Regehr, Peter (1923-2000)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 2000 Apr 28 p. 29

Birth date: 1923 Nov 19

text of obituary:

PETER REGEHR

Peter Regehr of Vancouver passed away Mar. 16. He was born Nov. 19, 1923 to Peter and Anna Regehr in Alexanderfeld, Ukraine. His childhood consisted of hard work, poverty and working for the state. Under communist rule Christianity was forbidden, but his parents found creative ways to tell Bible stories to their children. In 1943 the family fled to Poland. He and his father were drafted into the German army. The night before he left home, he dedicated his life to Christ. His faith in Christ carried him through many dark hours. He was severely wounded and spent 3 months in a German hospital. At the end of the war, he was an American prisoner of war, but was later released. In 1948, with the help of relatives, he immigrated to B.C. In 1949 he moved to Vancouver and joined Vancouver MB Church. He married Martha Stobbe May 20, 1950. He built houses and apartment buildings in Vancouver, including his own homes. He and Martha became charter members of Fraserview MB Church in 1954 and of Killarney Park MB Church in 1961. He helped in various church ministries and had a real desire to serve God with his talents, gifts and finances. He contributed to the establishment and work of Columbia Bible Camp. Church life and faith in God were an integral part of his life. After he learned that his family was still alive in Russia, he wrote letters and sent many parcels to them. He ordered a Russian built car for them. His parents died in Russia before he could visit them. In 1977 his siblings began immigrating to Germany, where he visited them on numerous occasions. In 1977 he retired from construction and ran an apartment building he owned. He gave unselfishly of his time and resources wherever needed. He often worked on projects at home and at his daughters' homes. His family benefited from his generosity, love, acceptance and wisdom. Predeceased by 1 brother, he is mourned by Martha; daughters Herta and Donna; 4 grandsons; 3 sisters and 1 brother. A memorial service was held Mar. 22 in Killarney Park MB Church, with Ken Peters ministering.