Thiessen George James (1910-2002)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 Jul 12 p. 26

Birth date: 1910 Jul 1

Text of obituary:

GEORGE JAMES THIESSEN

George James Thiessen passed away May 3. He was born July 1, 1910 to Rev. and Mrs. Jacob W. Thiessen in Herbert, Sask. He accepted Christ, was baptized and joined Greenfarm MB Church before graduating from high school. In 1930 he graduated from Moose Jaw (Sask.) Normal School, then taught near McMahon and Gouldtown, Sask. He was principal of a 2-room school in Main Centre, Sask., teaching all subjects grade 8-12. He was teacher and principal of Waldheim (Sask.) High School 1941-49. He continued his university education through correspondence and summer school for 10 years, and after a 1-year residence earned degrees in arts and education with a major in math. Following 2 years as "helping teacher" in the Herbert School Unit, he became superintendent of schools in the Blaine Lake (Sask.) School Unit. In 1959 he joined the faculty of Saskatoon Teachers College, which later became the College of Education at the University of Saskatchewan . He retired in 1975. He had a keen interest in school sports, especially track and field. He taught adult Bible classes in Sunday school for over 10 years and was the first moderator of Nutana MB Church in Saskatoon. He was a member of the Gideons for 50 years, serving on its Canadian board for several years. Predeceased by his wife Kathryn, a granddaughter, 3 brothers and 5 sisters, he is mourned by daughter Muriel Romancia; sons Roland and Burton; 4 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister. A memorial service was held May 8 in Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon, with Ab e Klassen ministering.