Sawatzky, Jacob J. (1910-2002)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2003 Feb 7 p. 18

Birth date: 1910 Aug 23

text of obituary:

JACOB J. SAWATZKY

Jacob J Sawatzky passed away Dec. 19 in Menno Hospital, Abbotsford, B.C. He was born Aug. 23, 1910 to Jacob J. and Margaretha Sawatzky in Nieder-Chortitza, and grew up in Rosental, south Russia. His father was in the transport business. After his horses were stolen, the family immigrated to Manitoba in 1923, buying a farm in Gnadenthal in 1924. He worked on various farms to help the family. He had a thirst for learning; with his first dollar, he bought an English dictionary and a pen. At 17, he accepted Christ at an evangelistic meeting led by Abram Nachtigal. He gained self-esteem and never doubted his salvation. He was baptized in Gnadenthal in 1934. He attended Winkler Bible School 1933-35. He married Katharina (Tina) Wiebe Sept. 22, 1935 in Gnadenthal. They lived in Neuenburg, moving to Gnadenthal in 1940 and Winkler, Man. in 1946. He had a trucking business, bought Winkler Photo Studio in 1946 and was a partner in Winkler Motors 1950-56. In 1956 they moved to Clearbrook B.C. and joined Bakerview MB Church. He owned a photo and music shop, and in 1960 bought acreage which he developed into a raspberry farm. He and Tina travelled to China, Africa, Egypt, Israel, Europe and the US. He had a great love for music and poetry, enjoy ed the beauty of nature and was an eternal optimist. He did microfilming for the Golden Age Society and in retirement made 100 crokinole boards for MCC. Favourite verses were Ps. 16:5-6 and John 1:16. He is mourned by Tina; daughters Herta Thiessen of Edmonton, Erica Suderman of Abbotsford, Alice Willms of Abbotsford, Hedy Hein of Abbotsford and Ingrid Suderman of North Vancouver; sons Helmut of Abbotsford, John of Ottawa and Carl of Langley, B.C.; 22 grand- children; 9 great-grandchildren; 1 brother and 1 sister. The funeral was Dec. 23 at Bakerview MB Church, with Henry Thiessen ministering.