TOEWS: In Loving Memory Of Bernhard John Toews who was born October 4, 1930, on his parents' farm at Mayfair District, SK and passed away August 6, 2013 at North Battleford, SK. Bernie is survived by his loving wife, Florence; loving children and grandchildren: Dorothy Reinbolt - Brooke & Heather, Laura, Teresa - Emily, Louise (Doug) Sylvester - Devon & Dylan, Martin, Michelle; brothers and sisters: Art (Carol) Toews, Helen Holmes, Walter Toews, Mary Toews, George (Jean) Toews, Hilda Stanwood, Arn (Jeannette) Toews, Dorothy (Art) Talbot; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Lorna Lavallee, George Lavallee, Donald (Shirley) Lavallee, Cubby (Virginia) Lavallee, Loretta (George) Fenrich, Marion Toews; numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by: parents, John & Helen Toews; in-laws: Louis & Dorothy Lavallee; brother, Johnny Toews, sister, Liz Evanishen; brothers-in-law: Gib Holmes & Bill Lavallee. The Funeral Service was held Friday, August 9, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at Hoffnungsfelder Mennonite Church, Mayfair, SK with Pastor Chad Doell officiating. Gifts of music ministry were Pianist - Marlene Martens. Duet - Cornie and Marlene Martens "What A Day That Will Be" Hymn Selections "In The Garden" ~ "Take Time To Be Holy" "God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again" Grandpa was born October 4, 1930 on his parents' farm near Mayfair. He had five brothers and five sisters - every one of them felt the love of their big brother. Grandpa attended Ravenhead School just over one mile from home. As a young man, he worked picking fruit in BC, at the smelter in Sudbury, then in the logging industry in Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan with some of his brothers. And in the 1990's, he was proud to log with Uncle Martin. Every time Grandpa was in Saskatoon, he would point out the bridges he worked under when they ran the gas through the city. At the Gardiner Dam Power Project, Grandpa was hired on as a labourer and was swiftly promoted to Head Carpenter even though he didn't have any official papers..and those turbines are still turning. He worked numerous places across Canada but always returned home to Mayfair, where he farmed and drove bus. He drove thousands of miles getting kids to school. He enjoyed most of the trips and most of the kids. The stories of work he could tell were endless. In 1963, he married Grandma and they raised 6 children and were eventually blessed with five grandkids. These are just the facts that anyone can tell you ..now, this is what Grandpa was really like. He was a kind and gentle man, who loved his wife deeply. A man who loved his kids unconditionally. And of course, we, his grandchildren, were his pride and joy. Grandpa loved music. He could play by ear, both on the piano and the harmonica. He sang us many different songs. And one of our favorites was a little rhyming tune in German, that we called the Huppy Ride. He would sing it as he gave us a horsey ride. He showed all of us limitless patience, forgiveness and understanding. He never held a grudge or spoke ill of anyone. He was a true teacher - teaching about God, farming, good values, swimming and skiing. The only thing he couldn't teach his kids was how to sail - although they were good Gilligans. In the summer, Grandpa always loved 4 o'clock swimming lessons at the dugout - us included. He enjoyed sailing at Sandy Lake and was proud to be the only sail boat out there. In the winter Grandpa always kept the hill groomed and ready for fun. Grandpa was a great inventor. He came up with numerous things to make life easier but most of his inventions were for fun. Just this last winter he perfected the fastest two-runner sled you could ever ride on. He made us all try it out and loved watching us scream as we rocketed down the hill in a blur of puck board and toques. Grandpa had a love for all animals and could tame any stray cat, no matter how wild they were, and at one time he even pet a porcupine. He made loyal friends with all the farm dogs and our pets when we came to visit. When Grandpa and Grandma got married, Grandma was worried they would run out of things to talk about, but for over fifty years, their conversation never ended. He was always first down the ski hill in the winter and the first to swim in the dugout in the spring, and always leading the way in a lot of family adventures. Now in true Grandpa-style he was the first to step beyond this life - he showed us how to live, he showed us how to love, and he showed us how to leave - always in faith. In his last days when we would say goodnight to him, he would always say "I'll see you - if not here, then above". See you Grandpa. Honourary pallbearers ~ All Bernie's Friends, active pallbearers, Robert Holmes, Ervin Lavallee, Earl Holmes, Allan Lavallee, Dave Holmes, Eric Lavallee. The family would like to thank the nursing staff at the BUH Palliative Care Unit for their compassionate and loving care. Memorials Saskatoon Cancer Centre 20 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK. S7N 4H4 Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation Inc. Box 1358, North Battleford, SK. S9A 3L8 (designated to the Palliative Care Unit) interment. Hoffnungsfelder Mennonite Cemetery Mayfair, Saskatchewan. ____________________________________________________
