Regier, Jacob (1907-1999)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary 2000 Jan 7 p. 23

Birth Date: 1907 Feb 7

text of obituary;

JACOB REGIER

Jacob Regier of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Oct. 23. He was born Feb. 7, 1907 to Jacob and Agatha Regier in Felsenbach, Russia. As a young man, he accepted Christ; at 18, he was baptized. In 1929 he left for Canada while his family was rerouted to Paraguay. He joined relatives in Saskatchewan. He married Justina, whom he knew from Russia. They farmed. In 1938 they moved to the Fraser Valley in B.C. In 1941 Justina died giving birth to their 7th child. In 1942 he married Katerina. Five more children were born. They continued to expand the farm. In 1963 they sold their mixed farm. They moved 3 times before retiring to Clearbrook, B.C., joining Clearbrook MB Church in 1975. Katerina died in March 1995. He lived on his own and enjoyed cooking. He then lived in Menno Pavilion for a short time before moving to Tabor Home in Abbotsford in 1997. Music was a big part of his life. He led choirs and congregational singing, and sang in the choir well into his 80s. He often played harmonica while Katerina played guitar. He loved gardening. His balcony was filled with geraniums. He made clothes hangers, giving many to his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with his grandchildren. He had a good sense of humour. Predeceased by Justina and Katerina and daughters Ann and Tina, he is mourned by daughters Elizabeth, Nettie, Stella, Esther and Marlene; sons Jake, Art, Victor, Abe and Walter; 29 grandchildren; 56 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great-grandchildren; 4 sisters and 2 brothers. The funeral was Oct. 27 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Peter J. Klassen, Jay Neufeld, Eldon DeFehr and John E. Klassen ministering.