In December 1930, Abe’s entire village fled at night over the Amur River into China. In 1932, his family immigrated to Chaco, Paraguay, to become part of a new Mennonite community. They survived harsh conditions and prospered. Abe remembered fondly the horses, cattle, wide open spaces, choirs, and youth meetings. He made a faith commitment as a teen and remained steadfast. In 1948, the family immigrated to Canada. Abe would only go if Elizabeth would come along. At 17, she didn’t qualify to emigrate on her own, so they married. In Coaldale, Alta., Abe worked in construction, obtained his journeyman ticket, and enjoyed building houses. In 1959, they returned to Paraguay. They farmed in Tofield, Alta., 1961–1991. Abe was a strong bass and played mouth organ in a band. Abe and Elizabeth moved to Abbotsford, B.C., in 2002. They sewed blankets together and spent hours drinking maté and playing games with family and friends.
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