George Henry Hooge passed away Feb. 4, 1999.

He was born Jan. 26, 1926 to Henry George and Helena Hooge in Franzthal, Molotschna, Ukraine. In 1926 the family immigrated to Canada, farming in Pilot Butte, then Balgonie, Sask. George was not a healthy child.

The family moved to Regina in 1928, and to Yarrow, B.C. in 1932, then to Abbotsford, B.C. He attended school until grade 8. He and his brother Jacob worked hard to support the family, clearing land and picking hops and berries.

In 1950 he accepted Christ during a Janz Brothers crusade. In 1952 he was baptized. He was a charter member of McCaIlum Road MB Church.

In 1952 he attended Bible school, excelling in Bible memorization. Scripture and song were foundational in his Christian walk.

While visiting friends in Ontario, he met Hildegard Derksen. He returned to B.C., a courtship via mail continued. They married Nov. 13, 1954 in Vineland, Ont. They purchased a farm in Abbotsford, B.C. Four children were born, and they adopted son Shan An in 1970. In 1963 they bought a raspberry farm. In 1989 they retired to a condo. The last 15 years, George struggled with Parkinson's.

Hlildegard cared for him at home. His favorite scripture was Ps. 18:1, 2. He is mourned by Hildegarde; children, Charlotte Derksen, Jennifer Stein, Miranda Dollinger, Gilbert and Shan Ann; 15 grandchildren; 2 brothers and 1 sister. The memorial service was Feb. 8, 1999 in Clearbrook MB Church with Jacob Pauls, Jay Neufeld and Walter Balzer ministering.