Albert Un-Rau died Mar. 7, 2009. He was born in Altona, Man. to Peter and Lena Unrau. His 78 years were richly spent in many roles. Al became a Christian early in life and chose to follow God’s call to ministry in the Evangelical Free Church. He married Esther Ruth Bergmann Jan. 3, 1954, in Winkler. Yearning to reach out to those in need, he pastored in Minnesota, the Philippines, and Port Coquitlam, B.C., with the Evangelical Free Church. After much soul-searching and prayer, he found a new spiritual home in the United Church of Canada. He received an MDiv from Vancouver School of Theology in 1977, and was ordained. He ministered in Mission, Lake Errock, Mackenzie, and Tumbler Ridge, B.C. He also served the Anglican Church of Canada as assistant to the bishop in northern B.C. Al loved discourse and debate. In 1987, Al left the ministry. The following years were filled with new ventures and personal health and spiritual crises. He published an autobiography, In and Out of the Abyss. He struggled with depression, spending 9 months at Riverview Hospital. Al and Esther made their final move to Menno Terrace in Abbotsford. In this warm and accepting community, Al found refuge to live out his reflective days. He joined Highland Community Church. Al was eager to hear of his grandchildren’s pursuits, read with ferocity, and kept himself abreast of political situations worldwide. He showed enthusiasm for positive change in the world and despaired over the plight of those less fortunate than himself. Al will always be remembered for his quirky character. He kept up his reading and personal study until the day of his stroke, Feb. 23, 2009. Predeceased by 3 siblings; Al is mourned by Esther; children Pearl, Dale, Crystal, Dwight; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; 5 siblings.
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