Vern Giesbrecht

He will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Annita, his children Shannon (Jon) Vezey, Gregory (Tara), Timothy (Sunny) and his precious grandchildren Raine, Evan, Benjamin, Natasha, Olivia, Aubrey, Harper and Archer. Dad is also survived by his siblings Arthur (Linda), Frances (Wayne) Luba and Walter.

Dad will also be missed by his sister-in-law Verna, his sister-in-law Irene (Peter), his sister-in-law Hilda (Plenert), many cherished nieces and nephews, and a multitude of friends.

He was predeceased by his parents Peter and Katherine, his brother Peter, also his parents-in-law Peter and Susie Schmidt, his sister-in-law Leslie, and his brother-in-law Hank Plenert.

Dad was the eldest of 5 siblings. Born in and raised in Winnipeg, Vern was only 6 years old when his Dad died. He quickly felt the weight of what had happened to their family. He had a happy childhood filled with love and laughter, they were a fun-loving family. His work life started at Monarch Machinery, then Robinson Alamo where he met Henry Neufeld his boss who became a close friend. Next Dad joined Guertin Implements where he became part owner. He then began his incredible 40-year career at Enns Brothers until his retirement in 2019. During this time, Dad completed his Arts degree majoring in Geography.

His community contributions included delivering for the Christmas Cheer Board and Meals on Wheels, church council, choir member and usher at his church, and donating blood, a social responsibility Dad embraced.

One of Dad’s greatest joys was watching his grandkids learn and grow. Always ready with a smile and a squeeze of a hug, a loud cheer at a hockey or volleyball game, or a ride somewhere, Dad was deeply proud of them and bragged about them constantly. He had a love for travel and enjoyed visiting many destinations throughout the world and was always looking forward to the next trip Annita was planning.

In his short time at Riverwood Square, he made a lasting and meaningful impression on those he met and brought comradery and laughter to those who needed it most. It was a happy time for him.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the teams who cared for him at the Grace Hospital and the Victoria Hospital. They helped us through the journey of Dad’s passing in the most compassionate and respectful way possible.

A special thank you to the many friends and family who visited Dad in his final weeks.

A celebration of life will be held Friday September 11th at 2pm at First Mennonite Church, 922 Notre Dame Ave.

Anyone wishing to make a memorial donation in honor of Vern, please support our hospitals or the Salvation Army.