Klassen, Bernhard Thomas (1913-2002)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 Sep 13 p. 33

Birth date: 1913 May 10

Text of obituary:

BERHARD (BEN) THOMAS KLASSEN

Bernard (Ben) Thomas Klassen of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away May 28. He was born May 10, 1913 to David and Anna Klassen at Bor- den, Sask . His father died when Ben was 2. A few years later, his mother married Henry 1..oIii;1IX:."--...6<O_"':""---t Goertz, a loving stepfa- ther who emphasized Christ's love. Ben com - pleted high school in Borden .. He gave hi~ life to Christ at 19; he was baptized and JOined Bo rden MB Church in 1934. In 1938 he mar- ried Agnes Harder of Borden . They moved to British Columbia. After 2 years in Chilliwack, they moved to New Westminster, where he drove truck. He took accounting. In 1945 they moved to Surrey, B.C. They were charter members of Kennedy Heights MB Church; he was secretary and treasurer for most of his time there. In 1965 they moved to Abbots- ford; they attended Central Heights MB Church. He worked in the accounting depart- ment of a building supply company, retiring at 65. He continued to work part-time. He loved to golf, bowl and do crossword puzzles. He studied God's Word daily. He was a true gentleman and a quiet man who made many friends. In December 2001 cancer was found. Predeceased by a brother, he is mourned by Agnes; daughters Valerie Rahn and Conn!e Rahn; 4 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchil- dren ' 1 brother and 2 sisters . The funeral was June'l in Central Heights MB Church, with Chris Doug l as ministering.