Neufeldt, Henry (1909-2001)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2001 Oct 26 p. 24

Birth date: 1909 Apr 5

text of obituary:

HENRY NEUFELDT

Henry Peter Neufeldt of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Aug. 17. He was born Apr. 5, 1909 to Peter J. and Sara Neufeldt in Rosenwald, Slavgorod, Russia. The family immigrated to Mexico in 1925 and moved to Drake, Sask. 6 months later, then to Zeneta, Sask. and to Yarrow, B.C. in 1929. In 1930 he found salvation, was baptized and joined Yarrow MB Church. He loved music, conducted a church band and youth choir in Yarrow and directed a CHWK radio program sponsored by the church, one of 3 religious broadcasts he directed in his life. He had a trucking business for 14 years. In 1946 he enrolled in the sacred music program at MB Bible College in Winnipeg. After graduating, he taught at MB Bible Institute in Abbotsford, MB Bible Institute in Coaldale, Alta. and Bible schools and churches in the Mennonite settlements in Paraguay. Returning to Canada, he was purchasing agent and superintendent of the physical plant at Columbia Bible Institute in Abbotsford for a number of years and was conductor of the seniors' choir in his church. A highlight was a family reunion in Sisters, Ore. to celebrate his 65th wedding anniversary. Another was the recent celebration by the Mennonite Historical Society of B.C. to honour him and other pioneer Mennonite music educators of the Fraser Valley. Predeceased by 2 brothers, he is mourned by his wife Margaret of over 70 years; children Victor, Lora, Len, Wally, Ron, Al, and Carol; 15 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held at Ross Road Community Church, Abbotsford, with Rudie Willms ministering.