Rudy Thiessen
May 27, 1941 - January 25, 2021
Tribute
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rudy Thiessen on January 25, 2021, while under the kind, compassionate, and loving care of his immediate family.
Rudy Thiessen was born May 27, 1941 in Einlage, Ukraine. During WW2, through a series of circumstances, the family fled Russia to West Germany, however, his father was taken to a Siberian prison camp. Through the help of MCC and the Red Cross, the family emigrated to Abbotsford, BC in 1948. Rudy and his siblings all attended MEI. Rudy was an athlete and enjoyed sports.
After high school, Rudy worked in Terrace on the tug boats before learning the electrical trade in Vancouver. Rudy married his high-school sweetheart, Lois Warkentin on August 3, 1962. While earning his BA at Fresno Pacific, in California, Rudy was a goalie for the soccer team which had a chance to play at the San Quentin prison. Rudy completed his teacher’s training at SFU and began his career at Aldergrove Secondary. Two years later, he was hired at MEI, where he taught the boy’s PE classes and coached many sports.
Rudy was active in Butler MB in CA; Killarney MB; Bakerview and Northview churches. The couple and their family also served in Paraguay for two years. Rudy impacted many students through his years of teaching, influencing and helping to build character in his students and those on the teams he coached.
Rudy retired from MEI in 2000 after teaching there for about 30 years. His strong faith and love for Jesus was the theme of his life and motivated him to a life of service. Missions trips took them to Bolivia, Fiji, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Russia. Through the MDS branch of MCC, Rudy worked in practical ways to “Respond, Rebuild, Restore” in California, Louisiana, and New York City after natural disasters. The couple volunteered eleven times at Haggai International in Maui and spent countless ongoing hours volunteering at the MCC Centre Thrift in Abbotsford until Jan 12, 2021.
After a short battle with cancer, Rudy graduated to his heavenly home on January 25, 2021. The family gave him loving care, at his home, in his last days. Rudy is survived by his wife, Lois, of nearly 59 years; by his siblings, Hank (Olwyn) Thiessen, Al (Anita) Thiessen, Elise (Ben) Wiebe, Leni (Dietrich) Willer; by three children, Debbie (Matt) Born, Keith (Denise) Thiessen, Rodney (Leila) Thiessen; 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
A link to a memorial video will be available shortly. Please visit this obituary again in the near future.
Condolences
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From: Ernst & Adina Neudorf
Relation: Friendship
Our heartfelt condolences to Lois and the family.
From: Yoko and Kerry Lesyk
Relation: Neighbours
Such a fine and humble man. A great neighbour. Always willing to have a chat. We have always enjoyed our visits with Rudy and Lois. Our condolences go out to Lois at this time.
From: Linda Treliving
Relation: Friend
Lois, I’m so very sorry to read of Rudy’s passing. I’ve always loved talking to both of you. My condolences to you and your family. He will be missed by all. Hugs to you Lois.
From: Tom & Carolyn Edwards
Relation: We both volunteered at MCC Thrift Centre
Dear Lois & family: We want to express our sincere sympathy for your loss that happened so quickly. We pray that God would give you all special comfort and grace during this difficult time and in the future. It was a privilege getting to know Rudy & Lois as we volunteered at MCC Thrift Centre (Tom in Hardware and Carolyn in Books). We often enjoyed chatting together at lunch time prior to COVID-19 days. Rudy was always so cheerful and loved to share his experiences on various mission trips. It was obvious that he loved the Lord and was a dedicated Christian. Praise the Lord we will meet him again.
From: Julie Schryer
Relation: Through Northview church
Condolences to you Lois and the family.
I enjoyed volunteering alongside Rudy ushering on aisle 7. He talked about the mission work you and he did Lois. Family was obviously important to Rudy and you two were so close.
He certainly knew a lot of people at church. Quite a few gave him a cheery hello and shook his hand. To Rudy the word of God was very important to him and of course his family. He was a blessing to many and he will be missed.
May God give you the comfort, the strength, and all you need at this time.
Julie Schryer
From: Jim and Linda Willms
Relation: Attended church together
Dear Lois,
We are sorry to hear of Rudy’s passing! He was always such a positive, friendly influencer. We especially appreciated his commitment to ushering on Aisle 2. He made so many feel welcome and cared for by his humble attitude. We are grateful we were able to share lunch with you and Rudy in Harrison shortly before Christmas. We will miss him!
From: Jo-Ann Potter
Relation: Niece
Our families are linked by blood and shared memories. Thoughts are with Lois, Debbie, Keith & Rod. I will miss Uncle Rudy but take comfort knowing he is in a better place.
From: Jake Dyck
Relation: Friend
Dear Lois and family. Our love and prayers are with you as you mourn the loss of dear Rudy. May you feel God’s peace and comfort at this time. Blessings and love
, Jake and Anne Dyck
From: Marlene Sawatsky Hohm
Relation: Uncle
Sending deepest sympathy to Aunt Lois and extended family. I will always remember Uncle Rudy’s positive outlook on life, his infectious humour, his can-do spirit, and his genuine interest in my life and the lives of each of my siblings. May the Lord bless you and keep you … and give you peace.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
Date & Time:
February 13, 2021
Beginning at 10:00am
Location:
https://youtu.be/P-3WAqsfiiI
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Live Service
https://youtu.be/P-3WAqsfiiISend Flowers
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202-31314 Peardonville Rd.
Abbotsford BC
V2T 6K8
info@wiebeandjeskefh.com
604-859-5885
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