Erwin Budau, beloved father of Heinz, Werner and Annemarie, passed away suddenly on August 31, 2004 at the age of 74 years. Born in Tarutino, Bessarabia on July 20, 1930, Erwin was the son of Gottlieb and Anna Budau.
These times were constantly plagued by political upheaval. Erwin worked very hard on his parents’ 32-hectare farm, but to escape Russian Communist occupation, during WWII the family had to flee with horses and a wagon, leaving all their possessions and the farm behind. They were welcomed by Germany and became naturalized German citizens in Rode Nuremberg. They resided in North Germany for several years before immigrating to Canada in 1948.
Erwin spent his first years in Alberta working on the Krause ranch and then moved to Chilliwack to join his family. He held various jobs, picking hops, as a tree faller for Bowman’s mill and finally, for 35 years, he worked for Fraser Valley Milk Producers Association as the manager and head butter maker. He met and married Annie Weins in 1952. Their first home was in Chilliwack and then in the early 1960’s, they bought a farm in Rosedale.
Throughout his life, Erwin worked very hard, both while working at Dairyland daily and then in the evening, on the farm until sunset. He was best known for the varied animals, fruit and vegetables he raised and grew on the farm. He is especially known for his tasty natural honey, wine and pickles.
He is predeceased by his wife, Annie and will be forever missed by his children Heinz, Werner and Annemarie, his in law children Rita and Patrick and especially his grandchildren, Wesley, Christopher, Matthew, Michael, Daniel and Lisa.
A Viewing for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2004 from 7-9 pm at Woodlawn Mt. Cheam Funeral Home, 45865 Hocking Ave., Chilliwack. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2004 at 10:30 am from Eden Mennonite Church, 46551 Chilliwack Central Rd., Chilliwack, Pastor Kerry Palmer officiating. Interment to follow at Chilliwack Cemetery. Goodbye Dad until we meet again.
Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the MCC.