Heap of Birds, Guy (1903-1959)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1959 Oct 15 p. 1

Birth date: 1903 Mar 16

text of obituary:

LONG-TIME LEADER OF INDIAN CONGREGATION DIES IN OKLAHOMA

Clinton, Okla. — Funeral services were held at the Indian Mennonite church near here Oct. 3 for Guy Heap of Birds, who had been a lay minister of the congregation for about 30 years. He was born March 16, 1903, and died Sept. 30 after an extended illness.

Among those attending the funeral were Rev. John Thiessen, former executive secretary of the General Conference Board of Missions, and daughter Muriel Thiessen, of North Newton, Kan., Mrs. J. B. Ediger of Buhler, Kan., missionary among the Indians for many years, and her daughter, Mrs. R. D. Voth of Goessel, Kan.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1959 Nov 19 p. 8

text of obituary:

GUY HEAP OF BIRDS

Guy Heap of Birds was born on March 16, 1903 and departed this life on Wednesday morning, Sept. 30, 1959 at the University Hospital in Oklahoma City, Okla. at the age of 56 years, six months and 14 days.

He was a life-long resident of the Clinton, Okla. community and served as a worker or assistant pastor in the Mennonite Indian church for 29 years.

On Feb. 17, 1918 he was baptized by Rev. J. B. Ediger upon confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and was received into the membership of the Mennonite Indian church. He remained faithful until his death.

He is survived by his wife, Alice; one daughter, Mrs. Bryce McIntyre of Missoula, Mont.; two sons, Charles of Wichita, Kansas, and Edgar of the home; a brother, John Heap of Birds of Weatherford, Okla.; four sisters, Mrs. Ruth Bearshield, Mrs. Esther Orange, Mrs. Moses Starr, and Mrs. Sarah Bent, all of Clinton, Okla.; and three grandchildren.

His death is not only a loss to the family but also to the Church and to the community. He gave himself in unselfish Christian service. When sickness, trouble, or sorrow came he was always ready to help and to comfort by his visits, his prayers, and messages.

He enjoyed good health until his last illness. During his short illness of three weeks, he remained hopeful and generally cheerful almost to the end. When it became evident that he might not recover, he was ready to go and wanted to go.

As a parting prayer for his loved ones he prayed that they would not fall by the way like some others had done, but that they would continue to live the Christian life. He prayed (in Cheyenne) for his family, relatives, and for all of the Indian people.

In our sorrow may we also find comfort in the words of Scripture that Guy so often used to comfort others, "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways" (Isaiah 55:9) — Rev. Herbert M. Dalke.

The Mennonite obituary: 1959 Oct 13 p. 639