Thursday, October 6, 2016
I write this with such mixed emotions. Even though we only connected a few times through phone and Joan’s visit to us in Steinbach Manitoba, and as I recall our days in Waldheim, our relationship was always one of genuine love and admiration. Joan was amazing as she put up with all our crazy and unique personalities working at the Lumber Yard with three brothers and Ken Mackenzie(who always bummed smokes off of us). She took such good care of us and treated the store like her own. She had this calming effect on the Klassen boys and everyone who walked in the door, even those who were really upset. But you also knew how far you could go before she put her foot down and didn’t take any guff. Joan knew most everybody in the area and I recall many times being amazed at her ability to know names. I appreciated Joan’s love of life and her children. I admired her fortitude in the midst of difficult family relationships and circumstances. She was one of the few people who didn’t have a shocked look on her face when I told her I was going to Bible school to become a pastor. I can honestly say that she was and still is my hero. On behalf of John, Willie and myself we express to you the family our deepest sympathy and love during the sudden passing of your mom and our dear friend. There is one consolation I have and that is I know she is in heaven. God bless you all. Abe Klassen.
