Voth, Bernhard Abram (1938-1977)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1978 Apr 14 p. 30

Birth date: 1938 Feb 05

text of obituary:

BERNHARD ABRAM VOTH

Bernhard Abram Falk was born to David and Helena Falk of Landmark, Manit oba on February 5, 1938. His childhood and teen years were spent on a farm near Landmark and here he also completed his public school. In his mid-teens, Ben came to know the Lord as his personal Saviour and was baptized upon his confession of faith and became a member of the Niverville Mennonite Brethren Church. When he became involved in Manitoba Home Missions work in The Pas, he transferred his membership to the Neighbourhood Life Groups of The Pas, where he remained a faithful member until his sudden passing on February 23.

Ben completed his high school at the MBCI in 1957 and then went on to the MBBC for two further years beginning in 1958. Between further studies leading to a Bachelor's degree in Science in 1969, he taught at Plumas and Little Grand Rapids and went to the Teachers College. During this time he was also working on his pilot's licence. In 1970 the north became Ben's home. H e taught at Keewatin Community College for sometime, but this did not seem to satisfy his inner urge to be of service to his Lord. He first went to work for Home Missions for five months on a voluntary basis. He was intimately involved in the development of Simonhouse Bible Camp, the Christian Centre of The Pas, and during the past four years, particularly closely involved with the leadership of the summer Christian Day Camping program. At the time of his accident, Ben was flying south from The Pas to speak at a missions conference at the Niverville Church, to plan his summer program together with James Nikkel, the director of Home Missions, and to recruit staff for the programs. The Lord, however, did not see fit to allow this to come to pass.

Many have testified of the blessing and challenge Ben's life was to them. God used Ben in many capacities. Those whom he left behind are comforted by the hope that they will meet again, yet there is sorrow because of the vacancy he left both in his home and in his place of ministry.

Ben is survived by his parents, David and Helena Falk of Niverville; four sisters, Elfrieda and Ruth at home, Irene and husband Peter Dyck of Winkler, and Betty Ann and husband Edwin Heinrichs of Niverville; two brothers, Walter and wife Mary and Don and wife Brenda of Landmark; and a host of other friends and relatives. The funeral services for Ben were held at the Niverville Mennonite Brethren Church on March 1 with Abe J. Konrad, the pastor of the church, and James Nikkel, ministering.