John Herman Klassen passed away Oct. 21, 2003 in Abbotsford, BC.

He was born Feb. 25, 1922 in Donskoj, Samara, Russia. The family immigrated to Canada in 1930, settling in Coaldale, Alta. He became a Christian in his early teens and was baptized a few years later. He attended Coaldale Bible School.

He moved to Yarrow B.C. in 1942 and married Katie Abrahams Oct. 8, 1944. He worked as a carpenter, had a dairy farm and had a grain farm in Dawson Creek, B.C.

He loved church, especially the music. He helped build two churches where the family attended.

His health began to fail due to Parkinson's disease but he remained in good spirits. He experienced the faithfulness of God.

He is mourned by Katie; sons Ken (Viola) and Ervin (Kathi) ; daughters Marilyn (Dave) Doerksen and Adeline (Alex) Klassen; 10 grandchildren Dale (Theresa), Heather (Corry), Joel, Larissa, Kimberley, Sherinne, Shawn, Rachel, Jason, and Ian; four great-grandchildren; and four sisters.

He was predeceased by one brother Peter. John was a farmer most of his life. He was also a very good carpenter, and helped build two of the churches the family attended. His family and church were very important to John. The funeral was Oct. 26 in Chilliwack (B.C.) Central MB Church, with Adam Wiggins ministering .