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JOHN SAWATZKY 1917 - 2016 Our Dad passed away on May 21, 2016 in his sleep. He was in his 98th year. Dad was from a family of eight, his parents were Maria and David. Dad was always a hard worker, leaving school at 14, to work on the farm to help his family. He met and later married the love of his life, Margaret Redekopp in 1941. They spent the next 74 years together through the good and bad, and through the happy and the sad times. They showed us what true love and commitment meant. When asked recently how he knew that Mom was the one for him, his eyes twinkled and he smiled and said, "I just knew." They had eight children, and we know providing for his family in those days wasn't easy. But even if they had to pick up and move to where the next job was, that's what they did. Dad worked very hard, often working well into the night to provide for his family, and Mom was home, taking care of everything else. We have a deep appreciation for all they did for us. In 1954, Dad got a job driving a cement mixer for McCurdy's Redi-mix (later bought by Supercrete), he worked there until 1987. He was 70 years old when he retired. We learned so much by watching Dad's quiet strength. He was loyal, honest and conscientious. He also had a great sense of humour, which we believe helped him through many of the tough times. In 1997, they retired to Langley, BC, where Dad liked the many stables, farms and rolling hills. Surviving Dad is his dear Margaret; his children, Abe (Dale), John (Pat), Margaret (Don), Mary, David (Sheila), Ben (Kim), Frank (Donene), Myrna (Louis) and his 18 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Anne Wiebe, Elma (Bernie) Martineau and a brother Dave. Dad had strong faith in God and as one of Jehovah's Witnesses, believed in the fulfillment of the scripture at Revelation 21:4, where it says: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." We look forward to the promises in God's word coming to pass and are comforted in knowing we will see Dad once again. A family service was held in Langley, BC.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 18, 2016
Condolences & Memories (1 entries)
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Dear Margaret and family , We would like to express our deepest sympathy in the passing of your husband and father. So nice to hear John served jehovah faithfully till the end. We Have many fond memories of both of you while you lived in Winnipeg. It is so comforting to remember Jehovah's promise of the resurrection. He will call and they will answer. It will be like they returned from a journey - not ill or impaired but sound in health. Thinking of all of you at this time of sorrow, Bob and Lois Krueger - Posted by: Bob and lois krueger (Friends) on: Jul 10, 2016