Gerhard (George) Born

1923 – 1946

George Born, 28 of Sardis was fatally injured in a two-car crash on the Trans-Canada highway east of Abbotsford on February 9th 1946.

The inquest was postponed to February 20th 1946. Bringing the verdict at Abbotsford, a coronor’s jury empanelled to investige the death of George Born, 22, Sardis, in an accident which took place at the interssection of Whatcom Road and the Trans Canada Highway in Sumas Municipality on the evening of February 8th, recommended that reflecting lights be placed at the corner where the tragedy occurred.

The complete verdict was: “We the jury find that George Born of Sardis came to his death on February 8th, 1946, about 11 pm at the intersection of the Trans-Canada Highway and Whatcom Road due to the driver, Arthur Born failing to stop at the ‘Stop’ sign at the intersection. We the jury recommend that this ‘Stop’ sign be equipped with reflecting lights.”

Coroner E.T. Weir, Abbotsford, was in charge of the inquest and evidence was given by passengers in the Born car and Constable R. Walker of the Sumas detachment of the provincial police. Evidence of George Wiens, Matsqui, whose car was involved with the Born vehicle was also heard.

Six other persons suffered injuries in the crash. George Sawatsky, Hugh Schroeder and Jack Harder all of Sardis were taken to Chilliwack Hospital for treatment. Sawatsky suffered abdominal injuries, while Schroeder and Harder sustained back and rib injuries. Their condition was fairly good.

George Wiens, Matsqui, driver of the other car, his wife and two sons were treated at Abbotsford hospital for cuts and bruises.

According to Sumas detachment, B.C. Police, the Sardis youths were returning from Sumas, Washington where they had been roller-skating. About 10:10 pm, Born’s car turned off Whatcom road into the Trans Canada highway and was in collision with the Wiens car. The force of the impact hurled the occupants of Born’s car into the road and field.

The badly injured victims were brought to Chilliwack because they could not be accommodated in the over-crowded Abbotsford Hospital.

Funeral services for George Born were conducted from the Mennonite Brethren Church, South Sumas Road. Interment was at the Yarrow Cemetery.