Ewert John J. (1908-1990)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 1990 Jun 15 p. 28

Birth date: 1908

text of obituary:

John J. Ewert

John J. Ewert of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away May 1. He was born Oct. 2, 1908 to Johannes and Margaretha Ewert in Rosenwald, Barnaul, Siberia. Church services and youth meetings were often held in their home. In 1928 he accepted Jesus, was baptized and joined Rosenwald MB Church. On June 16, 1929 in Moscow he married Sara Bauer. In October, 1929 they immigrated to Sexsmith, Alta. with his family. In February, 1930 they moved to Yarrow, B.C., where they worked in the hopyards. They bought land in Greendale, B.C. and he built a house. Jobs were scarce and he worked hard. He started farming with chickens and raspberries. He was mechanically inclined and often built his own equipment. In the 1940s he worked in a nursery. In 1964 they sold the farm, moving to Clearbrook, B.C. in 1967. They were active in Clearbrook MB Church. They enjoyed fishing, gardening and travel. He created beautiful vases and end tables out of hockey sticks as keepsakes for his children and grandchildren and for sale at MCC sales. In 1985 they moved to Menno Home. He passed away in the presence of family members who had just read John 14 to him. Predeceased by son Walter in 1990, 2 brothers and 2 sisters, he is mourned by his wife; children John of Surrey, B.C., Kay Koop of Japan, Margaret Wall of Vancouver, Anne Kroeker of San Diego, CA, Helen Ratzlaff of Abbotsford, Vic of Clearbrook and Elenore Martens of Chilliwack, B.C.; 21 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 1 brother and 1 sister. The funeral was May 5 in Clearbrook MB Church, with John E. Klassen and Jacob Pauls ministering.