB, 2 brothers: Danny, MB, Firman (Agnes) KY, sisters-in-law: Elda, MB, Mary, BC, Bertha, MB, Phyllis (Bev) Toews, Abbotsford, Dessie Wiebe, SD, Bernice Friesen, MB, Marlene (Stanley) Wiggers, KS, brother-in-law: Milton Warkentin, Harry (Kathy) Friesen, MB, Danny Reimer, MB, Karen Reimer, Earl Friesen, MB, and many nieces and nephews.