Roland Giesbrecht of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Sept. 17, 1999.

He was born Feb. 28, 1927 to Jacob and Tina Giesbrecht in Waldheim, Sask. Until age 6, he lived in various places in Saskatchewan due to his father's work with the OK Economy stores. During the Depression, they moved to Yarrow, B.C., to Laidlaw, B.C., then to Vancouver.

He attended Vancouver Technical School. As a student during the war, he worked at Boeing Aircraft Company. He then worked 24 years in the Department of Consumer and Corporate Affairs and 10 years with B.C. Hydro. In retirement, he worked 3 years as superintendent of a medical building.

While in Yarrow, at 11, he was led to the Lord by his mother following a message by J.B. Toews. He was baptized June 18, 1944 and joined Vancouver MB Church. He never wavered in his faith. He attended Vancouver Bible School at night and briefly MB Bible College, Winnipeg. He helped with street meetings in downtown Vancouver, taught Sunday school and sang in church choirs. He was a deacon in Culloden MB Church, Vancouver.

He married Helen Toews Aug. 4, 1957.

He survived a heart attack and triple by-pass surgery in 1981-82. Four years ago, he was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. They moved into a condo in Abbotsford. During his illness, he spent many hours in Bible reading and prayer. He desired that Jesus would take him home, quoting Psalm 116:15.

He is remembered as a kind and caring husband, father and grandfather.

Predeceased by 1 brother and a twin sister, he is mourned by Helen; daughters Leona Hiebert of Japan and Judy Janzen of Surrey, B.C.; sons Lawrence of Port Coquitlam, B.C. and Jerry of Fresno, Calif.; 7 grandchildren; 2 brothers and 1 sister.

The funeral was Sept. 22 in Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, with Henry Thiessen and Ross Johnston ministering.