Tribute

Harold James Hide went to be with his Lord, whom he loved and served faithfully, on Friday evening, April 5, 2019, at the age of 91.

Harold was born in a farm house in Springfield, Ontario. When Harold was 14 years old, he gave his life to Christ during a week of evangelistic services in his home church, Springfield Baptist. A month later, he was baptized. A brilliant young man, Harold completed high school at the age of 16 and continued his education not only in business, linguistics, and medicine, but also theology. It was while teaching at Carlton Wells Business College at the age of 17, that the Lord put on his heart a desire to attend Bible college and study to become a missionary. In 1950, he boarded a freighter, crossed the Atlantic Ocean and arrived in Nigeria with SIM where he served for 42 years, supported by his faithful family, friends and home church Springfield Baptist. While living in Nigeria, he met his wife Elma Sawatzky. They were married in 1959 in Kano, Northern Nigeria. Together they worked at Rinjin Gani, Zambuk, Kwoi, Kagoro, and Jos. He engaged in a variety of ministries, such as literacy classes, medical work, Bible teaching, church planting, and producing material in the Hausa language for Bible Schools. One of the most memorable endeavours was reaching an unreached animistic tribe with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. During retirement, Harold taught English to immigrants, proofread Hausa curriculum, helped his wife write and publish her memoirs, and enjoyed being finally close to some family.

We, Harold’s family, thank the Lord for the incredible blessing of having Harold as our dad and grandfather. His legacy of loving Jesus and loving others so sacrificially is one that inspires us and encourages us to do the same. We know he heard the words “Well done, good and faithful servant!” when he met Jesus face to face!

Harold is predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Elma; his parents, Fred and Alma Hide; sister Margaret Charlton; brother John Hide; and niece Rosemary Gordon. He is survived by his sister Betty Hide; four daughters Charlene (Bob) Blaschke, Cheryl Hide, Denise (Dwight) Friesen, and Doretha (Lyndon) Plett; eleven grandchildren and three great grandchildren; and nieces and nephew in Ontario.

Harold’s family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Menno Hospital West 2  who have taken special care of our dad these last two years.

Harold’s celebration of life service will be held at Central Heights Church, on April 15, 2019, at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SIM Canada in memory of Harold Hide.