Tribute

Peacefully Adolf went to be with the Lord March 21, 2012 at the age of 91.
Born in Danilowka, Ukraine to Abram and Sara (Sawatsky) Janzen, he was the fourth of seven children. He enjoyed fishing, playing the clarinet and making his own skates. Though the churches were closed, the family read the Bible and sang hymns. In 1941 he was drafted into the Russian army and later the German army where he worked as a translator. After the war he attended a Christian Conference where met Elvira. As an MCC rep. he heard about jobs in Canada and emigrated to Winnipeg. He married Elvira Aug.1, 1951. They attended Central MB Church where Dad was an usher and Hausvater. Dad worked as a mechanic and opened his own garage called North Kildonan Motors. He also built houses and an apartment block. Three children were born; Johanna, Eleanor and Fred. Dad enjoyed going for drives, playing dominoes, and going to the lake with us. We moved to BC in 1973 and joined Bakerview Church. Dad worked as a finish carpenter, built 5 houses and managed an apartment block. We enjoyed many picnics with the grandchildren; Erik, Kristina and Adrian and Dad enjoyed taking the family out to restaurants. Dad and Mom traveled to Ontario, Hawaii, Arizona, Europe and Colombia. As Dad lost his eyesight due to glaucoma, he really enjoyed the fellowship of his coffee buddies. Christian radio, church and singing hymns gave him strength to be cheerful despite his declining eyesight. He encouraged his family to work diligently, to serve God and others. He helped his family generously; sponsoring children and grandchildren on Missions trips and supported Christian radio and Missions groups. He visited sister Lena and relatives in Germany many times; even in 2010. In his last year at Menno Home, Dad enjoyed visiting with family and friends and singing hymns. We celebrated his 91st birthday by bringing Elvira’s cake there: with his children and grandchildren. We’d like to thank the staff at W2 at Menno Home for their wonderful care. He is predeceased by his parents Abram and Sara Janzen, siblings Anna, Liese, Susa and Jakob and infant son Paul. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Elvira, children Johanna (Aldo), Astri, Eleanor (Richard), Fred (Monde) and grandchildren Erik (Katherine), Kristina (Johannes) Adrian (Heidi) and Joseph. He is also mourned by sister Lena, Nikolai and Leni and their six boys, relatives in Germany; Ilja, Alla, Waltraut and families, in Russia; Nina and Ira, and cousins Menno, Vera, and Elsie in Ontario. Viewing is Mar 29, 7 – 8:30 at Bakerview Church.; the Memorial Service is there Mar. 30, 2:30 pm.