A24 Abbotsford News Wednesday, February 25, 2015
obituaries
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OBITUARIES
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OBITUARIES
DUECK
Peter Albert (July 5, 1923 - February 19, 2015)
ROBERTS MURPHY
Heist, John March 14, 1927January 24, 2015
Dad passed away peacefully at Cascade Lodge, his home the last 2 years. Thanks to the wonderful staff and Dr. Chris for their compassionate care. John will be remembered for his love of painting and sharing his art, for his stories, jokes and poetry readings. He loved time with his great grand children and his friends. He had many talents and will be missed by many. A private memorial will be held at a later date.
JOHNSON
Valerie
Jacob George
Valerie Catherine Murphy of Abbotsford, BC, formerly of Edmonton, passed away peacefully on February 21st, 2015. Valerie Murphy (nee Beacom) was born on February 22, 1930 and raised in Montreal. She and her husband Don lived in various communities in Ontario. They moved to Edmonton in 1965, where she raised their five children and had an exciting career in hospital administration. In 1987, Val and Don retired to BC, living on Vancouver Island, in Richmond, then Abbotsford. Valerie’s favorite spot was their property at Harrison Lake, BC, where she and Don escaped whenever they could. Valerie is survived by husband Don, children; Gail (Bernie Estrin) of Edmonton, Wayne (Sheli) of Edmonton, Brian (Brenda) of Edmonton, Rodney (Maya) of Surrey, BC and Valerie Jean (Jeff) of Calgary, siblings; Oliver Beacom (Carol), Deltry Ramage, Vance Beacom, grandchildren; Robbie, Ashley, Khean, Colleen, Alisha, Cassandra, Tyler, Troy, Aaron, Catrina and Riley.
With deep sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Jacob George Neufeld on February 20, 2015 in Langley at the age of 93. “JG” has gone home to meet his Heavenly Father and to join Anna, his loving wife of 59 years. Born in the Ukraine; later moving to Ontario before retiring in Langley, BC. He lived an extraordinary life, with total dedication to his family and with an exceptional commitment to helping others. His impact and generosity reached individuals and educational institutions globally. With a deep Christian foundation “JG” universally sought to help others. His legacy lives on. He will be remembered fondly, by his five daughters, Barbara (Dave), Lori (Bruce), Heidi (John), Houlda, Kaethe (Ian) and their families including his grandchildren Jennifer (Steve), Jake (Laura), Jonathan (Becca), Caitlin (Taylor), Jackson and Chris. In lieu of flowers, in loving memory of our father, contributions may be designated to the Dr. J G Neufeld Scholarship at Trinity Western University, 7600 Glover Rd, Langley, BC V2Y 1Y1. www.twu.ca/giving. A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 2, 2015 at 11:00 am at Bethel Mennonite Church, 24687 56 Ave., Langley. Refreshments to follow. Online condolences to the family may be made to: www.wiebeandjeskefh.com
Douglas Grant March 5, 1957 ~ Feb. 16, 2015
Doug has been taken from us far too soon. He will be dearly missed by his family, extended family and his many friends. On his behalf, thanks for the flowers & calls of good wishes. So we say goodbye, be at peace Doug. MURPHY, Thomas June 4, 1959 - Feb 12, 2015 We will miss your kind heart and contagious sense of humor but will carry you always in our hearts. We love you and will miss you. Thomas is survived by his mother Heather Redekop (Abe), sister Debbie Murphy, niece Samia Perez (Miles & Manuel), brother Peter Murphy, niece Tara Murphy, great niece Kayli & great nephew Tyson (Dawn), sister Christine Leigh and nieces Colby & Addison.
NEUFELD
Wiebe & Jeske 604.859.5885
WAGNER Norma Norma Josephine Wagner, late of Abbotsford, BC, passed away at the age of 95 on Saturday morning, January 10, 2015. Conrad, her loving husband of 53 years predeceased her in February, 2011. A Memorial Tea will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 1:00 pm in the tea room of Henderson’s Funeral Home, 34537 Marshall Road, Abbotsford, BC (entrance and parking on the lower level). Norma will join Conrad in their place of rest at Hazelwood Cemetery following the tea. Tributes and condolences may be left at: www.hendersonsabbotsfordfunerals.com
All memories will be treasured by those who knew and loved her.
