Tribute

Edwin Herman Klassen was born in Quill Lake, Saskatchewan on April 3, 1943 to John and
Tina Klassen. Ed was the first son in the family, and younger brother to sister, Esther. Shortly
after Ed’s birth, the family moved to BC where they lived on a 100-acre farm on Townshipline
Road. In the years following, three siblings were added to the family – sister Doreen, brother
Dan and youngest brother, Dave.
Ed’s parents and grandparents were instrumental in the formation of East Aldergrove
Mennonite Brethren Church on Ross Road, which started in June 1947. Ed and his family
faithfully served at East Aldergrove for many decades. When Ed was 6 years old, he realized
his need for salvation and a personal relationship with Jesus, so with the help of his mother, he
prayed and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour. He was later baptized at age 11 in
the baptismal tank at the church.
Ed went school at Mt. Lehman Elementary and attended high school at Mennonite Educational
Institute for grades 7 to 12. Following graduation in 1961, Ed went to Bible School at
Mennonite Brethren Bible Institute (MBBI). He attended only one semester, then left school as
his dad needed help on the farm. He returned to MBBI the following year and eventually
graduated in 1964. It was here that people began to recognize and encourage his leadership
skills. In the years that followed Ed served in many capacities such as Youth Leader, Church
Moderator, and an Elder. He also served in the community on the Langley School Board.
At age 19, Ed became aware of a girl in his youth group named Anita Schroeder. Anita was 4
years younger than Ed and was good friends with his sister, Doreen. Doreen found out that
Anita’s birthday just happened to be April 3 – the same day as Ed’s and when Doreen told Ed’s
Mom that Anita and Ed shared the same birthday, she quipped, “Oh they’ll get married
someday”.
On August 18, 1967 Ed’s mother’s prediction came true …. Ed and Anita tied the knot. They
spent their first year of marriage in Winnipeg where Ed completed his education and later
graduated in 1968 with his Bachelor of Theology and Bachelor of Arts degrees. After
graduation, Ed and Anita moved back to BC.
Ed began his career with the BC government and worked as a Probation Officer and Family
Court Counsellor for 31 years until his retirement. He was a well respected and valued
colleague and leader throughout his career.
In 1969, while Ed was stationed in Trail, BC, Ed and Anita welcomed their first child, Michelle.
They decided to move back to the Fraser Valley to be closer to family, and, in 1972 welcomed
their second daughter, Jackie. They raised their girls in Aldergrove and eventually moved to
Abbotsford in 1984.
Ed’s servant heart later extended to Fraser Valley Gleaners where he and Anita volunteered
together for 20 years. He reluctantly resigned from his position on the Gleaners Board when
his health became too poor but stayed in touch with all of the friends they made there. He was
also involved in the Telecare ministries, supporting people in crisis.
Ed loved to sing, golf, play games, tinker on projects and spend time with friends and family.
Ed and Anita also loved to travel and took many trips with their RV as well as several cruises
and trips with friends. They made so many wonderful memories during these times.

Ed’s health challenges began back in 1987 when he was diagnosed with a non-malignant but
serious tumor under his arm. He was later diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2000. For the
past 20 plus years, Ed has faced many surgeries, countless appointments, complications and
treatments. He rarely complained or felt sorry for himself. In spite of the difficulties he faced,
he always sought to glorify the Lord and encourage others. Ed loved life and did not let his
struggles stop him from living it to the full.
Ed was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in July of 2021 and in March of this year, the
doctors told Ed that there was nothing more they could do for him and gave him about 6
months. While the news was very difficult, Ed and Anita trusted in God’s sovereignty and
believed in the power of prayer. They followed the charge given in James 5:14, “Is anyone
among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him,
anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord”. The elders of Northview Church came to pray
over Ed and shortly after that, he did experience a remarkable improvement and was able to
park his walker and wheelchair for a few months. The doctors were amazed at how well he
was doing, and Ed and Anita were quick to give all the glory to God for his improved health.
Unfortunately, Ed’s healing was not complete and on October 23, he went into the hospital for
the last time. He fought his final battle with cancer valiantly, surrounded by his family, and
finished his race on earth on Friday October 28 at 9:45 PM. We know that Ed’s healing is now
complete and that he is enjoying true life with his Lord and Saviour, at his new address in
Heaven.

Ed will be deeply missed and forever loved by Anita, his wife of 55 years; his two daughters –
Michelle (PJ) Reimer and Jackie (Robert) Glavind, two granddaughters, Emma (Reuben)
Vermeulen and Becca (Josh) Bryce, two step grandchildren, Natalie Reimer and Austin
(Jennie) Reimer, and five precious great grandsons, Eli and Alasdair Bryce, Jacob and Rhett
Vermeulen and Boaz Reimer.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, Nov. 7 at 1:00 p.m. at Northview Community
Church 32040 Downes Rd.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fraser Valley Gleaners – www.fvgleaners.org.