KLASSEN, Peter Herman

KLASSEN, Peter Herman passed away peacefully in St. Vincent’s Hospital on March 14, 1997 at the age of 78 years. Predeceased by an infant son in 1940. Will be sadly missed by his loving wife Helen; sons, Walter and Herman, their wives Doreen and Fay; grandchildren, Vicki, Peter, Matthew and Sara; and by his brother John; sisters Elizabeth, Agnes, Anne, Kay and their families. Memorial service at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 20 at Killarney Park M.B. Church, 6426 Kerr St., Vancouver. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Heart & Lung Association. Our thanks to Dr. Seraglia and nurses on 3 East & I.C.U. The Vancouver Sun, Tuesday, March 18, 1997

Peter Herman Klassen

Peter Herman Klassen was born on January 24, 1919 in Donskoj, Neu Samara, Russia. He was the oldest born to Herman Peter and Elisabeth Klassen. He had a brother John and a sister Elizabeth. In 1926 their mother died of tuberculosis. Maria Janzen became his loving step-mother.

In 1930 the family arrived in their new home in Southern Alberta, Canada. Upon settling in Coaldale, they lived across the street from Giesbrechts, whose oldest daughter, Helen, caught Pete’s eye. They were married on November 12, 1938.

They farmed, as did their parents. But in 1941 they made the move to Vancouver, British Columbia. After a few jobs they bought a small farm in Arnold. Walter was born here in June 1943. A larger farm was purchased which Peter worked in lieu of war service. Herman was born here in January 1945.

It was during this time that their health broke down. Peter went to Tranquille to the Tuberculosis Sanitorium in 1946. In time, Helen went to Willow Chest Centre in Vancouver. The boys spent several years with the grandparents. This was a difficult time.

As both sets of parents lived in Yarrow, family built a house for them on Dyke Road. They spent several years here recuperating. They grew raspberries and Pete worked at the local mechanic, using his natural skills repairing cars. In time they moved to Vancouver where he had his two-car garage to keep families’ and friends’ vehicles in good repair. During the day Pete worked at Sauder Lumber Co. His illness returned and he was hospitalized again in 1950. Sauder said they would hold his job for him. He was able to return to it. In 1984 he retired, after 35 years of employment.

In the meantime, he bought a boat for his regular fishing trips to BC’s plentiful lakes. He bought a camper and with camera in hand he travelled throughout North America. He was pleased to have driven Canada’s major highways and many of BC’s back roads. In 1990 he visited Germany. Many relatives, formerly from Russia, now lived there. His visit with his mother’s youngest brother was the highlight!

For many years Pete and Helen considered Killarney Park MB Church their home. They had plans to be baptized but Pete went to St. Vincent’s Hospital instead. He acknowledged God’s leading in his life and was thankful.

Peter passed away March 14, 1997. A Memorial Service was held at Killarney Park MB Church on March 20, 1997 with Interment at Valleyview Memorial Garden. Pastor Ken Peters officiated these meaningful services.

Peter is mourned by his loving wife, Helen, son Walter and Doreen, Vicki, Peter, and son Herman and Fay, Matthew, Sara, his brother John (Katie), sisters Elizabeth (Dan Thiessen), Agnes (Ike Thiessen), Anne (Dave Giesbrecht) and Kay (Ed Giesbrecht) and their families. He will be missed by the Giesbrecht in-laws and many nieces and nephews.

Pete at 1089 Dyke Road, Yarrow	Pete and Helen with Walter and Herman at Mt. Baker