September 29, 1928 - September 6, 2020
Dave Geddert was born David Donald Geddert on September 29, 1928. On September 06, 2020, the day before Labour Day, Dave ceased his earthly labour, trading in this life for a far better one. Just a few weeks shy of his 92nd birthday, he realized the fullness of his re-birth in Christ, taking the short step from this life to the next, releasing Hilda's hand, and taking the hand of the other great love of his life, Jesus.
Dave was born to David and Leise Geddert (Quiring), who had recently immigrated to Canada from Russia. He had two older siblings (George, Mary) as well as three younger (Betty, Agnes, Jacob). His two oldest brothers had died in infancy in Russia, as well as two youngest sisters (Martha, Annie) in Canada. Dave's family farmed in a number of different areas in Alberta and British Columbia up to his young adult years.
Dave met Hilda (Isaac) at Bible School in East Chilliwack, and they were married in August of 1951. Dave and Hilda took over the family dairy farm soon after, where four of their children were born: Charlene (1953), Leonard (1955), Lorin (1957) and Wayne (1963).
In August of 1963 Dave and Hilda sold the farm and moved to Winnipeg, where Dave enrolled at Mennonite Brethren Bible College and then Wilfred Laurier University, fulfilling a long term desire for higher education. Their youngest child, Victor (1966) was born during this time.
After four years of schooling, Dave accepted a teaching position in Kenora, Ontario in 1967. After twenty years of teaching, Dave took early retirement in 1987.
In 1999, Dave and Hilda moved back to B.C., settling in Chilliwack.
In these later years Dave was feeling the effects of age, and had suffered some health concerns. In May he had moved into a long term care facility in Abbotsford, and on September 2nd had moved to Chilliwack where he would be closer to Hilda.
On September 4th he fell and suffered a minor fracture in his hip, with surgery scheduled for September 6th. Although the surgery was relatively straightforward, Dave's body was unable to recover from the anaesthetic. In his last hours Hilda was able to sit by his side and hold his hand, after five months of physical separation.
Dave slipped peacefully from this life at 11:47 pm, with Hilda still holding his hand. She expressed her gratefulness to God for this blessing.
Throughout his life Dave was determined to be invested in God's Kingdom work on earth. He served faithfully in the church wherever his family was situated, teaching Sunday School, leading choirs, singing in groups, and serving in leadership.
He served with the Gideons for many years, expressing a desire to place as many Bibles as possible in the hands of people. He was a man of God who expressed his love for his master singing songs of praise and worship with a passion as he ministered to all who heard him.
Dave was predeceased by his brother George, sisters Mary and Agnes, and his grandson Leighton.
In lieu of flowers, Dave and Hilda ask that any donations go the Gideons.