Jacob Toews

Jacob Toews passed into the presence of his Saviour and Lord on August 2nd, 2013. He was born on February 24th, 1912 to Henry and Katherine (Thiessen) Toews in Lichtenau, Russia. In 1924 the family emigrated to Canada and took up farming in Arnaud, Manitoba. Jacob graduated from MCI in Gretna in 1932. His heart was not really in farming. After he took teacher training in Winnipeg he began his teaching career in 1935. He married Anna Neufeld in 1942.

During the war he did alternative service as a missionary-teacher on United Church mission stations on Lake Winnipeg. After the war he taught at MBCI in Winnipeg. He received a call to teach at MEI in Abbotsford. In 1955 the family moved to Clearbrook. He taught mainly English and also directed a number of plays and dramas. After his retirement in 1979 he continued his love for teaching by giving instruction in ESL to new Canadians. As instructor and interpreter he also helped a number of them to get their drivers license. His love of music led him to join the Golden Strings, music of seniors, playing regularly in several retirement homes. He was also a member of the Fraser Valley Symphony for 16 years.

In 1928 Jacob joined the MB Church by baptism. He was active as Sunday School teacher and Sunday School Superintendent. In 1966 the family joined the Bakerview MB Church, where Jacob remained a member until his death.

Jacob was predeceased by Anna, his wife of 54 years, brothers Eric, George and Henry. He is mourned by his sister Susan, and his loving family, Herb (Carol), Grant, Walter (Sandra), Mark, Kathryn, Karen (Dana) Carstensen. Grandchildren; Rob (Kellee), Erin, Mark, Lindsay, Julie, Meghan, Mandy and Ryan. Great grandchildren; Lucy, Kobe, Liam, and Anna.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to MCC, www.mcc.org