Harder, John (1907-2003)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2003 Jul 11 p. 26

Birth date: 1907 Sep 13

text of obituary:

JOHN HARDER

John Harder died Apr. 7. He was born Sept. 13, 1907 to Johann and Margareta Harder in Molotschna, Ukraine. He had a wonderful childhood but the Revolution left memories of devastation, war and famine. He found peace with Jesus at age 16, trusting in 1 Peter 1: 18-19. The family immigrated to Hepburn, Sask. in 1926. He married Bertha Friesen June 19, 1932. Bertha died Dec. 25, 1936. He married Lydia Niessen June 18, 1939. They moved to Coaldale, Alta., and then to Abbotsford, B.C. in 1944. They built up a farm raising raspberries, strawberries and chickens and running a dairy. His faith and the church were very important. The family read the Bible and prayed together regularly. Each of the children attended MEl and Bible school. They were members of South Abbotsford MB Church, later becoming part of Central Heights Church, and in 1959 Clearbrook MB Church. John served as deacon until his 80th year. They visited the sick, drove people to clinics, encouraged, prayed and helped wherever possible. They sold their farm in 1968 and moved to Clearbook. John worked at Woodlawn Funeral Home. They travelled around the world a number of times. He was lonesome after Lydia died, but continued to be interested in daily news, philosophy, theology and missions. He visited missionaries, prayed for them and supported them. After breaking his hip he moved to Tabor Home in 2001. He spent time reading his Bible and praying. He is mourned by his children Betty Esau, Martha Peters, Ruth Friesen, Harold, Lydia Boldt, Esther Busink; 33 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Apr. 12 in Clearbook MB Church with Art Isaac and Evert Busink ministering.