ABRAM BESTVATER

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ABRAM BESTVATER After a lengthy battle with heart disease, Abe Bestvater passed away at Bethesda Hospital on September 21, 2006, with his loving family at his side. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Brigitte; his sons, Stacy and Steve (wife Ginette and granddaughter Mia); his sister Helen Peters; and brothers, Henry (Mary), Jake (Mary), John (Shirley); and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Abram and Margareta Bestvater; sister Tina Bestvater; brother-in-law Henry Peters; and sister-in-law Helen Bestvater. Abe was born July 8, 1931 at Grandfather Martens' farm in Grunthal. He received his schooling in Grunthal and after Grade 10, worked several years on the farm. He then moved to Winnipeg, taking several jobs, including working at McLeod's and Eaton's. On the suggestion of his sister Helen, he attended Teacher's College in 1957-58, and started his teaching career at Elm Creek. Abe loved to learn and returned to Grace College of the Bible, graduating in 1961. That fall, he took a teaching position in Niverville and in 1962, he transferred to Steinbach, where he would spend the rest of his teaching career. During the summer of 1961, Abe was a counselor at Red Rock Bible Camp. This began a 40 year involvement with Red Rock that included sitting on the camp Board of Directors. Abe and Brigitte met several times, but their courtship started just after the blizzard of 1966. They were married on August 20, 1967. In 1969, they took a sabbatical where they attended Tabor College, both graduating in 1970. Their first son Steve was born in 1971, followed by Stace in 1973. Abe loved to travel. In 1972, he took his young family on his first of nine trips to Alaska, helping at a mission. Other family trips included destinations such as Florida, Texas, Victoria, Kansas, and Chicago, all in his customized camper vans. Abe's hobbies included operating his Ham and CB radios, electronic, automotive and clock repair, locksmithing, taxidermy, hunting, and farming. His family, friends and acquaintances benefited greatly from his gifted mind and skilled fingers. After retirement, Abe spent much of his time volunteering at the MCC self-help store, fixing everything from phones to clocks and toasters. Abe was a devoted and amazing father and husband, never losing sight of what was important for his family. We would like to thank the wonderful nursing staff and Dr. Thiessen at Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach for their excellent care. A special thank you to all who supported the family in prayer. Viewing will be held Monday, September 25, at Birchwood Funeral Chapel at 7:00 p.m., with a devotional to follow. Funeral service will be held Tuesday, September 26 at 2:00 p.m. at Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church, 360 McKenzie Ave, Steinbach. Interment at Heritage Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Red Rock Bible Camp. Arrangements by: Birchwood Funeral Chapel Steinbach Winnipeg, MB 1-888-454-1030 or 1-204-346-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 24, 2006