John Perry Klassen, aged 99, passed away at home on April 23, 2004. John was born on November 27, 1904 in Friedensfeld, Ekatrinaslav, Russia.
When John was 2 years old, the family immigrated to Saskatchewan. The family also lived in California for four years where he met his future wife. In 1934, he married Marie Toews in Reedley California. They moved to Rabbit Lake, Sask. for 4 years before moving to Surrey, B.C where they operated an automotive repair shop and grocery store until 1946. This was followed by a move to Burnaby while John attended school in Vancouver for 2 years.
After the 1948 flood, the family moved to Chilliwack where John and Marie operated Fairview Service until 1956. In 1957, they formed Klassen Equipment Co. Ltd, a farm implement dealership from which John retired in 1995 at the age of 90 years.
John is predeceased by his devoted wife and partner, Marie; granddaughter Karen Ford; sisters, Mary, Agatha and Henrietta and brothers, Dave and Martin.
He is survived by daughters, Shirley Klassen of Vancouver, Miriam (George) Hill of Steilacoom, Washington, Kathy (Frank) Ford of Nanaimo; grandsons Brian Hill of Oakland, CA, Norman Hill of Seattle, WA. Granddaughter, Jill Ford of Nanaimo and sister, Olga Thiessen of Abbotsford; brother George Klassen of Chilliwack, and six nephews and a niece.
The family wishes to thank both Dr. Esmail and the dedicated staff of the Fraser Cheam Health Authority along with Liberty Quericol for his care. The home care staff not only provided physical care but also gave dignity and emotional support to John during his latter years. John looked forward to the interaction and the exchanges of humour.
We have been privileged to have had our father in our lives for so long and through him gotten to know so many more people. His strength, perseverance, his compassion and his ready sense of humour will forever be remembered and will remain a part of us.
A Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel of Woodlawn Mt. Cheam Funeral Home 45865 Hocking Ave., Chilliwack, BC on Friday, April 30 at 1:30 pm. Burial will follow at Chilliwack Cemeteries after which a reception will be held in the banquet room of the Pantry Restaurant.
If so desired, donations can be made in John’s memory to the charity or cause of your choice.