A pioneer of the Yarrow district, Peter P. Giesbrecht died March 24, 1963 as the result of being struck by a car when he was crossing Central Road in Yarrow near the Mennonite Brethren Church. He was taken to Chilliwack General Hospital and was pronounced dead on arrival. Funeral service was held on March 30, 1963 and six of his grandsons were pallbearers for him.

Mr. Giesbrecht was born in Alexanderkrone, Molotschna, South Russia on July 22, 1883 to Peter G. & Margaretha (Wiens) Giesbrecht. He married Elizabeth Wittenberg March 31, 1905 in Terek Colony, Caucasus, South Russia. Twelve children were born to them: Elizabeth, Margaret, Peter, Elizabeth Vera, Mary, David, Susie, Gertrude, Cornelius, Helena, John and George. Their first child Elizabeth was born April 16, 1906 and passed away September 17, 1906, and their last child; George was born July 20, 1928 and passed away Aug 1, 1928.

With the Bolshevik revolution, he was driven out of Russia and moved to Mexico with his family in 1924. They came to Yarrow in 1928 when the area was first opened up.

He helped build the first three houses in Yarrow. His own home was built on their farm at 4355 Wilson Road, where they lived until they retired in 1953 and moved to 42012 Central Road, Yarrow. His daughter Margaret (Henry) Derksen and family moved to the farm on Wilson Road, and when they retired, their son He was active in Church affairs and was a member of the choir. He farmed in Yarrow until his retirement in 1953.

Peter Giesbrecht was predeceased by his wife Elizabeth and two infant children: Elizabeth 1906 and George in 1928. He is survived by four sons: Peter, David, Cornelius and John all of Yarrow; six daughters: Margaret (Henry) Derksen, Yarrow; Susie (Jacob G.) Derksen, Yarrow; Elizabeth (Jake) Dahl, Arnold, BC; Mary (Abe) Friesen, Aldergrove; Gertrude (John) Abrahams, Prince George; and Helena (Peter) Isaak, Oliver, B.C.; 49 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Garden Chapel Funeral Home was in charge and burial was at Yarrow Cemetery.

Chilliwack Progress Chilliwack, BC