The Canadian Conference of MB Churches (CCMBC), together with the Quebec MB conference (L’Association des Églises des frères mennonites du Québec – AEFMQ), is deeply saddened to announce the sudden death of Éric Wingender, 54, vice-president and professor of theology at ETEM (École de Théologie Évangélique de Montréal). Éric succumbed to a massive heart attack on Oct. 5.
“The evangelical world has lost a great man, known for his exceptional ability to contextualize the Christian faith within Quebec culture, and his bold vision for a re-engineered church in Quebec,” says Gilles Dextraze, executive director of AEFMQ. “Higher education has lost a pillar and thinker. And his family has lost a dear husband, father, brother, and son.”
“He so loved to teach!” says Jean Martin, director of Institut Biblique V.I.E., and academic dean at IBVIE and ETEM. “For many years, Éric contributed directly to the transformation of men and women called to live out the gospel in word and action among the Quebec people he so cared for.”
Wingender received an MDiv in pastoral studies from Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary, Fresno, Cal., and served as pastor of the MB church in Ste-Rose, Que., from 1988–1990. He joined the faculty of ETEM in 1996.
The Canadian and Quebec conferences express deepest condolences to Éric’s wife Farrah, and their three sons Jean-François, Sydney, and Spencer.
A funeral was held Oct. 15 at St. James The Apostle Church, Montreal. Donations may be made to ETEM, designated to the Éric Wingender Foundation.
