Hamm, Abraham Arthur (1932-2007)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2007 May p. 29

Birth date: 1932 Sep 21

text of obituary:

ABRAHAM ARTHUR (ART) HAMM

Art Hamm died suddenly Feb. 20. He was born Sept. 21, 1932 in Gouldtown, Sask. to Abraham and Helen Hamm. Art was an overcomer. He experienced the deaths of his mother and 2 stepmothers, and the loss of 2 family farms. At 9, Art received Jesus as Lord and Saviour. At 12, he was trampled by a horse and then contracted polio in the hospital. Told he would never walk again, he went on to win track and field races. Art attended Briercrest Bible Institute and Canadian Theological Seminary in Regina. While at Briercrest, he met and married Shirley Memory. In 1958, the family left for mission work in India. They served with India Mission and Far East Broadcasting Company, pioneering Christian radio and literature, and running a recording studio, printing press, and bookstore. In 1970, Shirley died of a heart attack. Art and his 4 young children settled in Outram, Sask., where Art worked in construction and management. Subsequently, he worked as a printer and recording technician at Briercrest. He spent many Sundays speaking and travelling with his singing daughters. In 1979, Art married Hilda Froese. They were a dynamic team with unending resolve and energy. In 1981, Art and Hilda relocated to Virgil, Ont. to represent Far East Broadcasting Company and Every Home for Christ. In 1993, they moved to Abbotsford, B.C. and began a home-based charity called Cross Cultural Mission Support Ministries. Art completed 18 trips back to India and was able to see the fruit of his labour. Predeceased by Shirley; 2 sisters; 1 brother; 1 grandchild; he is mourned by Hilda; children Darene, Debbie, Darrell, Darla, Alan, Carolyn, Donna, and Brenda, and their spouses; 16 grandchildren; 1 sister; 1 brother. The memorial service was Feb. 26 at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford.