passing on April 22, 2021 at the age of 89. He is lovingly remembered
by his wife of 62 years, Herta; four children—Evelyn, Leona,
Ruth(Matt), and George Jr.; two grandchildren—Jillian and Meredith;
and sister Helen. He is predeceased by his brothers Henry and Peter.
George was born in a Mennonite community in Ukraine. After his
father was taken from them, he made the trek across Europe, the
Atlantic Ocean and Canada with his mother, brothers and sister
arriving in Chilliwack BC in 1948. He learned English, attended East
Chilliwack Bible School, was baptized, and worked throughout the
Fraser Valley in farming and construction (stucco). He married a
pastor's daughter, Herta Thielmann, in 1959 and they established a
home in Clearbrook raising their family.
George's aptitude for numbers opened up a career in book-keeping
and administration. His penchant for neatness and detail rendered
beautiful ledgers. In addition to participation in church life, he brought
dedicated service to various community associations: Tabor Home,
Canadian Mennonite Health Association, Clearbrook (now Envision)
Credit Union, Clearbrook Waterworks, Abbotsford Diabetes
Association, Association of Christian Schools International—Budapest
Office, and the Canadian Volunteer Income Tax Program. He was as
capable in a Board of Directors meeting as he was happy to pour
coffee with the South Abbotsford Church catering crew. George was
humbly ready to make whatever contribution he could to make life
better for others.
He loved nature and enjoyed looking out over mountain ranges, ocean
views and colourful gardens. He took pleasure in travel, golf, hot
springs, walks, a tasty sandwich and friendly conversations over a cup
of coffee. In George's retiring years, his two grand-daughters were a
particular source of pride and joy. He generously encouraged them
with his time, personal attention and resources.
Numerous fun-loving friends and relatives enriched his years. During
his final days in hospital he insisted, over and over again, that all his
family and friends know how thankful he was for their friendship and
love! We will miss his companionship and cherish the example of true
discipleship he gave us. George left us expressing an immense desire
to enter eternal life with Jesus—a profoundly grateful man, knowing
he was richly blessed and dearly beloved.
The family is especially grateful to the Abbotsford Regional Hospital
women and men who gave their best to care for him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Logos Canada Foundation
(PO Box 2249 Station A, Abbotsford BC. V2T4X2)
Due to Covid regulations, an invite-only graveside service is being held on Thursday April 29, 2021, at 1:30 p.m. For those wishing to watch, the service will be live streamed at the following link:
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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