Sawatzky, Jacob J. (1910-2002)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2003 Feb 7 p. 18

Birth date: 1910 Aug 23

text of obituary:

JACOB J. SAWATZKY

Jacob J Sawatzky passed away Dec. 19 in Menno Hospital, Ab - botsford, B.C. He was born Aug. 23, 1910 to Jacob J. and Mar- garetha Sawatzky in Nieder-Chortitza, and grew up in Rosental, south Russia . His father was in the transport business. After his horses were stolen, the family immigrated to Manitoba in 1923, buying a farm in Gnadenthal in 1924. He worked on various farms to help the family. He had a thirst for learning; with his first dol- lar, he bought an English dictionary and a pen. At 17, he accepted Christ at an evange- listic meeting l ed by Abram Nachtigal. He gained self-esteem and never doubted his salvation. He was baptized in Gnadenthal in 1934. He attended Wink le r Bible School 1933-35. He married Katharina (Tina) Wi ebe Sept. 22, 1935 in Gnadenthal. They lived in Neuenburg, moving to Gnadenthal in 1940 and Winkler, Man. in 1946. He had a truck- ing business, bought Winkler Photo Studio in 1946 and was a partner in Winkler Motor s 1950-56. In 1956 they moved to Clearbrook B.C. and joined Bakerview MB Church. He owned a photo and music shop, and in 1960 bought acreage which he developed into a raspberry farm. He and Tina travelled to Chi- na , Africa, Egypt, Israel, Europe and the US. He had a great love for music and poetry, en- joy ed the beauty of nature and wa s an eter·· nal optimist. He did microfilming for the Golden Age Socie ty and in retirement made 100 crokinole boa rds for MCC. Favourite vers es were Ps. 16:5-6 and John 1:16. He is mourned by Tina; daughters Herta Thiessen of Edmonton, Erica Suderman of Abbotsford, Alice Willms of Abbotsford, Hedy Hein of Ab- botsford and Ingrid Suderman of North Van - couver; sons Helmut of Abbotsford, John of Ottawa and Carl of Langley, B.C.; 22 grand- children; 9 great-grandchildren; 1 brother and 1 sister. The funeral was Dec. 23 at Bak- erview MB Church, with Henry Thiessen ministering.