Buxbaum, Otto Richard (1895-1971)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1972 Jan 23 p. 31

Birth date: 1895 Apr 08

text of obituary:

OTTO RICHARD BUXBAUM SR.

The fourth child of ten born to Prof. and Mrs. Frederick Buxbaum, Otto Richard Buxbaum was born on April 8, 1895 in Melk, Lower Austria. He was raised and educated in the Roman Catholic monastery where his father taught. He participated in World War 1 and subsequently spent six years as a prisoner of war in Siberia. With the help of missionary Otto Szegedi, from whom he was learning the Russian language with the use of a New Testament, he was converted to Christ. In Siberia he met his future wife, Luise Friesen, whom he married in 1920. They returned to Austria where he attended the Allianz Bible School in Kaernten for three years. He then served as a minister of the Word for ten years, assisting several Baptist churches in East Prussia. After serving as translator in the Russian language during World War 2, he was united again with his family in Austria and began to work as registrar in Melk. During the 13 years he worked in this office, he and his wife were instrumental in initiating Sunday school work among children, he continued to serve in many churches as a preacher, and both assisted in MCC relief work in Europe. In 1953 he was ordained as a Mennonite minister and served the various churches in the area of Vienna. They became active members of the Mennonite Brethren church in Austria. In 1958 they emigrated with their children to Canada, joining their son Isbrandt at Kitchener. Later they moved to Elliott Lake, London and finally to Komoka. Here he pioneered the establishment of the Komoka Nursing Homes. Last year he and his wife were privileged to enjoy their golden wedding anniversary. Last of all, he expressed his joy in helping initiate the gathering of a Mennonite Brethren fellowship in the greater London area.

He passed away on December 15. He is survived by his wife, five sons and four daughters, all married; 29 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was predeceased by one daughter. His wife was filled with much labour for the Lord, mixed with some disappointments, but rich with the blessings of God. To the last he was steadfast in faith in his Saviour, to whom belongs the ultimate victory. Rev. Rudy Janzen, assisted by Rev. D. Dakin, ministered at the funeral.