Wiebe, Willie passed away in Hope at the age of 75 years. He was predeceased by his father, mother, and sister, Mary Mantler. Willie is survived by his loving wife Elaine of 48 years. Three sons: Brent, Boyd (Sharon), Byron (Christine) and grandchildren; Jessica, Caitlin, Vanessa, Jayna, Lillie, Dayton and Sarah. Two brothers Peter (Helen), Jake (Shirley) and numerous nieces and nephews and cousins, many friends and coffee buddies in Abbotsford, Hope and Pincher Creek, AB.Willie was born in a Mennonite Colony near Zaporoshye, USSR (Ukraine). As an orphan at age seven with grandpa, grandma, Aunt Eva, three siblings and five cousins, they struggled to escape the war. Their destiny was Germany. In 1948 the Mennonite Central Committee found them
sponsors in Laird, Sask.At fourteen Willie was fostered by the Fieguth family and went to school to learn English so he could become a ‘good’ Canadian. Subsequently on June 30, 1958 he became a Canadian citizen.Later he worked very hard for the George Dycks’ for a number of years doing farm work. Then in 1956 Willie and his brother moved to Vancouver. Willie loved to dance and so he became a bouncer at Danceland. This is where he met his future wife Elaine and they were married August 26, 1961.Willie loved to work and always gave his all. He was ten years with MacMillan Bloedel on Annacis Island. Then in 1979 he established his own business ‘Black Gold Potting Soil’. He created a potting soil mix from earth worm castings and was successful. He was later forced to sell and retire due to health problems.Willie was a real presence and will be missed by family and friends alike. His smile and words of wisdom will be remembered.
A Memorial Service will be held October 19, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Grace Baptist Church in Hope.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Lung Association or to your favorite charity.