ABRAM J. THIESSEN

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ABRAM J. THIESSEN Born on December 12, 1910, Abram Jacob (A.J.) Thiessen, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2002 at the Bethania Mennonite Personal Care Home in Winnipeg, MB. Despite a prolonged illness, he remained courageous, gracious and prepared for meeting his Lord. Abram will be sadly missed and leaves to mourn his loving wife, Lenora of 66 years; his five children and their families, Ronald (Herta), Bernard (Alvina), William (Karin), Irvin and Carolyn (Jochen) Eggert; his fond 17 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law Clara Thiessen; his five half-sisters, Susan, Amy, Edith, Ada and Gloria and his in-laws, many nieces, nephews and extended family relatives, all who remember him with affection. Abram was predeceased by his parents Abraham A. and Susanna; brothers, John (and wife Luella), Peter and three half-brothers, Tony, Richard and Donald. He began a transfer truck service in the Rosenfeld area in 1932, which became "Thiessen Transportation". He formed a partnership with George H. Fast, which operated for 25 years as "Fast and Thiessen" in Rosenfeld including a general store, a Chrysler and Massey-Harris dealerships and farming. He was also an insurance agent in Rosenfeld for many years representing the Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company. Abram founded various businesses; Thiessen Bus Lines in 1946, which acquired numerous companies including Grey Goose Bus Lines, Western Flyer Coach and Acme Sanitation Services; a farming operation in the Altona area; lead co-founder of Radio Station CFAM in 1957, serving as its first President; and Grey Goose Corporation Limited, which he owned and merged with Laidlaw Transportation in 1973. He served as Director of various corporations including Grey Goose Corporation, Laidlaw Transportation and the Manitoba Development Corporation. He retired as Chairman and CEO from active business responsibilities in 1978. Abram was educated in Rosenfeld and Steinbach High School, where he was awarded the Governor Generals Medal. He was President of the Manitoba School Trustees Association and the Canadian School Trustee Association, of which he was made an honourary life member. He served as Board member and Chairman of the Mennonite Collegiate Institute, Rosenfeld School District and Gnadenfeld School. Above all, his faith in God remained central and a top priority. Abram promoted and supported the numerous programs and institutions of Mennonite churches and conferences, served on various committees and remained a Mennonite church member throughout his life. Abram was baptized in 1928 and remained a member of the Bergthaler Mennonite Church. Abram enjoyed reading, fishing and golfing, as well as an enthusiasm for political discussions. He was fond of golfing with friends and particularly fishing on Lake of the Woods. For many years he spent the weekends with family and friends at his cottage on Clearwater Bay. All that knew him both as a businessman and as an individual will miss Abram Thiessen. In celebration of his life, his family honours his achievements and cherishes the priorities, values and principles, which directed his active life. Viewing will be at the Klassen Funeral Chapel, located at 1897 Henderson Hwy., Winnipeg, MB on Monday, March 11, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the First Mennonite Church, Notre Dame Avenue and Alverstone Street, Winnipeg, MB on Tuesday, March 12 at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Franz Wiebe officiating. Viewing prior to the service. A reception will be held in the church after the service. Burial will be at 4:00 p.m. at the Rosenfeld Cemetery after the conclusion of the reception. The family is very grateful and appreciative to Dr. R. Martens and all of the healthcare nurses, staff and attendants at Bethania, who provided such excellent, loving and wonderful care. We thank each one of them. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Mennonite Collegiate Institute "Memorial Fund" or Bethania Mennonite Personal Care Home "Memorial Fund". "So I run straight towards the goal in order to win the prize, which is Gods call through Jesus Christ to the life above." Klassen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Phone (204) 338-0331.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 11, 2002