Abrahams, John J. (1921-2006)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2006 Apr 7 p. 27

Birth date: 1921 Oct 20

text of obituary:

JOHN J. ABRAHAMS

John Abrahams died Feb. 7. He was born Oct. 20, 1921 in the Crimea, Russia. His family immigrated to Canada in 1926, set- tling in Saskatchewan, then moving to Yarrow, B.C. when John was a teenager. He was a conscientious objector during the war, serving in sawmill camps. He married Gertrude Giesbrecht Sept. 21, 1946. The couple's mission in life was to help spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. John went to north- ern B.C. for his first teaching post, travelling two days in an old panel truck with Gertie sit- ting on an apple box. The ensuing years were hard for the family, living in the wilderness without running water, electricity, or stores nearby. In 1955, they moved to Prince George, B.C. John was a well-loved, soft-spo- ken teacher. He also worked fervently for the Lord, helping establish a church. He served as a Sunday school teacher and superintendent, and sang in the choir. John's strength, moral- ity, and stoicism inspired his friends and fami- ly. T he memorial service was at Westwood Church (MB), Prince George.