Peter Zacharias died Mar. 7, 2009. He was born Dec. 19, 1930 in Trubutzkoj, Ukraine to John and Agnetta Zacharias. In 1943, Peter and his family fled Russia with the retreating German army. Peter’s father, eldest brother, and sister were forcibly drafted by the German army, but in 1945, after a miraculous escape, the family was reunited. Peter made a commitment to the Lord at age 15. The family immigrated to Chaco, Paraguay, where Peter was baptized at 18 and attended Bible school for 2 years. In 1957, Peter immigrated to Canada. He married Mary Martens Oct. 26, 1958. Peter and Mary started the first of several farms in Abbotsford, B.C., in 1963. They farmed raspberries, strawberries, cattle, and poultry. He enjoyed his work, but he struggled with health issues and was diagnosed with progressive cerebral and spinal degeneration in 1992. It was hard to accept his diagnosis, but over the years, more time to reflect on God’s Word brought him into closer relationship with the Lord. When Mary could no longer care for Peter, he moved to assisted living, a big adjustment for both. He enjoyed visits and hearing God’s Word preached at Clearbrook Church via TV broadcast. Throughout his life, Peter actively supported church ministry and had a huge heart for both physical and spiritual need. He always asked for forgiveness for wrongs. Peter is mourned by Mary; children Peter (Lori), Helen (Harold) Neufeld, Hilda (Kevin) Defoe, Linda (Greg) Schmidt, Walter (Ivete), 11 grandchildren. The funeral was Mar. 12 at King Road MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C.
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