HAROLD J. WITZKE

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HAROLD J. WITZKE On August 14, 2003 Harolds spirit left his weak body and entered his eternal home with his family at his bedside. The family and other loved ones are left with a loss but they are thankful for the release from his body that had endured so many debilitating illnesses. Harold was predeceased by his mother Thilde (Hajer) Witzke in 1961 and his grandparents except one grandmother. He is survived by his father John Witzke, mother Mary (Peters) Witzke, brother Ed (friend Linda), sister Helga, nieces, Andrea (fiance Reto) and Jennifer, grandmother Anna Peters, a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. Harold was born on July 15, 1955 in Winnipeg and spent his life here. Over the years he developed a remarkable trait. With a great deal of practice he achieved beautiful handwriting. It is a joy to read his writings. He loved his church, the members of the Church of God of Prophesy. He spent a great deal of time searching the scriptures, recording key verses and facts. He was free in discussion of the meaning and influence of his faith. Concern for others spiritual journey was often on his mind. This concern was strong enough to drive him to speak and to write the objects of his concern. It also provided him with the strength to quietly bear the limitations and the frailties that his MS and other diseases brought his to body. Bible verses like Hebrews 6:19 "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain", were his guide, strength and motivation to endure almost 20 years while travel was restricted by confinement to his wheelchair. He had a social conscience to the degree that he wrote letters to authorities on different issues. He was bold enough to write Queen Elizabeth of England and her office responded. For a number of years, Harold worked as an engraver. He was conscientious and took pride in his work. A number of family and friends have cherished presents with his engraving. A celebration of Harolds short life will be held at Klassen Funeral Chapel, 1897 Henderson at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 20. Viewing on Tuesday, August 19 between 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. and a half hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Green Acres Memorial Gardens. Harolds family would like to recognize and thank the nurses and doctors who gave him patient, professional and compassionate care during the last six months. The particular units were M.I.C.U. and 4H in the Health Sciences Centre and the M.I.C.U. on 2 in the St. Boniface General Hospital. Special thanks to Heather at St. Boniface for her Christian care. Donations may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Manitoba, 141 Bannatyne Ave., R2M 0N5 or charity of choice. KLASSEN Funeral Chapel 1897 Henderson-North of McIvor-338-0331

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 18, 2003