Rabuka, Henry (1912-1999)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 2000 May 26 p. 29

Birth date: 1912 May 19

Text of obituary:

HENRY REBUKA

Henry Rabuka of Arelee, Sask. passed away Dec. 9. He was born May 19,1912 on the family homestead. As a boy, he accepted Christ with the help of Rev. Luke Krowchenko. Other mentors in his youth included Herman Fast, H. Thiessen and J.J. Wiens. The family was close friends of the Rev. John Harders from the Great Deer district. From youth he enjoyed cattle; he quit grade 8 in Perdue, Sask. to nurture a new calf. In 1926 he was baptized and became a lifelong member of Arelee MB Church. He farmed 1926-94. In church, he served in every ministry except preaching. He was one of the last ordained deacons, serving since 1946. In 1937 he married Edna Makaroff of Petrofka, Sask. In their home, they entertained many people, such as L.E. Maxwell, Henry Hildebrand, J.H. Epp, Leo Janz, J.B. Toews, J.J Toews, F.C. Peters, C.C. Peters, D.B. Wiens and D. Bergen. Henry was an avid Sunday school student. Toward his last years, he relished the instruction of Rueben Baerg. Even in hectic times of seeding and harvest, he always led his family in morning devotions, often reminding them that a wheat seed had to die to grow in glory. He is mourned by Edna of Saskatoon; sons Clarence of Regina, Lorne of Prince Albert, Sask. and Darle of Saskatoon; 7 grandchildren; 1 sister and 1 brother. The funeral was Dec. 14 in Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon, with Archie Jantzen and Rueben Baerg ministering.