Jackson, Russell Oswald (1919-2001)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 Mar 8 p. 24

Birth date: 1919 Apr 3

text of obituary:

RUSSELL OSWALD JACKSON

Russell Oswald Jackson of Abbotsford, B.C passed away Dec. 16. He was born April 3, 1919 on a farm near Kelwood, Man. When he was 12, he accepted Christ. From then on, he had a desire to preach the gospel. He trained under the Salvation Army in Toronto and began his ministry at age 20. He ministered in Weyburn, Sask., Nipawin, Sask., Flin Flon, Man. and Yorkton, Sask. He met Margaret during his training days in Toronto. They married Aug. 30, 1944. In 1947, while pastoring in Briercrest, Sask., they applied as missionaries with The Evangelical Alliance Mission. They served in the Zambezi Valley in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) for 36 years, retiring in 1986. They moved to Abbotsford and joined Central Heights MB Church. He taught a seniors' Sunday school class called Intercessors. He had an open-hearted warmth and love for people. His preaching was practical and centred on the Word of God. His love for the African people and fluency in the local dialect opened many lives to God's grace. Predeceased by 4 brothers and 2 sisters, he is mourned by Margaret; children Lynette Treen of California, Bud of Abbotsford and Tom of Zimbabwe; 9 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister. The funeral was Dec. 29 in Central Heights MB Church, with Chris Douglas ministering.