HERBERT WOLFROM

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HERBERT WOLFROM Herbert Wolfrom was born October 15, 1922, near the city of Tashkent in Northern Russia. He was the oldest of nine children; five of whom predeceased as infants. He immigrated to Canada with his family as a young boy in 1927. They settled in the Whitemouth District of Manitoba, on a farm, assisted by his uncle Gustav Lipps, whom he was fond of and close to throughout his lifetime. Herb attended Seven Sisters Falls School, reaching the sixth grade in his formal education. Herb grew up on a small farm, and was described by his sister as a lively youngster always ready to go. He loved the farm, and devoted his entire life to farming. At the age of 20 Herb tried his hand at urban living, moving to and working in the city of Winnipeg. He soon met a young lady from Minitonas, a roommate of a former schoolmate and friend. After a brief romance he and Hedwig Albright were married, in her hometown of Minitonas, MB. One winter in the big city was enough to convince Herb he should return to his roots: he rented a quarter-section from his favourite uncle back near Whitemouth, a tiny community called River Hills. He and Hedy farmed there until 1951, by which time two sons were born. The first, Ronald Herbert, died tragically in 1949 at the age of two years. A second son, David was born in 1950. In 1951 Herb had the opportunity to purchase his own farm - 320 acres west of Warren, MB. He moved his family to their new home and the next year a third son Dan was born. Herb continued a mixed farming operation which he expanding to 640 acres in later years. He loved to farm - it was his life - and he did it well, continuing until his retirement in 1990. About that time he and Hedy began several exploratory trips to the west coast, finally settling in Abbotsford, BC. At the outset of his retirement in Abbotsford, Herb was soon able to channel his energies into a volunteer position at Helping Hands, faithfully working twice a week at packing clothes for shipment to third world countries. He continued this work until last year, when the operation was terminated. Herb accepted Christ as his Saviour at the age of 13 and developed into the spiritual leader of his family throughout his life. During his 39 years at Warren he and his wife faithfully did their chores early every Sunday morning, and packed up their children and drove 30 miles to Grant Memorial Church in Winnipeg. For the first ten years this meant travelling in the family farm truck, the only vehicle they owned. Herb was a quiet spiritual influence in his neighborhood, working co-operatively with his neighbours during seeding, spraying and harvest. He opened his home to a neighbourhood Sunday School for a number of years when his children were young. Herb was a modest man, in many ways quiet about himself. He rarely complained, was optimistic and had a very independent nature. He took great pride in his farm, and later the yard in Abbotsford, where both Herb and Hedy enjoyed caring for many lovely flowers, shrubs and fruit trees abundant. Herb is survived by his wife of 55 years, Hedy; his son Dave and wife Mardell, their children, Krista and Brad, Brent and Stacey, and Andrea; his son Dan and wife Sydney, their children, Leigh and Lillian, Josh and Rachael, and Regan; and one young great-granddaughter Larissa whom he unfortunately never had an opportunity to meet; as well as his three sisters. Herb loved his grandchildren dearly, prayed for them regularly, and spent many hours with them from their early youth right through their teenage years and beyond. His generosity to them with his time and resources was limitless, and he was a special grandpa to all of them. Herb has impacted the lives of family and friends in many ways. He was a man of character and compassion. He will be greatly missed, and will live on in our hearts forever. Funeral services will be held at the New Life Baptist Church in Stonewall, MB on Monday, February 14 at 1:00 p.m. Gifts to the Heart & Stroke Foundation and the Alzheimer Society will be gratefully accepted in lieu of flowers.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 12, 2000