CORNELIUS (NEIL) EPP

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CORNELIUS (NEIL) EPP Cornelius (Neil) Epp died peacefully on September 20, 2008 at Riverview Health Centre after a lengthy, courageous battle with cancer, at the age of 81. He was born August 22, 1927, in Mountainside, Manitoba to Johann and Maria Epp. With a family including six brothers and two sisters (two brothers passing away in infancy), Neil grew up and attended school in the community of Mountainside, 12 miles west of Boissevain. He enjoyed his childhood, especially the winters, having the pleasure of sliding down huge snow banks which collected in the ravines surrounding the farm yard. As a youngster singing with the family around the hot stoves in the winter evenings was a highlight and obviously served as an introduction to music which has been so much a part of Neil's life. When war approached in 1939, Neil's older brother, Jack was forced to serve in the army - consequently Neil felt compelled to leave school at that time to assist his father with the work on the family farm. Six years later Neil returned to complete his education which included attending M.C.I. and United College. In 1949 his parents moved to the Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, where he also spent one year and worked in the General Motors Plant in St. Catherines. Having progressed in years Neil felt it was time to establish himself in a life's career. With his father's encouragement he applied for a position with Dominion Bank in 1952 which brought him back to Winnipeg at his request. In 1956 the Dominion Bank and the Bank of Toronto joined forces - a financial institution where he was employed with for 37 years. That same year Neil met his life's partner who was an employee at the bank of Toronto, and the following year married Agnes Dahi. As Neil's career path progressed the responsibilities of raising three daughters, Vera, Patty and Eleanor, added to his productive life. Neil always had a heart for people and loved making connections with them whether in conversation, work and building projects, singing solos as well as joining in church and male voice choirs, serving on boards and the like. Neil was a dedicated loyal participant in everything he committed to. He served as a board member of the Mennonite Heritage Village; Bethania Personal Care Board for nine years; Birchwood Funeral Chapel Board for 10 years. He sang in the Faith and Life Mens' Choir for a number of years. Neil loved to go and do. He always had a mental agenda which kept him active. He loved to get in the car and drive as he did many a summer with the family in tow. He enjoyed the open road and appreciated the scenery. Summers at the lake were also meaningful for Neil. He loved it when family and friends would spend time with him and it never really mattered where it was but the lake was always a special place to get together for him. He so enjoyed the relationships he had with his grandchildren. He cared so much for each one of them and always showed interest and gave encouragement in the paths they were on, and enjoyed the conversations shared by each one with him. During these last four years of Neil's cancer battle, he felt even more compelled to be a Christian example to those of us close to him. We appreciate that and will always be grateful. Cornelius Epp is survived by his wife, Agnes; three daughters, Vera and husband Albert Dyck; Patty and husband Larry Schroeder; Eleanor and husband Paul Hamm; and grandchildren, Matthew, Michael, Mark, Benjamin, David, and Mackenzie. He was predeceased by his parents Johann and Maria Epp; his brothers George, and John Epp and wife Catherine; two infant brothers; and niece Mary Ann Loewen. As a family we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the doctors and staff of Seven Oaks Hospital and Riverview Health Centre for the excellent care they administered to Neil as well as the Home Care Support Nurses that monitored him while he was at home. Bible verses that were meaningful to him which we would like to share are: Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. John 14:6 Jesus said I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me. The funeral service will be held Friday, September 26 at 10:30 a.m. at Eastview Community Church, 3500 DeVries, Wpg with viewing prior to the service. Interment at LaSalle Cemetery. If friends so desire donations may be made to Children's Camps International, 300-571 Main Street, Winkler, MB R6W 1E8 Arrangements by Birchwood funeral chapel 1-204-346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 24, 2008