Obituary of Willie Toews
William T. Toews, our dad, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather quietly and peacefully slipped away on September 25, 2020, at the age of 96, at Westview Care Community. He was born to Aaron L. and Katherine Toews at Morris, Manitoba on May 28, 1924, where he spent his growing up years and took his schooling. After he lost his own mother at the early age of 7, he welcomed a new mother when his father married Margaret Loewen. He was converted and baptized on March 29, 1940 at Rosenort. His faith was precious to him and he was faithful to the end.
In 1943, Dad went west to Linden, Alberta where he found his life’s companion in Emmeline Boese. They were married on February 2, 1947. Their home was blessed with four daughters and five sons. The drowning of our oldest brother in 1966 was an event that was a great tragedy in Dad’s life. We had a happy home, enjoying many hikes, picnics, and family trips. He took a deep interest in every person who joined his growing family, and it was a highlight to him when they reached the 100th descendent.
Dad was the first caretaker/maintenance man at the Linden Nursing Home, where he spent several years of faithful service. After a short time working at Linden Machine Works, they moved to the farm by the creek where he began his mixed farming career, including their large gardens.
In 1979, they moved to Dewberry, Alberta, where they filled an important part in a small growing congregation. He made many friends there, showing his keen interest in the community, even after their move back to Linden. Dad was not a man of many words but he made friends wherever he went. His love of travels took them to all parts of the continent. Many people knew him because he loved to fly his kites for the school children and thus, he became known as the ‘kite man’. Dad was a man of schedule and an on-time person. He was a lover of song, teaching us to enjoy music. He enjoyed collecting quotes, getting several small books printed.
In 2006 they moved back to Linden, where, due to Mom’s failing health, she was admitted to the Linden Nursing Home. Dad lived in various care homes, including Linden Lodge, where he lived contentedly for many years. He moved to Westview Care Community, spending his last few months there. We deeply appreciate the respect, dignity and love he was given by the many caregivers.
Left to cherish many happy memories are his children, Sandra & Gary Barkman, Westlock, AB; Pauline & Gladwin Loewen, Beausejour, MB; Richard & Pat, Linden, AB; Eva & Lyle Unruh, Dewberry, AB; Rosanne & Alvin Dutchak, Vermilion, AB; Victor & Fern, Gowanstown, ON; Kevin & Twila, Dewberry, AB; Bill & Penny, Quesnel, BC; 37 grandchildren, 72 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren; one remaining brother, Levi & Venice Toews, Abbotsford, BC; 2 sisters-in-law, Aileen and Eleanor of Abbotsford, BC; and 1 brother-in-law Harold Wiebe, Creston, BC. He was preceded by his wife Emmeline, 1 son Edric, 1 daughter-in-law Eldonna, 1 grandson, 2 granddaughters, and 1 great granddaughter, his parents, parents-in-law, 4 sisters and 5 brothers.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Willie
Toews 1924 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Linden, Province: Alberta