Toews, Nicholas A. (1913-1977)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1977 June 24 p. 37

Birth date: 1913 Nov 11

text of obituary:

NICHOLAS A. TOEWS

Nicholas A. Toews was born on November 11, 1913 in Rueckenau, Molotschna, Russia, the youngest son of Aron and Agnes (nee Harms) Toews. After the hardships of the Civil War and the post-war famine, the family moved in Canada in 1926. In 1927 they settled in Namaka, Alta., and pioneered a farm. On April 27, 1935 he accepted Christ as his Saviour and Lord. Later that year he was baptized and accepted into the Namaka Mennonite Brethren Church, where his father served as the leading minister. In 1936 he married Agatha Willms; they moved to their own farm in 1937, where they lived for 10 years and were blessed with their three oldest children. Mr. Toews learned to play various instruments and especially enjoyed his work with an orchestra he organized.

The Toews' moved to Abbotsford, B.C. in 1947 and joined the fellowship of the South Abbotsford Mennonite Brethren Church. Here the Lord blessed them with two more children. He served the Lord as youth leader and usher for many years. The farm was sold in 1969, and they moved to Clearbrook, B.C. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and travelling during semi-retirement. He also took time to support Christian camps in the area. In March, 1976, Nick and Agatha took over as relief house-parents at the Twin Firs Home, and enjoyed the challenging work with the mentally retarded.

His work at the Home was abruptly terminated when cancer was discovered during surgery in September, 1976. The cancer slowly robbed him of much of his enthusiasm and strength, but he was still able to enjoy a daily walk and had relatively little pain until the last three weeks. The Lord delivered him from his sufferings on April 29.

He leaves to mourn his beloved wife, Agatha, and five children and their families: Eldo and Rosa of Markham, Ont.; John of Coquitlam, B.C.; Charlotte (Mrs. Walter) Epp of Delta, B.C.; Agnes (Mrs. Gary) Loewen of Abbotsford; and Marlene (Mrs. David) Turner of North Vancouver; his mother, (Mrs.) Agnes Toews of Clearbrook; his sister Agnes (Mrs. George) Thielmann; his sister Mary of Clearbrook; and brother John A. of Winnipeg. The memory of his faith, love and service will also be cherished by a host of other relatives and friends.