November 1, 1931 - April 22, 2021
It is with rich sadness that the family of George Loewen announce his 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 his 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 to a labour camp in Siberia, George 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 at the Broadway MB Church, and worked throughout the Fraser Valley in farming and construction (stucco).
In 1959, he married Herta Thielmann, a pastor's daughter, and the newlyweds established a home in Clearbrook joining the membership of Clearbrook MB church and raising their family. In the late 1960s, the Loewens had an extended visit from George's father, Heinrich, who passed away in 1978 in the USSR. A decade later George would bury his dear mother, Elizabeth, in Vancouver. During those years George and Herta served within congregational life in Lake Erroch and South Abbotsford before they joyfully returned as seniors to Clearbrook MB.
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 often on Finance Committees, he brought dedicated service to various community associations: Tabor Home, Canadian and American 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 granddaughters 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 (P.O. Box 2249, Station A, Abbotsford, BC V2T 4X2)