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, Abbots- ford, B.C., died Feb . 24. He was born to Abra- ham 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 be- cause 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 eventu- ally Abe and brother Rudolph helped run the family farm in Coaldale, Alta . At age 26, at re - vival meetings led by Ralph Neighbour, Abe ac- cepted Christ. He was baptized and joined Coal- dale 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 mar- ried Anna Nikkel Dec. 6, 1941 . A Holstein cow given to them by Anna's parents was the begin- ning of a dairy farm operation . They worked to- gether 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 Kus - tom 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 re- placed 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 fami- ly. He is mourned by children Jessie Sawatzky and Edith Wiens of Abbotsford, and Irma Bark- man of Saskatoon; 6 grandchildren. The funeral was Mar. 8 in Clearbrook MB Church with Heinz Ratzlaff and Jay Neufeld ministering.