Hiebert, Abraham A. (1909-2003)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2003 May 2 p. 26

Birth date: 1909 Feb 3

text of obituary:

ABRAHAM A. HIEBERT

Abraham A. Hiebert of Tabor Home, Abbotsford, B.C., died Feb. 24. He was born to Abraham and Anna Hiebert on Feb. 3, 1909 in Fairview, Okla.. At age 9, he roped cattle for a rancher, the earnings going to his family. He worked for rich folks because food and working conditions were better. He grew up in a Christian home, but was drawn to worldly activities. In 1928 the family moved to Canada, settling near Calgary. Abe and his brother Jake returned to Oklahoma, but eventually Abe and brother Rudolph helped run the family farm in Coaldale, Alta. At age 26, at revival meetings led by Ralph Neighbour, Abe accepted Christ. He was baptized and joined Coaldale MB Church. He played guitar in a musical group called "The joyful Hour". Abe bought a farm from the CPR and built a house. He married Anna Nikkel Dec. 6, 1941. A Holstein cow given to them by Anna's parents was the beginning of a dairy farm operation. They worked together and were thrifty to meet the family's needs. Abe was an usher in Coaldale MB Church for many years. In 1964 they sold the farm and moved to Clearbrook, B.C. He worked for Kustom Koach in Aldergrove. He took wood scraps home making them into cupboards, trays and wastebaskets, which he gave as gifts. He helped run the PA system at church. Both hips were replaced due to arthritis in 1996-97. He had a pacemaker inserted in 1997. In 1997 Anna passed away. He moved to Tabor Home. He kept busy making notepads out of recyclable paper, giving these to nurses, friends and family. He is mourned by children Jessie Sawatzky and Edith Wiens of Abbotsford, and Irma Barkman of Saskatoon; 6 grandchildren. The funeral was Mar. 8 in Clearbrook MB Church with Heinz Ratzlaff and Jay Neufeld ministering.