Peter Aaron Unger, born April 4th, 1918, in New York, Ukraine, passed away peacefully on June 26th, 2011.
When he was almost 9 years of age, he came to Canada with his parents and siblings. After a brief sojourn in Manitoba, the family settled in Coaldale, Alberta.
Peter spent his growing up years farming before becoming a Conscientious Objector during World War II. During his time as a CO, he worked in various logging camps in BC.
Following the war, the Coaldale Mennonite Church asked him to consider becoming a minister. Accepting the call, he was ordained in 1949. In 1955, he was asked to establish an English language Mennonite church in Calgary. This church is now known as the Foothills Mennonite Church. His pastoral career included churches in Brandon, Manitoba and Chilliwack, BC as well. In time, he took on the hospital chaplaincy at Menno Hospital in Abbotsford, BC where, for 12 years, he had the privilege of ministering to the aged and dying. He considered these years among the most cherished in all his years of pastoral duties.
Eventually, his life’s journey brought him back to Menno Place as a resident. During that time, he assisted the present chaplain by continuing to visit the ‘old folks,’ leading Bible studies, and singing in a resident choir. Gardening and grounds maintenance also became a consuming passion right to the end of his life.
Peter was predeceased by his wife, Margaret (1986) and his daughter, Heather (2008). He is survived by his children, Charlotte Wiens (Ernie), Eric Unger (Laura), Karin Martens (Dennis), Norman Unger, Tim Unger (Pearl), and Philip Unger, 18 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
We remember our dad as a person who was very committed to his Saviour, his faith, and his family.A viewing will be held on Thursday, July 7th, 2011 from 12:00 – 1:00 pm at Eden Mennonite Church, followed by a graveside service held at Little Mountain Cemetery at 1:30 pm. The Memorial Service will be at Eden Mennonite Church at 2:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) or Missionary Aviation Fellowship of Canada (MAF), 264 Woodlawn Road West, Guelph, ON N1H 1B6 www.mafc.org. Online condolences to the family may be made to www.wiebeandjeskefh.com
Wiebe & Jeske 604.859.5885