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Victor Willms

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_0000_Victor WillmsWhen he was 2, Vic’s family immigrated to Canada, farming in Rosthern, then Whitewater, Sask. Vic started school near Boissevain, Man. Vic and his sister were very ill for a time, and they lost a brother at birth. During the Depression, Vic’s family moved to Leamington, Ont. Vic accepted Jesus as Saviour at 14. Conscripted in 1943, he worked in greenhouses as a conscientious objector. After WWII, he completed high school and entered normal school in London, Ont. Vic taught 50 or more Grade 1–8 students at once in one-room schoolhouses. In Kitchener, he earned his BA. He taught high school in Elmira, Ont., for 19 years. Despite marking and lesson planning, he always had time for his children. His unconditional love made it easy for them to trust their heavenly Father. After 32 years of teaching, he retired to tend his garden, serve with Nettie as deacons at Kitchener MB Church and sing in the Jubilation Male Chorus. Vic and Nettie enjoyed 10 years in a senior’s complex until his Parkinson’s disease became too difficult to manage on their own. Vic cared deeply about social justice and prayed fervently for Canada’s leaders. He delighted in his grandchildren.

  • Birth: January 16, 1924
  • Birthplace:
    Rosenort, Molotschna, Ukraine
  • Death: April 6, 2016
  • Parents:
    Gerhard & Agatha Willms
  • Married:
    Nettie Thiessen, 1952
  • Family:
    Nettie; children Ron (Neta), Doug (Janet), Karen (Craig) Ten Brinke; 5 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; 2 siblings
  • Church:
    Kitchener (Ont.) MB
  • Baptism:
    Lake Erie, Ont., age 18