Hooge, George Gerhard (1903-2000)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 2000 Jun 9 p. 28

Birth date: 1903 Jan 8

Text of obituary:

GEORGE GERHARD HOOGE

George Gerhard Hooge of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Apr. 21. He was born Jan. 8, 1903 to Gerhard Heinrich and Helene Hooge in Franztal, Ukraine. In 1904 they moved to Grossweide. He completed 7 years of schooling, then helped on the farm. He accepted Christ during evangelistic meetings at an orphanage. He was baptized in the river at Katenesfeld and joined the MB church. Despite communist pressure, he could not bring himself to sing the Communist anthem, which included the words "No God". In 1926 the family immigrated to Regina. George's father went to B.C., then sent word for George to bring the cows, machinery and the family in a train boxcar. He married Mary Dahl June 16, 1929, the first marriage in Yarrow, B.C. They were charter members of Yarrow MB Church. They raised cattle, shipped milk, sold chickens and grew fruits and vegetables. In 1946 they bought a 100-acre dairy farm in Arnold, B.C. They ran a dairy farm and grew raspberries, beans and other fruits and vegetables. They were members of Arnold MB Church until 1966. They retired to Abbotsford and joined South Abbotsford MB Church. Church was important, and he seldom missed a Sunday before his 97th birthday. Mary died in 1984. He carried on, trusting God to look after him. He learned to cook. He kept on gardening, planting fruits and vegetables and a variety of grapes, which he sold. He mowed a large lawn until 1998. Any aches and pains were cured by prayer. In January 2000 he was hospitalized, then moved to Bevan Lodge. He grew weaker, but felt no pain. His mind was alert to the end. Predeceased by Mary, 1 son at age 4, 2 brothers and 1 sister, he is mourned by 7 sons; 5 daughters; 34 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren. The memorial service was Apr. 26 in South Abbotsford MB Church, with David Epp, Steve Berg and Ed Balzer ministering.