Heppner, Timothy Paul (1949-1971)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1971 Oct 22 p. 30

Birth date: 1949 Sep 12

text of obituary:

TIMOTHY PAUL HEPPNER

Timothy Paul Heppner, the only son of Rev. and Mrs. Ben L. Heppner of East Chilliwack, B.C., was accidentally killed in a single car accident on September 20. He was 22 years old. Tim was born in Guadeloupe on September 12, 1949, where his parents were missionaries. His first 14 years were spent on the mission field and it was here, in his fifth year, that he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour with the help of his sister Pat. He completed the first eight years of his schooling in Guadeloupe by correspondence under missionary tutorship and then came to Laird, Sask., to begin his high school. He lived with relatives while taking grades 9 and 10 and then completed his high school in Dalmeny, Sask., where his father assumed the pastorate of the Mennonite Brethren Church while on an extended furlough. These were precious years for the family. It was here that Tim was baptized and received into the Dalmeny MB Church. In the fall of 1967 he enrolled in studies at Richmond College, Toronto, which he completed in spring of 1970. Part of this time he lived with his sister and brother in-law, the Henry Wiebes. In the fall of 1970, Tim rejoined his parents in East Chilliwack, where his father now pastored the Mennonite Brethren Church. He requested that his membership be transferred to this church.

His interests were many and varied. He took speoial interest in books, swimming and music. He was admired for, the respect he fostered toward older people and for his love for children. His family knew him as an obedient, respectable, honest and hardworking son and brother. His vibrant and bouyant character brought courage to them all. He will be deeply missed, but his family can witness that they thank God for taking him back to himself again . "Blessed be the name of God."

He leaves to mourn, his parents, the Ben L. Heppners; his sister and her husband, Pat and Henry Wiebe; a grandmother, a grandfather, many aunts and uncles, cousins and friends. They sorrow in hope.