From: Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home

Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home Staff send our condolences to family and friends.

From: Janis Irene Janzen
Relation: My favorite teacher!

Mr. Wittenberg was made to teach English Literature! It was always interesting, intriguing, and unpredictable, taking his classes. He made learning fun, and literature easier to understand, appreciate and enjoy, because it was all that to him, and he couldn’t help but share it! I loved it when he’d put on his big black cape, swoop out from behind his desk, and with dramatic flair, make Shakespeare passages come to life!

I love that smile!!! It reflects a man who enjoyed life, lived large, and who enthusiastically, and unassumingly, drew people into his delightful, optimistic world. You couldn’t help but smile right back and feel like life was good, after spending a few moments with Mr. Wittenberg! It brought such joy and great memories each time I’d see him at MCC, or somewhere out in the community. He always took the time to talk. I’m glad I got to thank him and tell him many times, that he was my favorite teacher! He was!!! I wouldn’t be at all surprised if on July 22, 2018 , he swooped right into heaven, bowed down at Jesus’ feet, in gratitude and humility and then finding his Helen, swooped her up into those great, big arms! Mr. Wittenberg, you were loved and appreciated, and will be greatly missed!
Fond thoughts of you, and sincere condolences to your family. Janis (Kimber) Janzen

From: Linda Tupper (nee Ruben)
Relation: He was my high school English teacher and choir master.

I remember Mr. Wittenberg with great fondness and respect. Each day he would greet the class with “Okay, kids, let’s get this”. He encouraged me to join the choir and to take German which was typical of him. My sympathies to the family.

From: Lorna Keith
Relation: friend

My condolences to the family

From: Judith Cochrane (Penner)
Relation: Our families attended the same church and I was a student of his at Abbotsford Secondary School.

My condolences on the loss of your father, grandfather and great-grandfather. John was a wonderful, outgoing man, full of personality and his influence was probably larger than he knew. It is sad to know that he is no longer with us but our lives are richer for having known him.

From: Darilynn Butler
Relation: He was my favourite English teacher EVER and inspired me to take English Lit at UBC.

My condolences to your family on the passing of your father and grandfather. We called him Mr. Littenberg in our English Lit 12 class and he inspired many of us to enjoy the classics. Last time I saw him was at MCC; he was volunteering there and I was impressed he remembered who I was. I have not seen him in many year but he was a wonderful human being. #chalkspots

From: Sylvia Wallace
Relation: Neice

Dear Ruth, Dave & Judy & families,
My deepest condolences on the death of your Dad & Grandpa.
I will miss him too, as he would call me & catch up on the news of my family. He was always interested in people. He definitely brightened his corner if the world, and made it a better place.
Take care,
With love and prayers,
Sylvia🌺🌺

From: Alan & Patti Hougen

Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your father. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by all his family and his community. We were privileged to have him as a friend for many years, as a teacher of our children, share his love of music and work with him on the board of the Maplewood Society. Our hearts are saddened on his passing.

From: Kirsten Hougen

How sad to hear of Mr Wittenberg’s passing and heartfelt condolences to his family. He was an inspirational educator who gave superb guidance and insight to his students. He was an amazing English teacher and his influence continues to this day.

From: Steve Wilding
Relation: Student at Abbotsford Senior 1977

Mr Wittenberg was without a doubt the most impactful teacher I had. He taught me more in one year of English 12 than all my other years combined. God bless you Mr Wittenberg