ADDISON HENRY KLASSEN

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ADDISON HENRY KLASSEN June 10, 1935 - September 1, 2007 Addison Henry Klassen finished his life's journey on Saturday, September 1, 2007 on the Palliative Unit at St. Boniface Hospital at age 72 years. He was born near Watrous, Saskatchewan to Daniel and Annie Klassen on June 10, 1935. On August 25, 1956 Addison married Gerda Toews. Together they raised a family of six children. Over the years they also loved and cared for a number of foster children. Addison was able to develop his vision of serving in the name of Christ and his strong commitment to Mennonite Central Committee. Together with Gerda he became the Founder and Director of El'Dad Ranch, a residential treatment center. They spent three years living in St. John's, Newfoundland where they developed the Visitation Program for Her Majesty's Prison, as well as the Mediation Program. He also taught part time at Stoney Mountain Penitentiary. In May, 2004 Addison was diagnosed with prostate cancer. His will power and determination helped him to continue to enjoy life and to be involved with others until his passing. Addison will be missed by his loving wife, Gerda; his six children, Reginald (Arlene), Richard (Karen), Joanne (Mel) Barkman, Victoria, Charles, and Basil; nine grandchildren, Jonathan, Yuri, Jeffrey (Erin), Michael (fiance Wendy), Sam, Woodrow, Dorian, Jayne, and Joseph; his dear mother, Annie Klassen; and five sisters. The family thanks all those who cared for Addison during his illness: the doctors and nurses at CancerCare Manitoba and the Pain Management Clinic; the doctors and all of the staff at the Palliative Care Unit at St. Boniface Hospital; and all the nurses and staff who cared for Addison at home. Viewing will be at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 5, 2007 at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main Street. A memorial service will take place at 10:30 am on Thursday, September 6, 2007 at River East Mennonite Brethren Church, 755 McLeod Avenue. Addison's ashes will be spread at El'Dad Ranch and the homestead where he was born near Watrous, Saskatchewan. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee, 134 Plaza Drive, Winnipeg R3T 5K9. FRIENDS FUNERAL SERVICE 2146 Main Street 339-5555

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 04, 2007