Irvin John Neufeld

After a courageous battle in the hospital, on December 11, 2020, Irvin peacefully passed away with all his family by his side at the age of 88. Irvin will be sadly missed by Anne, his loving wife of almost 65 years; his children, Wayne (Janice), Debra (Gord), Dennis, Wendy (Bruno) and Cheryl (Mark); sisters Marlene and Pearl and his grandchildren, Robert, Jennifer, Sherri, Brent, Grant, Cam, Orlanda, Sasha, Olivia, Zander, Bryan and Darryl, his great-grandchildren Carter and Jace as well numerous nieces, nephews and other family members and friends. Irvin was predeceased by his parents, Margaret Dyck and Abram Neufeld, his brother Harvey and his far too recently brother Ron, his son Robert and grandson Ryan.

Irvin was born on April 5, 1932 near Morden, Manitoba. He grew up in Winkler with his four siblings. As a boy, he enjoyed drawing, woodworking, baseball but most of all music. Irvin’s passion for music became very apparent as he found ways to make money to buy a guitar and mandolin. Determine to play, he amazingly just learned by ear, without learning to read musical notes.

As Irvin became a teenager, his love for music continued to grow. With great excitement and anticipation, he and his friend Barry Shultz entered a talent contest with the radio station CJOB where they played guitar and sang “The Old Rugged Cross”. Such a proud moment for him and his family. Soon after that, he could be seen playing in front of the Green Lantern Café. A busker before his time!

Irvin’s work life began early. Starting with farm work picking potatoes to traveling to Banff for maintenance work at the Banff Springs Hotel. Then he switched to truck delivery driving. One of his most memorable driving experiences was him hauling dynamite over the BDI bridge. Watch out for those potholes! Lastly, he settled in with Sherwin Williams where he worked as a fork lift operator and eventually supervisor.

Irvin met Anne Peters on a blind date that turned to a love for many years to come. They were married on January 21, 1956. Soon their family life began. Six kids in just over 8 years! A handful indeed which they both cherished through all the years.

Irvin’s love for family expanded when the grandchildren started. Jennifer, their first, couldn’t quite pronounce Oma and Opa and that’s how “Omi” and “Opi” began which they affectionately took on as their new names.

Irvin loved to play with words. “Idiot Box” means TV, “Javex” means Coffee and when he had a new experience, he would say “Something different”! He also showed an incredible memory for details such as vivid details of the weather on their wedding day to the day of the week of a blizzard some 50 years ago to what kind of bumper appeared on a car from any model and year!

Irvin loved travelling by car. Road trips to Jasper to visit Wendy and family, Edmonton to see Ron and Marlene and their families or Victoria to spend time with Pearl and her family. Outings to Winkler and the old “One - Six” to see the original farmhouse to quick runs to Lockport and even just to the Forks for some fish and chips and ice cream. He cherished them all and with everyone he shared the time with.

Irvin will be remembered for his love of guitar playing. From that first strum as a child to participating in sing-alongs with fellow tenants at the apartment to even just two months ago enjoying a dual performance with his sister Pearl on ukulele!

Irvin will be remembered for his joyous whistling. He could always be heard whistling down the hall and everyone would say “Oh! Irvine’s coming!” He will be remembered as a kind and gentle soul, happiest with loving family around. We love you Dad and miss you dearly!

We would like to thank staff members Leslie, Grace, Crystal and Sherry of the Grace Hospital for all their support and compassion. You were a blessing to us! We would also like to thank the staff at Green Acres Funeral Home for all their help and guidance.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Flowers gratefully declined. If you wish, donations in Irvin's memory may be made to the charity of your choice.

In memory of Irvin:

The Old Rugged Cross

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross The emblem of suffering and shame And I love that old cross where the dearest and best For a world of lost sinners was slain

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross (rugged cross) Till my trophies at last I lay down I will cling to the old rugged cross And exchange it some day for a crown

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true It's shame and reproach gladly bear Then he'll call me some day to my home far away Where his glory forever I'll share

And I'll cherish the old rugged cross (rugged cross) Till my trophies at last I lay down And I will cling to the old rugged cross And exchange it some day for a crown I will cling to the old rugged cross And exchange it some day for a crown