PETER JOHN NEUFELD

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PETER JOHN NEUFELD On Thursday, May 17, 2007 at Donwood Manor Personal Care Home, Peter J. Neufeld died at the age of 90 years. Peter's early years were spent in the farming village of Sergeyevka, Ukraine where he was born in 1917, the fifth child of John and Anna Neufeld. In 1926 the family immigrated to Canada and moved into the Tourond district in southern Manitoba. Peter worked on his parents' farm until 1948 when he married Anne Stoesz. Together they started a new farm nearby where they raised a family of eight children. Throughout his life Dad was involved in his community. He served on the school board and on church committees where his thoughtful contribution was appreciated. He was a practical man whose deep faith found expression in the extension of love and compassion to those around him. When they retired in the mid 1980s they moved into the town of Niverville where Peter built the workshop in which he was able to cultivate his lifelong love of woodcraft. Dad was a strong and active man who rejoiced in the beauties, the mysteries and the challenges of the physical world. After 1985 his powers were gradually diminished by Parkinson's disease, and although he accepted his condition with grace, he yielded no more ground than absolutely necessary. His woodworking continued even after his November 2000 move to a personal care home, where he completed more than 100 birdhouses in his room. His relationships were marked by empathy. He refused to allow his own frailty and discouragement to prevent him from reaching out to others with kind words or offers of assistance. None of us will forget the tenderness and care he showed our mother and grandmother during her long illness. Dad's character blended a genuine modesty with a fierce independence of spirit. And when, in the early morning hours of May 17, he finally put down his guard it was because the battle was over, not lost. Three days earlier his family and friends gathered to celebrate his 90th birthday. The tributes were warm and heartfelt and he was deeply appreciative that so many family and friends were present. We rejoice that we had the opportunity to express directly to him all of the things we are now saying about him. He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Merri-Lou (Dale), Joanne (Ross), Tom (Louise), Dave (Lori), John (Audrey), Ted (Kathy), Peter (Doris) and Harold (Dorothy); grandchildren, Kyle, Christie, Richie, Michael, Lauren, David, James, Will, Luke, Crystal, Jonathan, Leanne, Colleen, Melissa, Amy, Janelle, Carissa, Stefan and Tobia; four sisters, Anna, Helene, Lottie and Kathie; brother Abe (Irene) and sister-in-law Jean. He was predeceased in May of 1997 by his wife Anne, and by his brothers Jake and John and his sister Mary. The family gratefully acknowledges the compassionate care of the staff at Misericordia Place and at Donwood Manor Personal Care Home. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Peter Neufeld may be made to the Parkinson Society of Manitoba or to the Mennonite Central Committee. Memorial service will be held Tuesday, May 22 at 11:00 a.m. at the Fourth Avenue Bible Church, 62 - 4th Avenue, Niverville, Manitoba with interment prior to the service at 10:00 a.m. in the Niverville Cemetery. Viewing Monday, May 21 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main Street, Winnipeg. FRIENDS FUNERAL SERVICE 2146 Main Street 339-5555

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 19, 2007