Tribute

It is with great sadness that our family announces the recent loss of our sibling, husband, father and Opa. Although his life was filled with challenges and adventure, his faith in God and constant service to others never wavered. Peter was born in a Ukrainian Mennonite village in the USSR. He grew up experiencing hardship and learned very early the importance of working hard and caring for people in need. Early in his post secondary career, he was called to military service, wounded in battle and then imprisoned in a Soviet work camp. Upon release, he traveled to Omsk, Siberia where he became reacquainted with the woman who would be his wife for the next 57 years. They raised two sons to follow their Christian faith, contrary to the Communist regime. He worked diligently to build and support the underground churches in his own and neighbouring communities. In 1972, when he was 51, he gained permission to leave the USSR and immigrated to Canada under the sponsorship of his wife’s relations. When he arrived, he spoke no English but managed to find work so that he could support his family and continue serving his community in numerous ways. He earned his income through manual labour and devoted his spare time to reading, writing and ministry. When he retired in his mid-sixties, his greatest joys included fishing, helping to raise his five grandchildren and continuing to assist others through his church and within the community. Peter enjoyed excellent health until recently and never complained about his illnesses. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his wife, sons, his daughter-in-law, and all of his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Elsa, sons Peter (Heather) and Wally and grandchildren Emma, Linus (Yvonne), Olivia, Bella and Asher, who all reside in the lower mainland. A service commemorating Peter’s life will be held at the Eben-Ezer Mennonite Church, 2051 Windsor St., Abbotsford on Friday, March 11 at 11:00 a.m. Flowers are gratefully declined. Instead, please make donations to the Mennonite Central Committee or any charitable organization. Alternately, Peter loved to plant trees, so planting one to remember him would be appreciated. The support of family and friends in the recent weeks of Peter’s illness aided those close to him as they made his passage as comfortable as they could. He appreciated the kindness of everyone involved. He expressed his faith in God through everyday acts of generosity and grace.