Henderson’s Funeral Home 604-854-5534
Elizabeth Olive “Betty” (McNally)
VERDONK
April 20, 1922 - Feb. 6, 2015
Mr. Johann Hermann (John) Verdonk, late of Abbotsford, BC, passed away on February 20, 2015 at the age of 70. He is survived by wife Lana, daughters Diane Verdonk and Janet (Jeff) Bryan, sons John and Mark, two grandsons Alex and Andrew, brother Peter (Arline), two sisters Annie (Rocky) Wise and Aly Verdonk, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Johann and Alberta, brother Jim, sister-inlaw Betty Verdonk, as well as aunts and uncles in Holland and one uncle in Ontario. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, February 26 at 10:30 am at Bethel Reformed Church at 3260 Gladwin Road with Pastor Ron Opmeer officiating. Donations in memory of John may be made to World Vision or Vancouver Children’s Hospital. Tributes and condolences may be left at:
Died peacefully of pneumonia in Abbotsford, BC. A “Celebration of Life” will be held 2:00 PM Saturday February 28 at Gladwin Heights United Church in Abbotsford. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Betty’s name to a charity of one’s choice. Born in Fort William, Ontario, to Mary and Harvey McNally of Murillo, Ontario, she was a country girl. Member of the global mission of Moral ReArmament, professional photographer and photo journalist (PACE magazine, L.A.), wife, mother, gardener, cook, seamstress, rug and quilt maker, women’s libber, voracious reader, amateur historian (5th place in national Women’s Institute contest; MacLachlan Woodworking Museum), author (“Land of 1000 Lakes; a History of Loughborough Township”), B&B manager, watercolourist, avid United Church participant in Murillo, Ottawa, Harrowsmith, Sydenham (Ontario) and Abbotsford, BC. Betty saw life through the lens of her Christian faith, finding blessings in nature and in the love of her husband Ron, son Gordon, daughter-in-law Marni, family and many friends. She believed that with God’s guidance people and situations can change.
Johann
www.hendersonsabbotsfordfunerals.com
Henderson’s Funeral Home 604-854-5534
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Peter Albert Dueck on February 19, 2015. He was predeceased by Helen, his beloved wife of 62 years, and survived by his four children, Ed (Carole), Gerald (Anne), Larraine (Mark) Kandal, Leonard (Pamela) and nine grandchildren, Jennie, Melanie, Stefanie, Brittanie (Perry) Thiessen, Cameron, Alissa, David, Taylor and Landon and one great grandchild, Silas Thiessen. Peter was born on July 5, 1923 in Orenburg, U.S.S.R. At three years of age, he immigrated to Canada with his parents and two sisters. They settled in Coaldale, Alberta, where Peter grew up on the family farm. At age eighteen, Peter moved to British Columbia in search of opportunities to take advantage of his tremendous initiative and capacity for hard work. This was interrupted by a brief return to Coaldale motivated by his desire to marry Helen, whom he first met in grade two. She accepted his proposal, and they married on November 16, 1946. The happy couple established a home in Abbotsford, B.C., where they raised their children. The Dueck home soon became the focal point for social gatherings attended by family and friends. People were drawn to Peter’s friendly, outgoing and jovial nature. Together, with Helen’s kindness and tireless hospitality, they made a great team. Peter began his business career in 1951 as co-founder of MSA Motors in Abbotsford. Over the years, he established other car dealerships and later, after having worked as a real estate
salesman for a time, purchased and operated a successful real estate and insurance agency. Always looking for new challenges, Peter began his political career in 1978, serving as an alderman and deputy mayor for the Municipality of Matsqui. He turned to provincial politics in October 1986, when he was elected to the B.C. Legislature. During his seven years in the provincial government, Peter held cabinet posts in more than one portfolio, including the Ministry of Health. In government as in business, Peter earned a reputation for integrity and competence. Throughout his working life, Peter was involved in community service, serving on boards and committees too numerous to mention. Peter and Helen enjoyed leisure time together. They snow skied, played tennis and loved ballroom dancing. They also put a lot of effort into creating beautiful gardens, winning six gardening awards sponsored by the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. In spite of his busy schedule, Peter was a devoted husband and father who always had time for his family. He cherished Helen and provided an excellent role model for his children. As for his grandchildren, they will have many happy memories of a warm and playful grandfather. The family wishes to express their gratitude to Dad’s long time physician Dr. David Froese, the staff at Fraser Health Kidney Care Centre for their dedication, understanding and support (special thanks to Bobbi) and the staff at “Nurse Next Door” for their kindness, patience and professionalism in caring for Dad. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Kidney Foundation of Canada, www. kidney.ca. Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm, Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at Central Heights Church, 1661 McCallum Rd., Abbotsford. Online condolences to the family may be made at www.woodlawnfh-abbotsford.com.
Woodlawn Funeral Home 604-853-2643