Tribute

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, and friend.

Born in Novy-Dwór, Poland, in 1939, Sig’s early childhood was marked by the trauma of World War II, forcing his family to flee in the middle of a winter night amidst dropping bombs. The Schroeder family survived the next few years by the kindness of strangers and living in refugee camps. In 1948, they immigrated to Canada, eventually settling in Abbotsford BC. The challenging years on the farm helped form his character and strong work ethic- he reluctantly retired earlier this year at the age of 86!

He committed his life to Jesus Christ in his teens and his involvement in his church and Mennonite community helped build a foundation for his faith in God and led him to his sweetheart Helen. They married in 1965 and were blessed with 2 daughters, Kimberly and Karen.

Sig loved spending time in nature, often expressing his wonder at God’s creation. He loved encouraging those around him with his friendly banter and quirky humour. He was immensely proud of his family, often being brought to tears as he expressed his gratitude to God for them. His grandchildren were truly his pride and joy. He never forgot God’s faithfulness to him, especially as he recalled the traumatic events of his earlier years and expressed his gratitude by the generosity and encouragement he loved to shower on both friends and strangers. He lived a life of self sacrifice in so many regards, always putting the needs of others before his own.

Sig is predeceased by his parents Peter and Maria and his brother Bruno. He is survived by his wife Helen, sisters Hanna and Inge, brother Rudy, his daughters Kimberly Peters (Kevin), and daughter Karen Falk (Halwin), 7 grandchildren: Jaimee (Peter), Jayson, Ryan, Lauryn (Jesse), Brianna, Kelsey (Charles), and Josiah (Julianna), and 1 great- grand-daughter Sage.