Heinz Klassen was born May 11, 1948 in Gronau, Paraguay to Heinrich & Anni Klassen and passed away December 17, 2017.

Heinz’s family immigrated to Canada in 1953, settling in Arnold, B.C.: this was paradise for a boy whose hero was Tom Sawyer. Heinz floated homemade rafts, terrorized chickens with bow and arrow, tobogganed down a barn roof. The bilingual Arnold MB Church welcomed them. Heinz ended bullying over his German background by throwing the ringleader into a ditch, then befriending him.

In 1960, the family moved to Clearbrook, B.C. When his family relocated to Vancouver in 1966, Heinz stayed with grandparents to finish Grade 12 in Abbotsford, where his friendship with Lois Enns grew. During their courtship, Lois suggested Heinz seek answers in her Good News Bible; drawn in by the artwork, he embraced Christianity. Heinz and Lois Enns were married on Aug. 21, 1970. Heinz and Lois settled in Yarrow, B.C., in 1977.

Heinz studied at B.C. Institute of Technology and completed a diploma in fine arts at Vancouver Community College (Langara) and a bachelor of fine arts at the Alberta College of Art and Design. He was a studio assistant at the Vancouver School of Art (now Emily Carr). Heinz was baptized at Killarney Park MB Church in Vancouver, B.C. Other churches Heinz was a member of during his lifetime were Arnold (B.C.) MB; Greendale MB, Chilliwack, B.C.; Highland, Abbotsford, B.C.

In 1977, he planned to open a pottery studio in Yarrow, but shortly after moving there, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease. Chemotherapy and radiation saved Heinz’s life but undermined his health. He worked as a plan checker in the MSA district and building inspector at Mission and Surrey city halls.

During 15 years of renewed strength, Heinz enjoyed running the Seattle half marathon, mountain biking, hiking. He delighted in his children and grandchildren. Heinz and Lois held a joint art show in 2017. He is remembered for his gentle kindness, creativity, loyalty, tenacity, humility, and wry humour.

Heinz is survived by his wife Lois; children Anna (Ryan) Topping, Alexander; 8 grandchildren; his mother; 3 siblings. A funeral for Heinz Klassen will take place on December 28th at 11:30 a.m. in the Yarrow MB church on Central Rd. All are welcome.