Giesbrecht, David (1915-2002)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 Dec 6 p. 24

Birth date: 1915 Feb 13

text of obituary:

DAVID GIESBRECHT

David Giesbr ec ht

passed away Oct. 13. He was born Feb. 13, 1915 to Peter P. Giesbrecht and Eliz a- beth Wittenberg in Wohldenfuerst. Kuban, Russia. Many tim es God spared him from death through vio- '----"c...-_IL..-......._-' lence and disease. Over 3 years the family journeyed through Holland, Belgium, Spain, Cuba, Mexico and California to Nelson, B.C. The family work ed on a rented farm and enjoyed family "church". He moved to Yarrow, B.C . in 1928. He had sporadic schooling, but learned the Bible from P. D. Loewen and David Nightin- gale, and read. He worked in the hop fi elds in summer and cut firewood in winter. At a New Year 's Ev e service in Yarrow in 1934, he accepted Jesus through Matt. 23:37. He married Lydia Redekopp Apr. 21, 1940. He enjoyed working as a trucker and fruit and dairy farmer, and was grateful for God 's pro- vision . After retiring from trucking in 1972, he worked 5 years for Yarrow Water Works. He enjoyed hiking up to Vedder Mountain Water Reservoir; bowling; visiting friends; travelling to Alaska, Mexico and California; VOlunteering with MCC; and sponsoring or- phaned children in developing countries . He sang heartily while driving, recited poems; led daily family Bible reading and prayer, set up family trips to places such as Grand Coulee Dam; and hosted exuberant family gatherings. Lydia died Sept. 1, 1992. He moved to Bevan Lodge, Abbotsford, B.C. Predeceased by Lydia, 4 siblings and 1 granddaughter, he is mourned by sons John, Ralph, Robert, Victor, Gerald, Philip and Harold; 21 grandchildren; 19 great-grand- children; and 5 Siblings. The funeral was Oct. 19 in Yarrow MB Church , with Ron Braun ministering.