Obituary for Henry Toews
Henry Toews
It is with love and sadness that we remember Henry Toews, who passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 12, 2023, aged 89 years of age.
Henry is survived by Elizabeth, his loving wife of over 25 years, as well as his children Joanne (Gerald) Hildebrand, Teresa (Murray) Froese, Timothy (Andrea) Toews, and Mark (Melissa) Toews, his many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Henry was born in 1933 to John and Justina Toews, in the village of Gnadenthal, Manitoba. At age six the family relocated to the Steinbach area. Henry grew up on the family farm, as the youngest of six children. At age 9 he made the decision to commit his life to Christ. It was that decision that would have a profound effect on his life going forward. After completing University Henry sensed a clear calling to become a teacher. While teaching in his hometown, Steinbach he met Eunice Wiebe, whom he married in 1959. Together they had three children, Joanne, Teresa, and Timothy.
In 1962, the family moved to Niverville where Henry accepted the position as the high school principal. Many happy memories were created during that time, and Henry established strong relationships in Niverville, which continued throughout his life. Sadly, Eunice passed away from cancer in 1968, at the young age of 28, leaving a significant hole in his life.
After approximately a year and a half Henry began a relationship with Margaret Neufeld, and in July of 1969 they were married. Shortly afterward Henry accepted a new position as principal of the high school in The Pas. The family experienced sadness when their son Peter was stillborn in 1971. The following year, however, they were thrilled when Margaret would give birth to a healthy son, Mark.
In 1976 Henry and Margaret sensed a strong calling to move to Germany and assume the leadership of Black Forest Academy, an international private Christian school. It was a residential school nestled in the picturesque Black Forest town of Kandern, which was designed to provide education for missionary children. While in Germany, many wonderful memories were created with the entire family. Henry and Margaret poured their heart and soul into the school and the community, leaving a lasting legacy, which cannot be overstated. BFA was, in every respect, a labour of love.
With the fall of the iron curtain, new opportunities emerged. In 1992 Henry accepted a new challenge as regional director of Association of Christian Schools International, centered in Budapest, Hungary. From there he would provide support for the emergence of Christian education in Eastern Europe. Unfortunately, shortly after relocating, Margaret was diagnosed with cancer and passed away in 1994. Once again, Henry experienced the pain of losing a spouse. After a period of bereavement, he resumed his responsibilities in Budapest.
After a few years Henry found happiness yet again as he started a relationship with Elizabeth Willms. They were married in 1997. Elizabeth would be his partner in every aspect of his life, including the work in Budapest. When people commented on whether he felt unlucky, having lost two wives, he would simply respond that he had the good fortune of three happy marriages. Few could make that claim.
Henry and Elizabeth would step down from their work in Europe, and return to Winnipeg in 2001, where his children had already been residing. Henry continued to do work from Winnipeg on behalf of ACSI, primarily assisting schools in Africa. After a few additional years, Henry would formally retire.
During his retirement, Henry had to deal with a number of health concerns. However, he devoted as much time and energy as health would allow to his family, his loving wife Elizabeth, and his community at the McIvor Mennonite Brethren Church.
Henry lived a full life. He has left a lasting legacy due to his commitment to service, particularly with respect to the advancement of Christian education. Until his final moments, he was completely devoted to his faith that never wavered, and maintained an abiding love and commitment to his wife and family. He would frequently express gratitude for the life he was given. This sense of gratitude for his life is something we all share. He will truly be missed.
Henry lived a full and meaningful life and will be remembered for his deep and unwavering Christian faith, his love for the church, his dedication to service, and his love and commitment to his spouse and family.
A celebration of his life will take place at McIvor Mennonite Brethren Church, 200 McIvor Avenue, Winnipeg, on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Interment at St. Paul’s Anglican Cemetery.
The service will be livestreamed, and available at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iXXH1r_Zw8
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Teach Beyond.
It is with love and sadness that we remember Henry Toews, who passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 12, 2023, aged 89 years of age.
Henry is survived by Elizabeth, his loving wife of over 25 years, as well as his children Joanne (Gerald) Hildebrand, Teresa (Murray) Froese, Timothy (Andrea) Toews, and Mark (Melissa) Toews, his many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Henry was born in 1933 to John and Justina Toews, in the village of Gnadenthal, Manitoba. At age six the family relocated to the Steinbach area. Henry grew up on the family farm, as the youngest of six children. At age 9 he made the decision to commit his life to Christ. It was that decision that would have a profound effect on his life going forward. After completing University Henry sensed a clear calling to become a teacher. While teaching in his hometown, Steinbach he met Eunice Wiebe, whom he married in 1959. Together they had three children, Joanne, Teresa, and Timothy.
In 1962, the family moved to Niverville where Henry accepted the position as the high school principal. Many happy memories were created during that time, and Henry established strong relationships in Niverville, which continued throughout his life. Sadly, Eunice passed away from cancer in 1968, at the young age of 28, leaving a significant hole in his life.
After approximately a year and a half Henry began a relationship with Margaret Neufeld, and in July of 1969 they were married. Shortly afterward Henry accepted a new position as principal of the high school in The Pas. The family experienced sadness when their son Peter was stillborn in 1971. The following year, however, they were thrilled when Margaret would give birth to a healthy son, Mark.
In 1976 Henry and Margaret sensed a strong calling to move to Germany and assume the leadership of Black Forest Academy, an international private Christian school. It was a residential school nestled in the picturesque Black Forest town of Kandern, which was designed to provide education for missionary children. While in Germany, many wonderful memories were created with the entire family. Henry and Margaret poured their heart and soul into the school and the community, leaving a lasting legacy, which cannot be overstated. BFA was, in every respect, a labour of love.
With the fall of the iron curtain, new opportunities emerged. In 1992 Henry accepted a new challenge as regional director of Association of Christian Schools International, centered in Budapest, Hungary. From there he would provide support for the emergence of Christian education in Eastern Europe. Unfortunately, shortly after relocating, Margaret was diagnosed with cancer and passed away in 1994. Once again, Henry experienced the pain of losing a spouse. After a period of bereavement, he resumed his responsibilities in Budapest.
After a few years Henry found happiness yet again as he started a relationship with Elizabeth Willms. They were married in 1997. Elizabeth would be his partner in every aspect of his life, including the work in Budapest. When people commented on whether he felt unlucky, having lost two wives, he would simply respond that he had the good fortune of three happy marriages. Few could make that claim.
Henry and Elizabeth would step down from their work in Europe, and return to Winnipeg in 2001, where his children had already been residing. Henry continued to do work from Winnipeg on behalf of ACSI, primarily assisting schools in Africa. After a few additional years, Henry would formally retire.
During his retirement, Henry had to deal with a number of health concerns. However, he devoted as much time and energy as health would allow to his family, his loving wife Elizabeth, and his community at the McIvor Mennonite Brethren Church.
Henry lived a full life. He has left a lasting legacy due to his commitment to service, particularly with respect to the advancement of Christian education. Until his final moments, he was completely devoted to his faith that never wavered, and maintained an abiding love and commitment to his wife and family. He would frequently express gratitude for the life he was given. This sense of gratitude for his life is something we all share. He will truly be missed.
Henry lived a full and meaningful life and will be remembered for his deep and unwavering Christian faith, his love for the church, his dedication to service, and his love and commitment to his spouse and family.
A celebration of his life will take place at McIvor Mennonite Brethren Church, 200 McIvor Avenue, Winnipeg, on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Interment at St. Paul’s Anglican Cemetery.
The service will be livestreamed, and available at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iXXH1r_Zw8
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Teach Beyond.