Tribute

Heinz was born in Lustigstal, Molotschna, Russia to Heinrich and Margaret (Enns) Neufeld.  He was the oldest child and followed two years later by his sister Lilli. Difficult times and war took Heinrich away from his young family. Margaret, Heinz and Lilli fled Russia to Germany. Heinrich remained in Russia, never to be reunited with his family.  Heinz, his mother and sister then immigrated to Paraguay where the family was joined by a sister, Lore. Planning and hoping for a better life the family moved to Brazil.  During Heinz’s teenage years in South America Henry Loewen played an important role in his life.

In Brazil, Heinz met and married his beloved Annie. Hermann, Heidi, and Ingrid were born to Heinz and Annie in Brazil. Heinz labored faithfully to supply for his young family. Dairy farming, milk sales, milk delivery, and truck driving consumed his time and energy. In 1960 plans were made to immigrate to Canada and join Heinz’s mother and sisters. Heinz and family arrived in Kitchener, Ontario in December of 1960. Monica was born in January 1961 to complete the Neufeld family.

Heinz and Annie worked at various jobs providing a home and security for their family. Heinz’s employment was in factories, delivering heating oil and finally with the City of Kitchener natural gas department. In Kitchener Heinz committed his life to God. He was baptized at the Zion Mennonite Brethren Church. With God’s grace and direction Heinz worked hard to lead and provide for his family.

In 1976 Heinz, Annie, Ingrid and Monica moved to Abbotsford. Heidi & Phil were in BC and Hermann remained in Ontario. The Friesen family (Annie’s cousins) welcomed the Neufelds with open arms, including them in all Friesen family events.  At the age of 44 Heinz again started over in a new location.  He found employment delivering furniture and repairing furnaces. In 1977 Heinz established Neufeld Heating Service. Heinz remained thankful to God for helping him build a successful business. Hermann and Donna came to BC in 1983 to join the business.  Father and son worked together keeping the area warm and leak free with heating and plumbing repairs.

Heinz retired from Neufeld Heating in 1996. This gave time for Heinz and Annie to travel, fish at Canim Lake and enjoy grandchildren. At South Abbotsford Church he served as an usher with his welcoming smile, handshakes and a pocket full of candy for children. Family, friends, and church were important to Heinz and Annie. They chose not to live full time at Canim Lake. Canim Lake was the place to enjoy the outdoors and host family and friends. August long weekends will be remembered for family fun. Friends came at varied times to enjoy the beauty of the Cariboo.  From 2006 to 2022 great grandchildren were added to the family. These new members were loved, and brought much joy to Heinz and Annie.

Heinz’s mini stroke started a journey with dementia. This event changed life for Heinz but did not stop him. He continued to encourage and bless others. Everyone he met was greeted with an enthusiastic “WELCOME”.  Heinz shared with family, friends and strangers frequently that he was thankful to God for ”helping him, guiding him, forgiving him”. “Fantastic” and “nothing to complain about” were Heinz’s answers when asked how his day was going.  Heinz’s prayers often concluded with “come Lord Jesus in your precious name. Amen”.

Annie went to heaven in 2022. He missed Annie dearly.  Heinz entered heaven to meet his Savior and his Annie on Feb 21st.  What a glorious reunion that must have been. His children, Hermann & Donna Neufeld, Heidi & Phil Giesbrecht, Ingrid & George Sly, Monica Dowedoff, 10 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, family and friends in Ontario and Brazil will miss him. We all rejoice that he now knows “where his Annie is”.  Now they are always together.