Stobbe, Gerald Dennis (1953-2001)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 Jan 11 p. 24

Birth date: 1953 Nov 3

text of obituary:

GERALD DENNIS STOBBE

Gerald Dennis Stobbe passed away Oct. 6. He was born Nov. 3, 1953 to George and Mary Stobbe in Hazelton, B.C. In 1963 the family moved to Abbotsford, B.C. After school, he worked at numerous jobs. In 1982 he began working for Shaw Cable. He was an avid outdoorsman and mountain climber with an adventureous spirit. In 1988 he underwent major back surgery after severely injuring his back in a 60-foot jump off a cliff into water. He thought he'd be confined to a wheelchair, but was healed and had 13 more years of hiking and enjoying God's creation. He made a commitment to the Lord as a child, but went his own way for many years. In 1984 he surrendered his life to Christ after a service at Central Heights MB Church, Abbotsford, where he heard the song, "Wonderful Grace of Jesus". He began attending Northview Community Church, Abbotsford, grew quickly in his faith and was baptized. He went on short-term mission trips to Mexico City and Russia and took every opportunity at work to share his faith. He helped lead singing at prison chapels, Union Gospel Mission and Christian biker rallies. In 1996 he married Joyce Lutz. They had 2 daughters. He loved his girls deeply and was a caring father. In summer 2001, he began feeling tired and had weakness in his left side. On Sept. 2, 2001, he was diagnosed with a fast growing malignant brain tumour. Surgery was done on Sept. 12, but the doctors were unable to remove the whole tumour, and he never recovered the use of his left side. He had finished 3 of 10 radiation treatments at Surrey (B.C) Hospital when he suffered a severe seizure. He had a caring heart and a sensitive spirit that positively impacted others. Predeceased by his father in 1999, he is mourned by Joyce; daughters Bethany and Amy; his mother; 4 sisters and 2 brothers. The funeral was Oct. 11 at Northview Community Church, with Morris McKenzie and Frank Martens ministering.