Kornelson, Gordon Jack (1957-1990)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary 1991 Mar 8 p. 30

Birth date: 1957

text of obituary:

GORDON JACK KORNELSON

Gordon Jack Kornelson of Mwanza, Tanzania died Oct. 9. He was born May 2, 1957 to Johnny and Edith Kornelson in New Hazelton, B.C. He surrendered his life to Christ at an early age. He loved the singing and church services led by George Braun and visiting missionaries in New Hazelton Gospel Chapel. He enjoyed country music and hymns. He played guitar, harmonica and banjo. At age 15 he was severely burned and made a greater commitment to the Lord. He enjoyed working with young boys, teaching and having fun. After high school, he attended Briercrest Bible College for a year. He then bought a school bus from his father and drove for several years. He earned his pilot's licence and was thrilled with the beauty of God's creation. He was active in police auxiliary and ambulance work and drove a logging truck. He studied aviation mechanics at Northern Lights College and flew in Telegraph Creek, where he met nurse Janice Mitchell. They married Aug. 4, 1984. He studied at Mission Aviation Fellowship in Redlands, CA. They served with MAF in Tanzania for 2 years, had furlough March-July, 1990, and returned to Tanzania. He, 2 Tanzanian pastors and a dental surgeon were killed when his plane wing hit a tree and crashed after dropping a package at a remote village. He is remembered for his friendliness, willingness to help and desire to be used of God. He is mourned by his wife, son Grant and daughter Ellen, now of Prince Albert, Sask; his parents of Star City, Sask.; 4 brothers and 3 sisters. The funeral was in Mwanza; memorial services were held in New Hazelton, Abbotsford, B.C. and Calgary.