Tribute

Alwin was born on his grandparents homestead near Main Center, Saskatchewan on April 7, 1922 to Paul and Sara Wiebe. His father was a country school teacher so he spent his early years living in the teacher’s house with his father as his only teacher. His mother passed away the night before his 8th birthday. His father remarried to another Sarah so there was a new mother. In the early 1930’s there were no crops. Farmers were unable to pay taxes so there was no pay for teachers. Alwin’s father decided to relocate further north where there were still crops. They rented a farm 5 miles from Foam Lake, Saskatchewan. In July 1934 when Alwin was 12 they went by horse and wagon with several other families. Alwin rode a horse and herded the cattle. This was a major change for Alwin. He did finish grade 8 which was compulsory and now learned farm work. He later completed his schooling by home study.

When WW II came he enlisted in the Medical Corps. During this time his family moved to Matsqui, BC so after his discharge in 1946 he also went to BC and bought 10 acres on Bell Road for $1875. During his years in Foam Lake he had begun a relationship with Katie Regehr which continued with many letters being sent and received. They were married on May 26, 1946 and settled on their acreage intending to be berry farmers.

The 1948 flood changed that and he had a number of short term jobs until he began his career with Canada Post in 1950. He began as a clerk in the Mission Post Office and retired as the Assistant to the Post Master in 1980.

After retirement Alwin did volunteer work at Columbia Bible College and Cedar Valley Church. His faith was important in his life. He had promised his mother to meet her in heaven so when he was 12 he accepted the Lord as his Saviour during a series of meetings with missionary Frank Wiens. At age 14 he was baptized and became a member of the church. He was involved in church ministry all his life beginning with choir and Sunday school teaching, later being on Church Council and Moderator. Alwin taught adult Sunday school for 40 years and enjoyed that the most.

Alwin was predeceased by his mother, his father and stepmother as well as his brother Walter and one great granddaughter and 3 brothers in law. He leaves his wife of 77 years, Katie, and his children Eleanor (Ralph) Barr, Don (Shirley), Dolores (Les) Sawatsky, Marilyn (Les) Riediger, Stan (Tilly) and Sharon. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, 3 brothers and 4 sisters.

The Celebration of Life will be Tuesday March 19 at 2 pm at Central Heights Church in Abbotsford. Donations can be made to Multiply (Formerly MB Missions)