WALLACE HENRY BYGGDIN

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WALLACE HENRY BYGGDIN August 24, 1917 - November 16, 2007 Much loved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, pastor and friend, Wallace is now residing with his eternal Lord and Saviour, free at last from the restrictions and limitations of his earthly body. Wallace was predeceased by his parents John and Nellie, brothers Merle and Ernie and son Ross. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth (Beth) of 63 years, his brother Ralph (Joyce), sister Lucille, daughters Sharon (Glen) and Shelley (Jack), son Brent (Ellen), grandchildren Jon, Leah (Tim), Sarah, Jordan, Keanan, Justin and one great-granddaughter Jadrianne. He also leaves to celebrate and remember his life several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, numerous nieces and nephews and many church and family friends. Wallace was born in Craik, SK, the third child and son of John and Nellie. He and his brothers and sister spent many hardworking but carefree days growing up in challenging times; yet, in spite of, or perhaps in part because of, this environment, they all developed a keen zest for life, perseverance, tolerance and fun. These attributes served Wallace well to his final heartbeat and breath. As a young man, Wallace honed his farming skills in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, until his strong and definitive life changing call to the ministry in his mid twenties. While on a ministerial (or so he claimed) related call early in his ministry, he noticed and was subsequently noticed by a beautiful farmer's daughter and young Saskatoon School for the Deaf teacher who was home for the Victoria Day weekend in May 1942. Initially she was not overly impressed to arrive home looking forward to sharing a few days with her parents and siblings, only to find she would have to share the family farm home with an itinerant preacher and his two young ministerial assistants, one of whom was Wallace. Notwithstanding this rather shaky start to a romance spanning 65 years in total, he persevered with the courtship and was rewarded with her hand in marriage on July 12, 1944, in her parents' (George and Eleanor Evans) farm home near Davis, SK. Wallace's ministry and labour of love for the Lord spanned 37 years, nine churches, three provinces and one denomination (Free Methodist Church). His longest pastorate was in Melfort, SK, where he touched and was touched by the lives of many special parishioners, friends and neighbours, including his next door neighbour's son and future son-in-law, whom he had the privilege of leading to the Lord. On retiring from active ministry in 1983, he and Beth moved to Moose Jaw, SK, where he continued to serve - as the ex officio pastor of visitation at their local church, where he ministered for many more years to many of the sick and shut-ins. His kind, compassionate, gentle, caring spirit and devotion to selflessly serving the needs of his flock and the local community were appreciated by all, whether family, friends or relatives. His love and devotion for the Lord held steadfast and unwavering to the end of his days and his sense of humour and love for his fellow man were two of his cornerstone characteristics. A celebration of Wallace's life will be held Friday, November 23, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. in the Fourth Avenue Bible Church, 62 4th Ave. S, Niverville, MB, with interment immediately following, at Hespeler Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Wallace's memory to a worthy charitable organization of the donor's choice are encouraged, to further his legacy of giving and caring. Wallace, you have faithfully fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith, so we rejoice that you are with your Lord. 2 Peter 3:18 To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity Jude 24/25: Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of his glory, blameless, with great joy, to the only God our Saviour through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty dominion and authority, before all time, now and forever. Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB 204 346-1030 or 888-454-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 22, 2007